evoracer

In a small house, with 2 small children, I (suprise, suprise) have had a very hard time finding a good spot to root my tank. Even though it isn't a huge tank (60g), it has a rather large footprint (36x24). Finding a spot where it can be 2' from the wall meant hiding it way in the office or dining room. I was very unmotivated to build it in a spot where I wouldn't see it all the time. Well I've figured out a way to replace the entry way table with a dual-functioning tank stand, and have it not look like the tank was an afterthought. Long story short the tank will be viewable from 3 sides, and will greet you when you walk through the front door. Once I transfer the plans to SketchUp I will add them to this blog.
I began collecting the final equipment I need for the build last weekend at RAP; the skimmer I reviewed earlier and a Reeflo Blowhole 1450 for the return and possible manifold pump. I have a sump that was custom built for the tank by Advance Acrylics in Southern Cal, the heaters, RKL, and reactors for the system. I have rock cooking and some dry to be added as needed. And plenty of corals in my frag tank waiting to make the jump. I will be reusing my 250w Lumatek ballast and LumenMax Elite from the frag tank, which will be taken down for the time being.
I plan to pick up an MP10 wes to add flow to the system. Just one for now, another of it needs it.
I still need to repair the rear wall of the tank, as I am removing all the plumbing up the back and have to cover the holes. A sheet of black acrylic will handle that. That leaves sand, of which I think I will tank Marc's advice and try the Tropic Eden Reeflakes. Although the only place I can find them in Premium Aquatics.
So the stand and canopy build will come next, hopefully in the next couple of weeks.