Dierks 75 Gallon Office Build

[Dierks]

BRINGING MY BUILD THREAD OVER HERE:

Well I figured I would start up a thread so I could track my new build! (Kinda figured this would be more for myself!)

Well to start, I have built a 40 Gallon Nano Tank and loved every moment of it. I did Battle with a few things being a small tank but the joys you get from a nice tank out weigh the negatives most days. I plan to use most of my old equipment as I overbuilt my small tank knowing that ONE DAY I would build a bigger tank. Fast forward a couple years and I got married, bought a new house and so I figure, with all the other new comes a new tank!!

In the past I have had a 55 Gallon Fresh water for a long time when I was in my 20's, then just built my first Nano reef 2 Years ago so I have been into fish for a while but continue to learn every time I come on here! I am so thankful for this community and I am very excited to be able to build my new tank. (saltwater fish just seem to need more space and now I can provide it to them) I know its not a 100+ gallon, but maybe someday I can get there.... For now, 75 Gallons will have to do!

Stay tuned for pictures and my journey into this build as I am hopeful that it will turn out to be a beautiful build in my home office that I can be very proud of for many years to come!

Any and all input is welcome so feel free to drop me a line or give me your thoughts.

What we are planning for:

• Custom Built Stand/Bookshelf unit in Office
• 75 Gallon Tank w/ 20 Gallon Custom Sump
  • Algae Scrubber on 16 Hr Cycle
  • Will run small Skimmer 24 HR's Day
  • Active Carbon Filter Waterfall (Like to remove the smells)
• APEX Controller
  • 2000 GPH in Flow (Will be adjusted through day, with a night schedule)
    • 4 Jebao RW-4's
  • 2 Overflows that move 600 GPH Each (DYI System)
    • Total of 2600 GPH of Flow
  • 3 AI Hydra Lights (Yes the old ones) Controlled by APEX

That is what I can think of, I will continue to edit this post as I update the build. Thanks guys/gals for the support!

 

[Dierks]

Here are some of my Plans...

I have done some/most of the planning on the PC first. I find it helps a lot to go about these builds with some sort of plan. I included my cut lists as well as I figured that I could share what I have plus save these things for my records as well!

This is the basic Framework for the built in's.

This is the framework in the office. (To the right of the framing I am building my lizard tanks in what was the closet)

"Before" Picture of the real life space I am working with

And we start!! Pre-cut all my wood to make it easy on myself.

Framing was finished tonight!!

We will keep going, I know this is going to take me a bit of time!! I will keep this updated as well as much as I can!!

 

[Dierks]

Today we worked on the framing some more, got the tank's main shelf leveled and mostly framed in. We will give it a bit more support in the center as we need to put cabinet below to access the sump. I picked up a 20L today for the sump so that project isn't to far away.

Today again was about the framing, the new framing is in Red and the biggest challenge was to get everything on the nuts for leveling the main tank self.

Red was what was added today.

Here is the actual Build

And of course the most important part... Its Level!!

Til the next installment, I hope all you are doing well!

 

[Dierks]

Well, another day and a bit closer to the final product! I am simply skinning the built-in. Got some of the more complex cuts done so maybe tomorrow I can cut the large pieces and get the rest of the main cabinet done in regards to skinning. The bottoms will have 2-4 doors for easy access to the sump that will be below and the top will also have easy access to the top of the tank so I can do my tank cleaning. As of right now I gave myself 35" Below!!!! (I learned from my nano and building everything VERY tight.) and am currently;y giving myself 8" above the tank.... Do you think that is enough? I feel like it is, but right now would be the time to change it if I am going to.

As always, computer layout of what was done today. Red is what was added...

Here are some measurements, I had shrunk the center cabinet by 1.5" to just give myself a tiny bit of wiggle room on the sides. They will be covered by trim so not much difference besides comfort while I build

Measurements:

Actual Pictures of the Build, its coming along.

Thanks guys for following along! As always any advise is welcome!! Happy Reefing

 

[Dierks]

There will be roughly 3-5 Studs in the front and another 3-5 along the back, plus 2 more studs going in on the sides. Plus the 1 inch sheet of plywood that goes on the front/back will function like a sheer wall. When the entire thing is wrapped in the .5 Skin this should be solid as a rock! If you like, I would love if you kept following along to see the progress of the studs going in and the cabinets being installed. Again the more eyes I have on the project the better so I don't overlook anything!!

I know that the 2x4 can only hold roughly 800 lbs without the supports and screws only have 50lbs each for shear strength. So the supports are on their way!! Thank you so much for the question/comment @Peace River and looking out for the tank/build!

 

[Dierks]

So Peace River got me thinking about exactly how many studs I will need to add. After using some calculators for Maximum Span/Defection Calculators with the general rule of "3x more then needed for live load" I have come to the conclusion I can go 2 Ft 8" with 0.003" Deflection with 2400 LBS evenly distributed. So with that being said, I will make it into 3 Doors on the bottom with 3 studs with a span of only 20 inchs!! This doesn't even take in the consideration of the shear wall so we should be in REALLY good shape with virtually 0" of deflection on paper.

Thanks for the the fun thought process before my showing, when I get back we start building again!!

 

[Dierks]

Well the build is going the the ugly stage, and seems like the stage that the wife comes to check everything out. She doesn't have much vision so right now all she sees is a bunch of sticks and some plywood. But God Bless her soul for allowing me to continue my hobbies (And even go bigger, even if she doesn't know that part) even when it does cost a bit over $10!

Anyways, I will continue to work on small parts here tonight but for the most part I think I am done for the day.

Red is what was added today as always:

I got the main Center and main Support beam added. I also got the bottom put in, Wood putty and Caulked. When all that dries, I will drill holes for plumbing to my sump below. Lastly, I will sand and paint the Shelf and add a thick acrylic layer to waterproof and lock everything in to keep it all looking good.

The real deal:

I will get the last two supports added and then I should be able to finish skinning and plumbing this sucker!! She is a big project that is for sure! Excited to see it closer to the final stages!!

Til the next update, we will chat with you all soon!

 

[Dierks]

Feels good to be getting closer, I am starting to ruin out of wood cutting steam. Lots of measuring and cutting, and doing it all over again. But I think its coming along nice, I cant wait to see this thing done!!

I started to think of my Sump and how I am going to design it. I will be running a large 12" x 12" Algee Scrubber that will take half the flow and dump into the Pod/Refugium. The other half will go into the 4" Sock and then into the skimmer chamber. Pretty simple but flexible, both sides will have a valve to control flow before entering the tank.

Here is my design:

Here is what I got done on the build. Getting close!!
Everything done in this last build session is in Red as always:

Real World:

Til Next time, Hope all your little slices of the ocean are doing well!!

 

[Dierks]

each one of those openings for what will be the drawers are 18" Wide!! As far as depth, we are working with 22" and height a HUGE 29"!!! I learned from my last build how hard it is to work on things when you cram them in. I am only running a smaller Sump as my Algae Scrubber will be doing most the work before water enters the Sump. So getting my 20G Long (30 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 12 3/4 ) or my 29G (30 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 18 3/4 ) in and out from under there will be no problem with a small amount of wiggling. Thank you again for your thoughts as I always appreciate them, glad I triple checked due to your questions!!

Blitheran said:
Looks really good! Great craftsmenship!

Thank You so Much!!

 

[Dierks]

So been playing around with colors and I think this is what i am going to go with. It's not fully designed yet but getting a good idea of what it will look like. I think I like #2 better...

#1 - Dark Trim on Hood

#2 - Light Grey Trim on Hood

#3 - All Dark

What do you guys think? What colors would you chose? With suggestions I will virtually paint it and post it to see the results. We will pick the cleanest design (I am big into the Retro Look) but the colors I have picked match the room as it is... The good news is that the whole office is being redone so colors can change!

Let me know your thoughts, please simply copy below and fill in the blank with your colors or woods....

Main Color:
Trim Color:
Highlight Color:
Other Ideas to be done:

Thanks and this should be fun if anyone wants to join in.

 

[Dierks]

The more I am doing renders of the Dark with the off white the more I am liking it... What do you think?

Don't worry, much more details will go on the small side cabinets (and main cabinet) before we can call this complete, but would love to pick out my base/highlight and "pop" colors and get what I know done.

Stopped to get my hinges and a bit more wood putty so I can get rolling on the build again tomorrow.

 

[Dierks]

Wow... This thing is a Monster!!

I keep stuffing hours into it with what feel like very little progress. Honestly, we got a lot done today and I am very happy with the progress. It doesn't look like much but behind the scenes a lot has to happen to make a huge piece like this one. Well if you really get into the details like wood filling every hole and sanding everything just so.

I am building this to enjoy for a very long time so I am okay putting in the extra effort but holy cow this thing is a time suck!!

ANYWAYS!!! Here is what we got done today. As always in RED:

Here is the Real life Build, looks like it has chicken Pox with all the puddy in all the screw holes!

Coming close to getting the main Cabinet done!! Whoohoo!!

Of course if anyone has any comments/suggestions/ideas you are welcome to share them as I love hearing them even if they are things to think about! Chat with you all soon!!

 

[Dierks]

Almost forgot...
As @NY_Caveman would say, "I received a box of rocks today." It still strikes me as funny that we are a bunch of crazy people that ship rocks across the world and pay top dollar to do it. I got 35lbs worth of rocks (Paid $55 Shipped) today and all in all not to bad. I got some rock from TX that isnt out of the sea so I really like that idea. ("Calcium Carbonate base rock taken from an above ground coral reef in Texas.") Will get these suckers going right away. The good news is the other 35lbs is coming out of my established Nano tank.

Box of rocks spread out.

I also got my Power Bay for the cabinet, I will need a bit more then just these 8 but wanted to test these and make sure they are as great as everyone says. I will let you all know when its installed and is up and running.

Figured I would post these couple things

 

[Dierks]

Well just a quick update of what I was able to knock out today. Was a solid work day for the tank build and am hopeful to put the last piece of Skinning. That will feel really good, I am so ready to move onto the next stage of paint.

As always what was done today is in RED:

Real Build:

Sooooo Close!!

 

[Dierks]

I just cant do it today...

I started building for a little bit but just couldn't bring myself to work today. I will finish tomorrow...
I did get one front skin on the left cabinet so we are close to having that side done. Once we get to the trimming I think everything should go quick so here to tomorrow being done.

Here is what we have going into tomorrow:

I think tonight I am going to redesign the sump and maybe make a fully custom one as I have a bunch of Plexi and have a source for more if needed... What is your one regret/moment of genius when you built your Sump?

Chat with all my reefer buddies later!!
- Dierks

 

[Dierks]

Yikes, been cutting all the piece for the build since the last post (6.5 Hours ago) and just finished cutting the last piece!!!

I am going to install the last skin pieces and then putty. Sand the dried putty and get ready for paint. Holy cow that was a lot of cuts!

 

[Dierks]

I am calling it for the night! Got the entire thing finished in regards to the skin and framing, thank the good lord above because I was running low on steam for the building/cutting and am ready to start with paint and Polyurethane. I will be laying down a thick layer that they pour on bartops for the surface the tank will sit on so if it gets wet I have nothing to worry about.

Im excited to take the next step in the process as all the trim is cut and ready to be painted as well.

Here she is with the doors (Need 4 more hinges) but 2 of the side doors. Got the top hood done as well so we can start with the trim there as well. Of course we are still a little way to the finished project but we are just about done building!

Finished product will look like this:

 

[Dierks]

Well we broke out the paint today!!

Got the big chunks painted and we are starting to look a bit more like a nice piece of furniture instead of a big block of wood. I love when the paint goes on, always a good day. This paint job is taking a bit of time like everything else on this monster but overall went well. I think I painted for roughl;y 6 hours today to get it to the point you see it now.

What do you think of the color? I love it!!

 

[Dierks]

NY_Caveman said:
Me too!

Nice, I was able to get everything in paint beside the small stuff. will get it all posted tonight when I attach all the doors.

count krunk said:
Recessed LED lighting in the built in shelves would also look good

Is the wood MDF?

First thing is first, thank you so much for the kind words!

You are correct and I think I will be adding LED Recessed Lights that I can change the color. The same ones I have in my Theater room I finished up a couple months back.

As far as the wood type, yes it is MDF... But before you let me know what a poor choice I made (Because the second water hits MDF it swells up) I have picked up LOTS of polyurethane and will be giving it a heavy dose of that before any water comes close to this thing.

And as far as the base that the actual tanks sits on there will be a 1/4 layer of poly that bars use to pour on their bar tops to make sure everything is REALLY water tight!

But again I am open to hear anything, so if that isn't the issues you were going to bring up I still would love to hear them as I am sure I haven't thought of everything. I am sure I only scratched the surface.

I will be posting pictures soon of pre-poly! Stay tuned!!

 

[Dierks]

Well, Calling it for the night. Got most everything done. The Hood is not final as those hinges will be removes and replaced. I also have pistons to hold the hood up when I need it to stay open.

Here is the build:

Here to another productive day. Next, Poly everything!!