SPS Cube plans

[firekd]

Ok, im not a graphic artist, but this is just a sketch of what im working on. Its a cube reef. I still need to work on some things such as what skimmer im going to use (i was thinking about this (http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TZ5331) one, and what type of Ca. Reactor. The size is still undecided (no more than 80 gal.). Need to check my space first.

Its going to be a very minimalist tank as far as equipment goes. I dont think i need an awful lot of gadgets to keep this reef alive (ive done it before).

Anyways, will post a sketch of how im planning the sump. Should be cool.

Thanks!

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/CubePlan1-1.jpg

[firekd]

Just a very simple sketch of what im thinking about for a sump.. As ya'll can see it still needs TONS of work...

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/Sump.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Lookin good. Check out the Sequence Snapper, I will be running 2 of them on my 67g, one for the return, and one for the closed loop, they look like great pumps

[TroyPham]

what size is the cube?

[LoneStar]

Are you going to have the tank made? Or buy an 'off the shelf tank'?

Something like that would look really cool in a entrance way or somewhere you can walk around and view all 4 sides. Just gotta plan a overflow accordingly, not to mention having ALL the equipment stored under the stand. :)

Looks like it will be a good setup.

[firekd]

I am thinking somewhere in the 28x28x21 (roughly 70 gal.)

It would have to be a custom made job. Glass cages maybe.

[TroyPham]

that is a lotta light over that tank... you could get away with a 250wt mh. with a lum.III

[blueboy]

i looked into custom tanks as well before i bought my 60 cube, but when richard said he could get me one for $125(new) i figured that'd be the way to go.

[ClownReef®]

Blue- Thanks! Ill contact Richard and maybe he can get me a good deal. Im still doing quotes. Do you have any pictures of your tank? Id love to see them.

Troy- The light is gonna be far from the tank..So i want the light to make it all the way down to the bottom of the reef.

[ClownReef®]

I was looking and the sump design and i made a few changes.

How functional does it look?

GreenMako- If you see this, could you please post a picture of your sump? There is a section in it where you have 3-4 filter socks..I wanna check it out :D

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/Sump2.jpg

[ClownReef®]

WOW! Just came across this (http://www.tunze.com/fileadmin/images/product_database/9205.000.jpg) Tunze Skimmer.

For flow im thinking about Tunze nano streams on a controller.

Any comments??

Thanks!

Just a diagram of how the skimmer works. Im gonna look for some reviews..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/Skimmer.jpg

[ClownReef®]

HAHAHAHAHAHA!! MY DRAWINGS SUCK!

[LoneStar]

http://sketchup.google.com

That program rocks if you do not have any other type of 'cad' program. Alot better than paint....although yours are pretty good. Gunk and all ;)

Have you looked into Deltec skimmers? Their Turbo Skimmer line looks like something you may be interested in.

http://www.deltecusa.us/images/products/ts1060.jpg

http://www.deltecusa.us/turboskimmers/index.php

[blueboy]

yeah, and i'd like to post them, but appharently i'm going to need someone to walk me through the process of posting pics

[ClownReef®]

This is another design for a sump. I like How Brian's has a compartment for the filter socks. What do yall think??

Thanks Lonestar, ill check out the Deltec skimmers out..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/sump2.jpg

[blueboy]

there are some old pics on here, i posted them feb 17th. i don't know how to do the linky thing, but the thread was titled"my new 60 cube*dialup beware*"

[ClownReef®]

Ok, just saw your pics Blue..VERY nice (Huge clam!)

Do you have a picture of your sump? (You can upload them to photobucket.com and post them here using the [img] link).

[blueboy]

the tank is sumpless, instead it has a false wall in the rearwhich contains my heater topoff fuge and skimmer intake, and return. obviously there are some baffles in there too! oh, and the huge clam is with felipe now, just took up too much real estate. once my color comes back from the redbug treatment i'll post some newer pics.

[ClownReef®]

Ah, gotcha!

The tank i have in mind would be around the 70 gal. range..so not too far from a tank like yours.

[ClownReef®]

Where can i buy a complete Lumenarc system? (ballast, bulb and reflector)? Im not good at putting stuff together..

[LoneStar]

www.reefexotics.com

[erikharrison]

I saw that clam at Felipe's about a month ago, GIGANTIC!

[ClownReef®]

Thanks for the link LoneStar. They also have the Tunze Nano streams i want to get.

[ClownReef®]

Ok, Ive been reading reviews about the new Tunze nano streams. Lots of mixed feelings. Some say they flat out suck. Some say they are the best thing out there. Do any of the LFS have them working? I'd love to see them in action before i buy them. I was planning to buy 2 and a controller for them. Any opinions?

[cpreefguy]

I have a 6025 in my tank right now, and a 6045 that I have only tested in the sink. These little things put out alot of flow, but if youre looking at the controllable 6055s ($$$), it is almost more cost effective to get a 6100 and controller or something like that (depending on the size of your tank). If youre ever going through San Marcos, you can come check mine out ;)

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Sean!

Well, i like the size factor. I setting up a cube so i need all the space i can get. The controllable ones run like $220 or something like that. Any other suggestions as far as other flow alternatives?

[cpreefguy]

Vorech pupms are sweet, but not aimable. Or you could consider closed loop

[ClownReef®]

I like the nano streams for the size and the amount of water they move..

Im not a big fan of closed loops. Id have to do the OM thing..lots of wholes..pumps..etc.. Maybe if it was a BIG setup..

[LoneStar]

For a small cube or something comparable 2 6000's and a multi controller would work great if not awesome. The pumps would kinda be big in there, but once you get up there in price for the controlable nano streams, these may work out better. Since you would use a multicontroller, you can always throttle them down on the pulses.

[Ram_Puppy]

Clownreefer,

I have two Hydor Koralia's (model 3) that are absolutely awesome, aimable, and fantastic flow generators in my 30 gallon oceanic cube.

I am really impressed w/ them. I think the build quality is decent. the only true problem i have had w/ them, which will happen w/ any pump, is when I moved the tank about a month ago, i tossed a ball of cheato in there and forgot it. the pumps shredded it, and now it's 'native' in the tank and I am always pulling it out of the cage around the impellers.

[thedude]

Clownreefer,

Just saw this thread but for you tank I would probably suggest the Deltec MC500 for a protein skimmer. It's a beast of a skimmer that uses the same pump as the AP600 and MCE600 and can really tolerate a fluctuating water level. The only flaw I see is the relatively small size of the collection cup.

As for flow, I really do like the nanostreams but the first run was pretty much crap. I do believe that once Tunze gets all the kinks ironed out (which could be now) they'll be the best option for a tank that size. The 6000's even cranked down might overpower the tank.

John

[ClownReef®]

John,

Im still deciding on the skimmer although i really want to try those tunze's out. I think a Deltec is a little bit out of the question (my gf thinks im insane if im thinking about buying one).

Im really looking at a Tunze DOC Skimmer 9205.. I like the design..lol

Ram,

Those powerheads look cool..and cheap! which makes me wonder about the quality..

[blueboy]

i have 3 6025's in my tank. they deliver pretty good flow.

[apedroza]

I agree with Ram on the Hydors. I have a hydor 3 and a Nano stream 6025 and I have waaaayy more problems with the nanonstream. For 1/2 the cost of the tunze I was able to get the hydor 3 which puts out 800gph vs the 625gph of the tunze. The only flaw I see in the hydor is the small connecting swivel, but I have had no problems with it yet. As far as quality the plastic on both pumps seems similar and I've already had to replace the small bracket on the tunze. You could get 2 of the hydors for the price of 1 tunze!!!

[ClownReef®]

Can the Hydros be controlled? I read they could be using a Seio controller.. dont know how good that would work though..

[ClownReef®]

Well..latest update!:

The tank is being built as we speak! (custom made) and it is going to be a 30x30x25 (97 gal.) RIMLESS tank (no center brace..no nothing!! Its gonna be sick!).

My only question right now is.. I want a Calfo style overflow box..Sooo, how big do the holes in the back of the tank have to be for the bulkheads (i was thinking inch and a half??) and how far from the edge of the tank??..Im completely naive when it comes to this..so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[LoneStar]

Who's building the tank? Are you going to have the company/person install the Calfo overflow or are you going to get it after the fact? Was it going to be glass or acylic tank?

Two 1.5" drain holes would work great for that size of tank. Always want to have one as a back up just incase the other gets clogged. Basically the drain hole size would be in relation to what size (gph) return pump your using and the overall head height.

[ClownReef®]

The tank is being built at a secret location in the Arizona desert. It is made from some type of alien glass..:D

JK..Its a glass custom made tank with a starphire front pane. Its been build through one of the LFS's. The overflow box is going to be already installed.

I am probably going to go with a Sequence Snapper (Thanks for the idea cpreef guy).. I am guessing 1.5 in or 2 in wholes should do.. Any thoughts?

[LoneStar]

2" is pretty big. But if you can get away with using them why not. Are they going to have it all drilled for you too? I'd go with the biggest drain size you can get. That way you do not have to worry about wether or not it can keep up with your return pump. And good choice on the pump ;)

[ClownReef®]

Lone,

Yeah man..they are going to drill it and all..Im pretty excited. Should have it in a couple of weeks..

[BIGBIRD123]

I have 2" on my calfo and love 'em. You can use just about any size pump without worry of the returns keeping up.

Also, you can get a good deal on the complete Luminarc's from one of our sponsors and maybe save alot on shipping.

http://coralreefbazaar.com/

Tell Frederick that I sent you. He's in Lago Vista, just outside of Austin.

Steve

[cpreefguy]

the snapper has a 2" inlet

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Big.. Ill holla..!

Thanks Sean!

How far down do the holes in the back have to be?? Any thoughts?

Also, any opinions on the Sun Replicator pendant??

[BIGBIRD123]

I have mine about 4-1/2" down from the trim, which gives me about a 5" deep calfo. I could run a Hammerhead pump on it and thew the calfo would keep up. I'll try and get a pic of it for you this WE when I get home from my job outa town.

Steve

[ClownReef®]

Thanks! That would help a lot.

[ClownReef®]

Well, I am officially tankless..LOL!!

The person just called me and said the tank will be $1,100 (its not that big of a tank, give the fact i bought a 60x60x21 not long ago..from the same place..for half the price).

So, now i need to go back to the drawing board and find a new place to get a tank from. This just SUCKS!..

[ClownReef®]

Just heard back from Glass Cages.. and i got a quote for less than half than the $1,100 from the store here in SA.. RIDICULOUS! So, if i order it tomorrow, i will recieve it next week. Gotta love Glass Cages!! :D

Question:

What are the PRO's and CON's of acrylic? Is the clarity better than regular panel glass??..

[cpreefguy]

Acrylic panels will rival starphire, especially if theyre cast. Im really glad that my new tank is acrylic because the clarity is amazing. You might want to shoot ReefOne a PM. He builds acrylic tanks and his work is AMAZING, and his prices are usually the same as glasscages.
Glasscages: Built like a tank (the army kind) and they look like it too!

[ClownReef®]

Sean,

Ive heard a lot of mixed feelings about acrylic and scratches. What are your thoughts?

[cpreefguy]

Acrylic will scratch alot easier than glass, but the scratches are also alot easier to remove from acrylic as opposed to glass. If I had the money, Id get a tank form kingfish like Brian's (but smaller)
Acrylic is OK for me now, but if you can, go starphire IMO

[ClownReef®]

How different does starphire look than regular panel glass? What if i get just the front pane starphire and the rest regular glass.. I need to make this decision quick, but dont want to make a stupid decision...

Thanks for your input Sean..

[BIGBIRD123]

Starfire or low-iron glass is clear, it doesn't have the greenish tint that regular glass has. I would do the three sides because it gives you more options when you decide to move the tank and it's not much more to do it. (Like $50-75)

If you decide to do acrylic, I would also recommend ReefOne. He does a superb job on tanks.

Steve

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Steve!

Im just thinking im gonna go with regular glass. They are giving me a not so good quote with all 3 sides Starphire.. What should i do?

[cpreefguy]

Depends on what kind of tank you want, starphire for 3 panels should only be 50-75 buck more, if not theyre trying to rip you off. Id send reefone a PM and see what he quotes you.

[ClownReef®]

Yeah, its a bit more than that.. I guess ill just go with it.. Im sure it will be worth it.

Im having a carpenter build me a stand to match our furniture. Im amazed at how much stands in aquarium websites are..

[BIGBIRD123]

>>>

[ClownReef®]

Well glasscages implies finding a truck, going to houston..it just adds up! Is there another local place im not thinking about? Maybe in austin?

[erikharrison]

you stated that an LFS was making your tank? Which one, if I may ask?

[ClownReef®]

Yep, i rather not say. I happen to like the store.. but they tried to jack me up with that tank.

[matt]

Send me a PM if you'd like to see my tank; it's a 60 gallon corner tank not too different (except smaller) than your project. I built the sump, skimmer and reactor. I also have the nanostreams for flow.

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Matt..Ill shoot you a PM!

Ok, some updates.

Ok, we have tank again, LOL (crazy quotes until now). Same specs 30x30x25, rimless, overflow (regular black acrylic overflow box) and two 2 in. holes in the back. So, that concludes the tank search. Having a carpenter build the stand to match the new furniture we are getting. Anybody ever seen the Elos stands? Something like that..should be nice.

Now, the next step-- Lighting!.. I need your opinion/comments on this:

The Lumenarc Double-Ended pendant.

I plan on doing 400w.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/lumenarc1.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/lumenarc2.jpg

Is it enough light for whats in my plans? (dumb question..i just like reassurance..LOL)

Thanks!

[LoneStar]

I think that would be plenty of light. The only question I have for you is what color spectrum and what brand are you planning on? (you don't have to answer cause I have no idea what I'm going to use on my tank yet :lol)

Other than that, you can't go wrong with the performance of the Lumenarcs. Well only if you make your own copy :)

[ClownReef®]

LOL Lone,

Im thinking of using a 12K blub, although i don't know if there is a 12K HQI bulb out there. If not, ill probably be using a 14K.

Thought i'd post a picture of my "muse" tank. It belongs to Invincible569 on ReefCentral.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/rimless1.jpg

[LoneStar]

Yes that tank is amazing! I've been following that since he started his thread. The lighting is amazing. I'm just waiting for him to work out the kinks of the spotlight so he can fully post his results with it.

[matt]

I imagine the lumenarc DE pendent is the best one available. Haven't seen any 400W DE bulbs, (I'm sure they're out there) and there is no true HQI 400W ballast to my knowledge. I believe that the people running DE 400W bulbs have found a ballast that will fire them, but it's not HQI.

If you go with 250, you can use a true HQI ballast (PFO makes one) and a 14K phoenix bulb. If you come over to see my set up that's whats on it.

Starfire glass is nice but still not as clear as high quality cast acrylic like Spartech polycast. Scratches are an issue, but even inside small scratches can be easily buffed out with micromesh while the tank is filled. My next tank will be an acrylic cube for sure. If they're built right they will last forever.

[ClownReef®]

Matt,

Thanks so much for your help along the way.

Do you think 250w would be ok? or 400w?

Ill PM you during this week, let me know whenever you are available so i could go and see your tank. Id love to see it and get a few ideas.

Question to everybody..

Horizontal or wall overflow??

Thanks!

[Ram_Puppy]

I think you'd do great w/ a 250 watt MH.

I was running 2 x 250s on my 120 cube, and honestly, in retrospect, I wish I had gone w/ either a 500 or 1000w in a lumenarc. in my 30 gallon cube, I have 1 PHX 20k on a 250, and I run 2 Actinic T-5s, and 2 Actinic plus (white Actinic) to balance it more towards a 14K color temp and everything seems to be doing well (outside the damage the HIATT did.)