[Reefdaddy]

Well this being my first post I figured I would make it a whopper. First tell ya about me. I have been Reffing for over 16 years. While in the Army I got turned on to it and took tanks with me wherever I was Stateside. I retired In 1998 and quickly took a Job at IBM Raleigh NC, Had to take the tank with. Well in transport It shattered. I have since left that job and Opened a store to provide reefers with a savings on the type of products we all like to buy.

Anyway.. I have since moved to Arizona and Started a Project I think you could all relate to. I call it the "Frugal Reefer". What is it you may ask? Well its Project to get a reefing system up and running in a good size tank with quality items for the least ammount of money. So heere is where it starts.

I scored a deal on 120 gallon tank Stand and Canopy with VHO and MH HQI for 300.00. I quickly sold the MH and VHO along with canopy (keeping open top) But here is I what started with.



It need a good cleaning and you notice it is not reefready But soon will be. I had my neighbor come over a drill it for me. Here is the process

Measure twice cut once.



The doughnut to hold coolant.


The drilling machine he used. Made it easy.


This was the result. I like the layout for sure I wish to have no powerheads in the tank at all. But may have to decrease flow at night. I ordered the bulkheads an they came in, will post pics of them after the sump is done.

[Reefdaddy]

Now for the sump. I was going to use another tank for this but decided to give it to my wife for fish fetish. I decided I will make it. Now Iam not very good in silicone thats for sure. But good enough for a sump/refugium. I got the Glass for free from the guy (Sam) that drilled my tank. The size is 65Lx14Wx18H I plced the baffles And came up with this.

this is before the baffles And yes it is a Mirror back.



This is with the baffles in. it can hold almost 70 + gallons. I have since trimmed the baffles down some so to have more room for power outages and drainage.

[Reefdaddy]

Here is the tank with new Bulkheads in

[Reefdaddy]

I will keep updating thread as Move forward. Currently Iam rebuilding the stand. I want to removable from panels to access all the stuff without having to swet opening doors and such. You will get the picture when Iam done with it. So far here is what Spent.

Tank, Stand, Sump= Free : I sold the MH and VHO setup that came with it and a 55 gallon system I had sitting in the garage.

Bulkheads: 75.00. Went to local plumbing supply and picked up most of it the rest I ordered from a online vendor.

Protien Skimmer: Still debating on this one. But I may have scored a a bubble King body for free. Its minus the pump but still. So we will see on this yet.

Updates forth comming.

[Reefdaddy]

I hate no edit button. LOL, its supposed to read.

"I want to have removable front panels "

[CSeaSee]

Very interesting! Keep us posted!

[Reefland]

Hi Reefdaddy,

You should definitely have an Edit button for your posts. Check it out in the bottom right hand corner of your posts.

I like the title, "Frugal Reefer". The common conception is that reefing is expensive, and it is, and no one should cut corners. But that never means that there isn't a way to cut costs. Keep up the good work and be sure to keep us updated!

[Reefdaddy]

Thanks for the tip reefland , However at the bottom left of the thread it reads this.

You may post new threads
You may post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts