N2REEFS Stand, Canopy & Sump Build

[N2REEFS]

This post is long over due considering I built this set-up about 5 years ago. It was the start of a 90 gallon mixed reef tank that still have running.

Tank Stand
Everything was built using rough cut Phillipine Mahogany, then stained with a cherry stain, and finally finished with multiple coats of a satin poly urethane. I made the stand a few inches taller so you could look into the tank straight on while standing, instead of bending over to view the tank. Taking photos during the build didn't occur to me until final assemby of the stand. Here's a pic of the stand assembled.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/StandFront.jpg

I painted the inside, top and back of the stand with and all surface enamel from Sherwin Williams. It's an oil based piant recommend by a buddy who works there and told me it would withstand exposure to saltwater. 5 years later, I can say he was right. It's not cheap paint but it was worth it. Two sets of American DJ switches were installed, one of which I removed later.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/StandFrontFinish.jpg

A few holes were drilled in the back of the stand to route power cords.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/StandBack.jpg

Canopy
I put a lot more thought into the design of the canopy than I did the stand. Based on a previous experience with a 29 gallon tank, I knew my hands were always going to be in the water. I didn't like how most canopies open by lifting the top panel forcing you to reach over the canopy and into the tank. I'm 5'6" and already challenged in the height department. The other designs with the small doors in the front didn't cut it for me either. I wanted easer access to the water for feeding. Also, I wanted an easy way to maintenance the lights for bulb changes, wiring, cleaning, etc.

I took more photos during this build.

Outside of one side panel.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/CanopySide2.jpg
Inside of the side panel. Lower rail for the canopy to sit on top of the tank. Upper rail for the light rack.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/CanopySide.jpg

Front Panel
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/CanopyFront.jpg

Fully assembled with light diffuser recessed in the top for venting.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/Canopyassy2.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/Canopyassy.jpg
Front panel open with a view of the light rack - 6 T5 Bulbs
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/Canopyopen.jpg
4" computer fans installed to keep the end caps and tank cool. The rack can be lifted or easily removed for maintenance. I wired the lights with molex connectors to make removal easy.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/Canopylightrack.jpg

[N2REEFS]

Here's a few more pics I overlooked of the stand and canopy.
Recessed panels built into the side to match the doors.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/StandSide.jpg

Inside of stand with American DJ switches. Euro hinges (self closing) used for easy removal of doors. Later added Blum soft close bumpers so the doors didn't slam shut.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/StandOpenFinish.jpg

Close up of the recessed hinges.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/Recessedhinge.jpg

Finished stand and canopy. Look close and you can see the top molding was added to the canopy. The front molding piece is attached to the front panel and mitered on each end. When the front panel is closed, the mitered edges come together hiding the seam. The plenum was later removed.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/Tank-1.jpg

Back side of Canopy with fans
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/Canopyfans.jpg

Sump

The sump started life as a Clear for Life 40 gallon acrylic tank. My plan for the sump was to house the skimmer internal, return pump, heater, refugium, float switches for ATO, and probes.

The top of the tank needed a bigger opening to fit the ASM G3 Skimmer. I used a router to enlarge one of the openings and cut out some bracing. Looking back on it, I wish I would have made both openings bigger but I can still do that with a little extra work.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/40Gallon.jpg

Here you can see the complete set-up of the sump. From left to right - Intake from the tank overflow into the skimmer area. Baffles to remove the bubbles. Return pump area with probes and float switches for the ATO. Refugium with line coming in from the top which was tee'd off from the tank overflow.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/Sump.jpg
Close up of the refugium section with teeth cut in the divider and optional bulkhead to pull water from the bottom of the refugium instead of surface draining.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/SumpBaffles.jpg

Sump installed with RK2 controller and Tunze wave controller (later removed).
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/SumpIns1.jpg

Refugium light. There is now an ATS above the refugium that shares the same light.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/DoubleDRZ/SumpIns2.jpg

On the drain from the overflow is a gate valve and tee'd to the refugium. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough room to fit all the plumping parts I had planned due to the location of the overflow box (offset to the left). I machined off plastic from each fitting until everything fit, barely.

Overall, the build took a very long time to complete but in the end it was a very satisfying project and has become the show piece when you walk into our house. It is located about 8 feet directly in the entry way of the door. We get a lot of funny / good comments from the pizza delivery guys. It was fun using my skills and learning some new ones; wood working, wiring, machining, engineering (most everything drawn out before building), and acrylic work.

Feel free to ask any questions about the build or ask me for advice. I hope you get some good ideas from this build and maybe it will encourage you to build your own instead of buying one. Are you up for the adventure?

[h20poloman]

very nice, do you also have a tank thread?

[N2REEFS]

Not yet. Maybe in another 5 years. Just kidding. I'll put one together eventually.

[bbandu]

very nice work

[LotsaFishies]

Wow - beautiful wood work!

[luv4qt1004]

nice i like the vents in the canopy!

[Nick_Kun]

Beautiful. I wish I had your skills.

[N2REEFS]

Thanks for the compliments everybody!

[nanoreefbro]

Nice! I like the attention to detail..

[ensiferum321]

Very nice! Inspiring for when I come back into the hobby!

[JohnnyAirtime]

Dave....
I just again went through your "build"... and man, you need to do a video of how your canopy closes/opens to reveal the seamless work. I mean, seriously... to think I passed up the oppurtunity for you to help make my stand/canopy - :crazy:

The pictures are great. But the in person view is MUCH better. I mean, the term pictures do it no justice comes to mind. Simply awesome work.

... just awesome

[Saduran86]

Wow just amazing! I love it!