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pilot_172 
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 Topic: looking for advice on DIY stand
Posted: March 26 2006 at 8:06pm |
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i recently bought a 54 gallon bowfront corner tank w/overflow and am
thinking of tackling the task of building a stand for it.
just looking to see if anyone has experience in building a stand for a
bowfront....and if so any pointers
thanks
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RockStarFish
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Posted: March 26 2006 at 8:25pm |
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Check RC they have some good ideas on bowfront stands and canopys
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Dion Richins
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Posted: March 26 2006 at 9:32pm |
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Ive built several stands for bow fronts. 26g up. Give me a call. If its a corner tank, that would be one that Ive not done but can give you some suggestions.
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: March 26 2006 at 10:45pm |
If the tank is glass, realize that the only bottom support needed is around the outside edges; the tank frame.
If the tank is drilled on the bottom, realize that there should be a huge hole cut for the bulkheads so that when you need to work on them after the tank is running and to take it apart to move it, there is plenty of room to turn a wrench.
IMO, the best kind of piping to use in bulkheads leading to the Refugium/Sump is flexible PVC called Spiralite.
My 2 cents
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Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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pilot_172
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Posted: March 27 2006 at 11:14am |
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Thanks Mark,
part of the reason i'm upgrading is for more room and for the built in overflow.....i may be calling you soon for some advice on building a good sump.
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jcaulley
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Posted: March 30 2006 at 12:08pm |
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If you come up with a good idea for a 54g stand let me know. In May I am going to begin building a stand for mine. I have a few ideas but would like to see what you come up with as well.
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Jared Caulley
West Haven, UT
16g Bowfront, mostly LPS
125g in progress
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pilot_172
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Posted: March 30 2006 at 3:59pm |
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sounds good, i will keep you posted on my progress with the stand. i'm planning one taking lots of pictures as i build and set up this new tank
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TheBart
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Posted: April 07 2006 at 9:58pm |
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New to the forum-- I went to my first meeting last nite, very enjoyable---
I had a 46 bow front reef in my last house, its been down for 3 years and i"m just getting stuff ready to put it back in operatin. I want a larger refugium than the old stand could accomodate, so I'm in the midst of fabricating a new stand. I have the carcuss finished, oak sheathing on, ready to build the doors, then stain and protect the finish. I would be happy to email pics of it so far, and copy (fax?) the very basic design drawings I did if you are interested. I live in the Cottonwood Heights area if you wanted to look first hand.
Bart
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Shane H
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Posted: April 07 2006 at 11:22pm |
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Bart - Welcome.
Please post some pics of your project. I'm always interested to see DIY projects!
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Mike Savage
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Posted: April 07 2006 at 11:33pm |
Welcome Bart! Glad you were able to make the meeting. Feel free to post pictures 640 pixels wide works well and hit the return key after each picture. We'd be happy to see them.
Mike
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TheBart
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Posted: April 08 2006 at 8:54pm |
Thank you so much for the warm welcome! The first pic is the carcass in a "test fit" to the tank. The construction is 2x3 for the bottom, and 2x2 for the top.  The next one is showing the brace under the tank. Notice the corner bracing.  Next shows the routed contour to locate the top positively, so I won't have it sliding around the tank top. It's only about 1/8 ~ 3/16 inch deep.  The last one shows the simple lap joinery I used. Notice the rear bottom cross piece is raised a bit to clear whatever hangs on the back. The 1x2 piece is for the light hangers.  I have the basic sheathing on it now, and will post pics when I get them shot. It's back in the garage (workshop), and the wifies car and my project car take up too much room to shoot a nice pic, so I'll wait till the wifey goes somewhere.  Bart
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Rocky
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Posted: April 08 2006 at 10:19pm |
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Looks good!
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Rocky Phillips
Hill AFB, Utah
Currently Tankless :(
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Mike Savage
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Posted: April 08 2006 at 10:42pm |
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It IS looking Good. Thanks for posting!
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Shane H
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Posted: April 09 2006 at 11:01am |
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Bart,
During the Boise reef tour we saw a tank that had removeable panels instead of hinged doors for access through the hood. The owner could completely remove the decorative panels and have full access to the tank. You may want to consider this as you move forward.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!
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TheBart
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Posted: April 09 2006 at 1:10pm |
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Shane-
My thoughts were similar. The ends (sides) on the top are the only planes with panels in place. The entire front will tilt up on a piano hinge, with the top and back being completely open, and the front when the panel is lifted. I decided on 2x2 framework so it would be light enough to remove easily, with 1/4" oak paneling on the two small ends. The top of the unit will be above my (and my wifies) eye level, so being open is no big deal. My sons and grandsons will be able to see into the top from their taller vantage point---but oh-well! I like the idea for use on a larger and heavier top, and it would also be great on a bottom stand for equipment maintenance. Something to think about!
I hope to get pics later today, then you can see the permanant panels in position.
Bart
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TheBart
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Posted: April 09 2006 at 9:26pm |
Got a few pis --- First is the top siotting on the stand, with the fixed panels in place. When the front door is up, should be good access.  Front view of the stand, with 1/4" oak ply sheath on sides and front sides. I fastened some 1/2x2" trim pieces around the panels to immitate the craftsman style.  Side quarter view of the stand.  Back view of the stand.  Should be easy access to whatever is inside, and open back for ventilation and equipment connections. I have a chunk of 1/2" black acrylic to make the top surface that the tank will sit on, so I shouldn't need to worry about a bit of weeping or small drips of water. What is the best finish for salt water? Maybe Varathane? Bart
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Corey Price
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Posted: April 09 2006 at 11:17pm |
Bart,
I built my own stand, and I've heard of people building stands to fit their bowfront. Your stand looks fine to me, but I'm only an amatuer woodworker. Dave Nellans could help more, I think.
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TheBart
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Posted: April 10 2006 at 9:31pm |
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Believe me, I'm as amature as can be! A few weeks ago, my lady and I stopped in a few fish shops to look at what the commercial units were like, made some mental notes, and then designed this one. The need to reduce the image quality is my best allie in forging the misconception that this looks anything better than amatuer built!
That is also part of the reason it is taking so long to produce (besides the work schedule).
However you make it, just be sure the base can hold the weight. Best of luck----
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Redrock
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Posted: April 12 2006 at 6:34pm |
Bart,
I would LOVE to see a larger format picture of those that you posted. I need to build a stand for my tank as well and even though it will be a different config, your design seems very adaptable to what I have in mind.
Could you email them to me please?
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