Propagation tank

[ryanlio]

Posting on this forum for members to feedback and comment on the progress of building my propagation tank.

The tank is going to be 48" X 24" X 12".

The cabinet will be DIYed.

Sump 24"x18"x12"

- combination: Filter -> Skimmer -> Ref -> Return

Equipment list:

1. Return: Eheim 1262

2. Skimmer: H&S F2001

3. Chiller: Artica 1/4 HP

4. Lightings: T5 HO (hopefully will be enough due to shallow depth) / DIY LED

5. Auto Topup: DIY H2O drip.

6. CR: To be added 6 months or so.

Gonna start with some easily maintainable corals.

Corals:

1. Ricordea

2. Yuma

3. Xenia

For a start, I'll require some bro to recommend shops that quote the following:

1. Tank (acrylic)

2. Chengai wood supplier

and also to advice any pointers in the setup.

[ryanlio]

Called some cabinet makers to check out price for a custom made cabinet.. was quoted $480 ++.. call me cheapskate but I think I'm gonna diy.. Kapor wood will cost me about 100+. just need to assemble them together..

Will proceed to factory around Eunos industrial to purchase them.

Wood cut list: (from www.garf.org)

Stand Height = 32"

Stand Width = 24"

Stand Length = 48"

Top Frame:

2 pieces - 2" x 4" x 48"

4 pieces - 2" x 4" x 21"

Bottom Frame:

2 pieces - 48" x 2" x 4"

2 pieces - 2" x 4" x 21"

Uprights:

6 pieces- 2" x 4" x 32"

Stand Top:

1 piece - 3/4 inch marine plywood - 48" x 24"

Next updates will be the construction after i get the wooden beams.

[Gouldian]

Nice work bro, thanks for sharing. I shal check out this thread periodically.

[ryanlio]

Some info for any reefeer that wanted to purchase Kapor wood for DIV cabinet.. they do not have exactly 4"X2" measurements as they will need to "plane" the surface from stock beams. so the final dimension will be +/- 5mm..

[ryanlio]

End product..

[ryanlio]

Cabinet is assembled with "GP" glue and screwed with 3" size 12 srew. They are then "waterproofed" by sealing with silicon.

[ryanlio]

Topped up with lacquering with waterproof lacquer. trying to make it "bullet proof".

[ryanlio]

Final product of the structure of the cabinet.. seems sturdy enough for me.. (I weigh close to 90kg)... Qn: should i laminate/ leave it "open concept".. any comments?

[ryanlio]

pic. any info for me to determine if i should laminate.. total damage so far for cabinet... ard $150... satisfaction: priceless.... hehhe :> sorry guys.. gotta leave my house now.. too much fumes from glue, lacquer, etc..

[Creetin]

a centre beam would be good

[giantbicycle]

great work indeed..

maybe u would to use a filler or glue , etc to fill in the screws as it ,may still rust resulting =unsightful

and yes, centre beam will do the necessary support to play safe.

[ryanlio]

Thanks,

Bro Creetin and GiantBicycle..

made my way back to the timber store. got a center beam..

Man!!! i feel "light-headed"

[ryanlio]

whilst on my way back, when to check out some store that sells plywood and laminates..

placed order for panels on the sides and doors...

Plywood (single side laminated) 3/4" for the whole cabinate and doors: $65

Laminate 8' X 4': $49...

total damage so far.. around $260 liao... back ache coming....

[ryanlio]

Also gotten a reply from acrylic tank maker.. the cost will be $450. Also gotten quote for a glass one at $100.. no choice.. due to budget, has to get a glass tank.

[VanDeam]

should go for a simple one !!

like this

[godzillaliu88]

that's a good propagation tanks.

but can be better!

[ryanlio]

Whoa Bro VanDeam, you running a LFS?.. hahah :>

that one too sophiscated liao... future CO will definitely not agree... haha :>

btw.. spend most of last evening gluing the laminated to the panels. so will be assembling the panels today..

Pointers to some bro who into DIY-ing.. get those plywood that are already laminated white on one side. this will reduce the cost and need to laminate the panels that are facing the internal cabinet.

Also... if you are getting laminated with linear patterns.. make sure that the laminates are glued in correct orientation...(forgot to plan this part on the trimmings... hence the laminate which comes in 8"X4" wasn't enough.... )

[ryanlio]

finally gotten to assemble the laminated panels together... fyi.. for panels that come pre-laminated with laminate of my choosing.. quoted $280..

hence decided to do myself... workmanship not that terrific with only my secondary level D&T skills. :>

[ryanlio]

another pic of the cabinet's interior.. notice the center beam that bro Creetin n GiantBicycle suggested, this is made removable. Very lucky that it fitted perfectly.. can you imagine if the timber company measurements are a bit off..... thanks bro.. it sure helps..

[ryanlio]

FINAL VERDICT of diy-ing your own cabinet..... proceed ONLY if you are willing to DIY-ing all the way ie. structure and panels.. etc... ELSE best get some one to do.. cos the difference is only about $100....

I'm lucky that my measurements are pretty much accurate.. just imagine if your measurements are off... NIGHTMARE....

[ryanlio]

oh yes.. some of the "steals" over the weekend...

1. Sump

2. Chiller..

[ryanlio]

top view of sump.. thinking of putting in my skimmer in the middle compartment -2(for stable water levels)... return pump in the 3rd....

some comments on what can be in 1st.. LR??..

[ryanlio]

leak test on sump - passed..

[ryanlio]

Arctica 1/4HP..

[hammy]

Arctica 1/4HP..

good choice for the chiller. A worthy buy that will serve u well.