COMAS Meeting March 8, 2008-Minutes 

The March meeting was held at UCO and started at 7.30pm. Approximately 30 people were in attendance.

Vice-President Adam Moore opened the meeting with a review of what the club is trying to accomplish with the Reef Keeping 101 program. This project cumulates at the end of the year 2008 with a prize winner receiving a 75 gallon setup which was constructed during the course of this program.

Tim VanWagoner announced that he was available to take care of the people who wished to donate corals to the Frag Program and to those who were scheduled to receive coral fragments.

Topic of Meeting:

Reef Keeping 101, Session 2:

Stand Construction (Basic Frame Work)

Kevin Bekkelund spoke about the various aspects of stand construction. One can find many DIY plans on Reef Central and through searches on the internet. The stand for the demonstration was constructed of 2x4s for a 75 gallon system. Kevin demonstrated some of the techniques and ideas he used in the 75 gallon stand construction. Many of the tools used in the construction were available for viewing and the general cost of each piece was given.

Key points to consider for your stand construction:

1. You have to take into consideration the strength of the wood so that it can hold the weight, the type of wood so that it does not rot, and the plan of the design so that any plumbing can fit and sumps can be installed and accessed. The standard height in stands is in the 30 to 34 inch range.

2. Use #2 (or better) 2x4s - This grade is normally a little straighter and less knotty than standard construction lumber. You will need to calculate the number and lengths needed based on the dimensions of your stand. Dimensional lumber is normally sold in 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 foot lengths.

3. Use corner clamps for securing the wood to get a good squared edge. Harbor Freight sells them, and you can find them at Woodcraft.com & Amazon.com from $20.00 up.

4. Use a good miter saw with adjustable cutting angles (not just fixed notched positions). These can be found for $100.00 and higher. A miter equipped with a laser guide is very helpful.

5. Joints are connected using wood glue and wood screws or lag bolts. Kevin’s stand was assembled with 1/4” x 3 1/2” lag bolts and washers. Be sure to drill pilot holes and counter-sink them.

A few locations for help on stand construction:

http://garf.org/tank/buildstand.asp

http://www.fishandtips.com/index.php

During the course presentation there were question and answer periods. Members were invited to come up and check out the stand and equipment at the conclusion of the presentation.

Before concluding the meeting, Kevin Bekkelund asked the membership for any feedback or suggestions that would assist the leadership team to better focus on what programs or activities the membership would like to see from their club.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm

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Interesting notes about lumber*:

Look for the grade stamp(s) or information sticker on the board that you’re purchasing.

The following information should be available;

1. Certification & Mill I.D.

2. Lumber Grade.

SEL STR (Select Structural…almost knot free)

NO. 1. (Construction Grade, few knots)

NO. 2 (Standard Grade, somewhat knotty)

NO. 3 (Utility or Economy Grade, more knotty)

3. Species (most common).

Southern Pine

Spruce-Pine-Fir

Douglas Fir

Hem-Fir

4. Moisture Content.

S-GRN (over 19% moisture content, can shrink or warp if not dried)

S-DRY (under 19% moisture content, can be used immediately)

*Disclaimer – the lumber notes are a small compilation of information found on various web sites and is not to be considered all inclusive.