My 40 Gallon Frag Tank Build

Why is it that you typically see display tank builds but rarely a frag tank build?  Is it because they're not as exciting?  Well I am going to try one so we'll see how it goes!
Earlier this summer, I decided I was going to sell at MACNA.  In order to do so, I was going to need more space than what I had room for in my existing tank.  Most people can attest to the fact that I have too many frag racks in my display.  I didn't think 8 racks were too much but whatever.  
I looked at several different options because I really wanted to get something that was pre-configured so it would be plug and play. However, I wanted the tank to be close to the dimensions and height I had in mind. Sure enough, I couldn't find a pre-configured system like I wanted!
So I decided to do a completely custom setup using various sources.
1) Metal tank stand and light rack - Built by Matt Nelson and powder coating by Miller Powder Coating 
2) Display tank and sump - Built by Miracles Aquariums
3) Tank stand panels - Built by my brother
Other requirements for the frag tank was that I wanted it to be a completely separate system (water source) from my display tank. It is even on a separate circuit so they are isolated from one another. I also wanted to keep the system simple like my display so I will only do water changes and dose kalk.
Sytem Profile
Display tank: 40 gallons - (30x24x14) 3-sided Starphire glass built by Miracles Aquariums
Sump tank: 18 gallons - (24x22x15) - standard glass built by Miracles Aquariums
Skimmer: Avast Marine CS-1 cone skimmer with swabbie (self-cleaning head)
Return pump: Eheim 1262
Water movement: 2) Vortech MP10
Lighting: 2) Aqua Illumination Sol Blue
Heater: 150W Eheim-Jager
Other: Deltec KM500 kalkstirrer and Liter Meter III
Here is a drawing of the what I had in mind

Plan given to Matt to build the stand and light rack

Plans given to Miracles Aquariums to build the tank and sump

 

Thanks, guys!  Miracles Aquariums pricing was a lot better than AGE.  I never got an actual quote from them because they blew me off but when I talked to one of their distributors, it would've been 2 times higher. 
Miracles is located in Toronto Canada and they will ship it to you via LTL freight.
The software is Solid Edge.  I had a friend who was nice enough to draw everything for me, thanks Jeff! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif

 

Yeah, the powder coating did wonders for the ugly stand.  Just kidding Matt!  Thanks for building the stand and incorporating new ideas into it.  It came out better than expected.

 

Here's what Matt did with the legs of the stand.  He welded an additional piece of metal to it so there would be more threads for the bolts.  He also added a nut to help lock it in place after adjusting.

Then he made stainless steel disks for each foot

Here's the finished stand

 

It's a stand and not a hot rod!   I was trying to stay within a budget on this project so at the time, I opted for a glossy black coating for a clean and stealthy finish.

 

I have to admit, the AI lighting system was the most exciting part about putting this together.  I really enjoy how easy it was to put it together.  The menu on the controller was simple and easy to use.  You could literally get it up and running in 5 minutes.











Here is a picture of the lighting system put together.  For the bottom of the stand, I decided to use starboard.  I figured it was the better to use it instead of laminated wood due to water spills etc.

 

Here's the sump I am going to use.

Here are pictures of the tank after the laminated panels have been installed.


Picture of tank, it's almost ready!

 

I told you I wanted this frag tank build to be fun! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/biggrin.gif

 

Please refrain from associating my frag tank with a mullett!!!