Hey all! I figured I'd start by documenting the build for my 180 gallon mbuna cichlid setup. Last month I decided to start planting the seed with the wife about my new idea of replacing my current 80 gallon tank with the new beast. Recently observing the larger fish's behaviors I decided it was either get rid of the fish or move up. Wife ultimately agreed but only if it looked good from the start, used equipment was ok but preferred it not too big.
Here is my current 80 gallon Mbuna reef: measures 48x18x24
Upon browsing hundred of mis-typed ads and traveling all across Los Angeles looking for the best deal, I had came to the conclusion I was going to get only one decent deal at a time; IE tank good condition, stand wasn't- or vice-versa. Then I found an ad selling brand new glass tanks and unfinished cabinet stands at bargain prices. I went with it. Drove out to Rainbow Aquarium and Pond out in Arleta to view what they had. Found that their new tank prices were unbeatable so I figured I'd take a chance building my own stand and ordering the tank once finished. After a couple of trips to Lowes, a half an hour finding the best highest priced 2x4s and 50$ later, I began the journey.
Now right as I began drilling for the first set of screws I found out I had a pop-up trip the next morning and began rushing through the construction, overlooking the fact I was assembling the stand on a non-level floor. Once I got the basic structure completed I realized the mistakes and began wondering what the F I was getting myself into.
Here is what I had up to this point.
basic frame, design from this site and constructed with 2x4's, glue and 2.5" deck screws. Once all finished I could see there was a slight twist and that one leg was not exactly square. Damn it- back to the drawing board, but not till I got back from a 4 day trip. Looked good from afar, and everybody I asked somewhat agreed that once the tank was on it the weight should remove the twist and would probably be okay. Yea, not their apartment with 2000 pounds of water suspended...
Canned the idea after pulling each leg one by one until the entire thing was apart and figuring that I might as well just save the time and just order the darn thing. Here's what I ordered last week upon my return.
Open for ideas along the way- hoping to have the tank up by the end of next week!
Mike
Here is my current 80 gallon Mbuna reef: measures 48x18x24
Upon browsing hundred of mis-typed ads and traveling all across Los Angeles looking for the best deal, I had came to the conclusion I was going to get only one decent deal at a time; IE tank good condition, stand wasn't- or vice-versa. Then I found an ad selling brand new glass tanks and unfinished cabinet stands at bargain prices. I went with it. Drove out to Rainbow Aquarium and Pond out in Arleta to view what they had. Found that their new tank prices were unbeatable so I figured I'd take a chance building my own stand and ordering the tank once finished. After a couple of trips to Lowes, a half an hour finding the best highest priced 2x4s and 50$ later, I began the journey.
Now right as I began drilling for the first set of screws I found out I had a pop-up trip the next morning and began rushing through the construction, overlooking the fact I was assembling the stand on a non-level floor. Once I got the basic structure completed I realized the mistakes and began wondering what the F I was getting myself into.
Here is what I had up to this point.
basic frame, design from this site and constructed with 2x4's, glue and 2.5" deck screws. Once all finished I could see there was a slight twist and that one leg was not exactly square. Damn it- back to the drawing board, but not till I got back from a 4 day trip. Looked good from afar, and everybody I asked somewhat agreed that once the tank was on it the weight should remove the twist and would probably be okay. Yea, not their apartment with 2000 pounds of water suspended...
Canned the idea after pulling each leg one by one until the entire thing was apart and figuring that I might as well just save the time and just order the darn thing. Here's what I ordered last week upon my return.
Open for ideas along the way- hoping to have the tank up by the end of next week!
Mike
ooo I'm in for it
(not including scratched idea of building stand +50)