Aquarium Obsessed Cube

[cpreefguy]

Condensed version of the first few pages so far!

I currently have a 22g Finnex and ran out of room a while ago. Any reefer knows what that means, UPGRADE!!!
Tank:
Aquarium Obsessed Blue Series 60 gallon cube (24x24x24)
Rimless, 3 sides 1/2" Starphire with black silicone and
Smoked glass center overflow
Stand:
A custom steel stand is in the works
Filtration:
Simple sump with Bubble King Mini 160
Red Dragon Return pump
Tunze 6100's for circulation
Lighting:
24" 4x24w ATI Powermodule with KZ Bulbs (3 coral light, 1 fiji purple)
Aquascaping:
Im going to keep it very simple, pulling inspiration from the Japanese Style aquascaping methods. Im also going to try and aquascape by the "Golden Ratio" of Aquascaping outlined in invincible569's blog. It will be interesting to see how it comes out.
Livestock:
SPS!

Here are a few pictures of the equipment I have acquired so far, most notably the 24" Powermodule
Tank all crated up fresh from Canada:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8109.jpg
BLUE Glass:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8121.jpg
Nice lookin overflow!
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8155.jpg
I had to slide it in on a towel because this tank is heavy! (~160lbs)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8149.jpg
24" 4x24w ATI Powermodule:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8166.jpg
KZ bulbs
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8169.jpg
I hope to have this running soon, Im ordering the Red Dragon this week and the stand will hopefully be done soon.

[cpreefguy]

A few teasers:
All crated up, 160lb shipping weight from Canada! Delivered by a 13' 6" FedEx semi truck to my front door :)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8109.jpg

Its weird seeing glass from the top, and it's blue! I already love Starphire. (bad shot!)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8121.jpg

[MissT]

Sounds like this is going to be a fun build! Keep us posted.

[Texreefer]

Can't wait sean!!!!!

[sharkboy]

Sweet! Keep the pics coming...

[LoneStar]

HAHA Awesome! Guess your going to set it up after all.

I really like those themed tanks. Simple yet amazing. Should be a pretty cool tank once its up and running.

[Headless_donkey]

Super sweet! When you get tired of it you can sell it to me. LOL
T5 revolution!

[erikharrison]

Awesome. When we move into a house I am planning a tank like this! I'm sure this build will give me mucho information!

[apedroza]

Keep em' coming Sean!!! I need some new Ideas for my future tank!!!!

[greenmako]

more pic's and stop teasing us.....or else:ph34r:

[apedroza]

I think you should keep him off the forum til he coughs up some pics of the whole setup!!!! Were dying here Sean!!!

[markgsa]

"Singing" I got to see it...I got to see it....I got to see it. Can't wait till its set up, Sean has some good plans for this one. Way to go buddy.

[cpreefguy]

My plans have changed a bit, Ive decided not to go with the Tunze return. It pushes too much flow for a single 1" drain to handle. Instead: Royal Exclusiv Red Dragon 4.5 m3 :bigsmile: at about 1200gph
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/images/red-dragon_big.jpg http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/images/pixel_trans.gif
A few new developments on the lighting situation, but Im not ready to reveal just yet :applause:

Also, I am working with a fellow MAAST , werp, member on a custom metal stand!

I promise to post a few pictures for everybody!

[cpreefguy]

I almost forgot a picture of the Bubble King Mini 160! Cant wait to get this piece...
http://www.riffhaus.ch/images/volksabschaumer.jpg

[erikharrison]

Awesome, I have been wondering about those Bubble Kings! I am still waiting for a coral blowout so you can afford all of this :D

[Headless_donkey]

Top of the line. Nice.
Are we going to see some sweet T5? Powermodule?

[cpreefguy]

Powermodule? The 24" arent going available in the US for quite some time...

[LoneStar]

N I C E

Those Red Dragons are awesome. Can't wait to hear how the Bubble King will work out.

[Headless_donkey]

Personal local experience with a bubble king. (http://www.austinreefclub.com/blog/bmwaaron/index.php?)
I will now stop thread jacking!

[OceanInMotion]

so you can see through the glass, but its blue on the top? thats frickin sweet!

[hobogato]

so you can see through the glass, but its blue on the top? thats frickin sweet!

it is blue because it is low iron glass, not like the normal glass that has a green tint. it has a higher clarity than normal glass.

[OceanInMotion]

*blink*


clearer than glass? hm, id have to see that in person, like a side-by-side comparison

[hobogato]

supposedly is isnt that apparent to your eyes, but your coral colors will be more true in pics thru low iron glass.

[TexasTodd]

Sweet Sean. Nice picks on equipment.

Lights?!

TT

[cpreefguy]

Sweet Sean. Nice picks on equipment.

Lights?!

TT
Thanks Todd, nice seeing you the other day!
Lights, Lights, Lights...
I knew I wanted something special to light this cube, so how about the First 24" ATI Powermodule in the US :bigsmile:
(sorry I had to give you a hard time when you asked me James! lol)
I didnt want to jinx it, but I got it all ordered and will receive it next week along with KZ Coral Light bulbs. These 24" units wont be here for months.
I know I promised a pic, so here, the overflow box!
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8155.jpg

[erikharrison]

tease. :cry_smile:

[cpreefguy]

tease. :cry_smile:
One reveal at a time :angel:

[MissT]

:sitting on the edge of my seat:

[TexasTodd]

No kidding, talk about playing hard to get.....

Congrats on scoring the lights.

Todd

[cpreefguy]

A little hold up on the powermodule :( I ordered it 10 days ago, it was supposed to come today, so I was tracking it all day, waited around for UPS all day, nothing. I was watching TV (right by my front door from 5-7)
Checked the tracking number and it said that an attempt was made to deliver at 6:35
Yeah Right!!! No knocking, no ringing of the doorbell, no notice no nothing!
Needless to say it was very disappointing, I was ready to get it! Oh well, sorry for the rant, hopefully Ill get it tomorrow.

[markgsa]

Geez.... again????? that's lame buddy. Hope you get it manana.

[OceanInMotion]

the last time i ordered something and it came UPS, the exact same thing happened to me.

[Headless_donkey]

SUPER SWEET!
Being first always feels good.
No offence taken.

[cpreefguy]

The Powermodule is in! Man is it sweet, Im sitting here drooling all over it :wub::wub::wub:

[cpreefguy]

A few quick pics:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8166.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8169.jpg
And the tank!
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8149.jpg

[erikharrison]

It's so slim and pretty! I would be drooling too! Where did you pick up your Bubble King?

[cpreefguy]

I have yet to buy the bubble king... next on the list is the red dragon return pump

[apedroza]

Awesome tank Sean. Cant wait to see it in person!!!!

[erikharrison]

Something is screaming zeovit here, am I correct??
I would love to see more people locally using the zeovit method.

[cpreefguy]

Erik: I was considering running Zeo on it from the start. After researching it, I have decided to hold off, at least initially. It takes a lot of time and dedication that I dont think I can take on just yet.

The build is going slow as I imagined it would. I have been swamped at school lately, but Im guessing I can get some real progress done after finals in December. Hopefully I will have the stand, sump, and return pump by January.
On a side note, I am running the 4x24w Powermodule on my current tank using a 1:1 of the KZ Coral light and KZ fiji purple bulbs. I have to say that this fixture blows me away! It runs very cool, and the color I get from it is outrageous. Ill update tomorrow with some pics of my current tank.

[cpreefguy]

I took some pictures today. These are mainly to show the Powermodule and what the color output looks like with 1:1 Fiji Purple and Coral Light.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8200.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8201.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8188.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8197.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8198.jpg

[erikharrison]

Sean, the last pic is GREAT! I see, you just buy a tank to move stuff out of another? :bigsmile:

[greenmako]

SUPER NICE!! and hey is that my blue mille?

[MissT]

Looks great... keep the pictures coming.

[cpreefguy]

Erik and MissT- thanks for the comments!


SUPER NICE!! and hey is that my blue mille?
Yes! It has to be my favorite piece. It is about 1/2" or closer to the surface of the water and is starting to fan out a lot. I really need to get a top-down of it because it is a brilliant blue from that view.

[ClownReef®]

Hey Sean..Any updates?

[cpreefguy]

Diego, Yes! (but not really lol)

School has been taking its toll on me as far as my time for reefing goes, but I finished my last final yesterday, so that means a month to focus on my build (and relaxing!) until it's back learning stuff :)

I talked to the stand builder a few days ago, and the custom steel stand should be done in the next week or two, which Im excited about. My tank will finally be "off the ground" so to speak

The next step will be plumbing it and ordering the Red Dragon return pump, I cant wait for that!

Im excited about getting this tank up and running though, Ive been so stressed lately and hopefully this break from school will help me find the passion that I once had for reefkeeping.

[OceanInMotion]

im SO glad i never had to study and still managed a 3.7 when i graduatetd with a BA in CS. i actually slacked off pretty much 20/7, paid attention in class, took good notes just in case...

school is really stressful though, and a tank should give you an outlet to relieve that stress. good luck to ya

[ClownReef®]

Very cool!

My project is also coming along nicely. I have a thread going on RC...

Best of luck.

[cpreefguy]

I guess I can be 3rd in line for slowest build :D
However, I do have an update! I talked to my Stand Man today, Raymond aka werp. It is on its last leg of completion and Ill be able to pick it up next week. The next step will be contemplating my sump design, followed by a PM to Ace :bighug:

[cpreefguy]

Big Update!
The tank is on the stand!
I met up with Raymond today and got the stand, great guy. I think we talked about the old days of MAAST for about an hour and a half :D
The stand looks great, and is perfect. It is so much easier to conceptualize how I want this tank to look now that it is up off of the floor. The tank will sit on a piece of starboard type material, as well as a piece of foam since it is rimless.
Here are a few pics, enjoy!
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8512.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8510.jpg

Next up is to draw up a few sump ideas, it will match the tank, rimless glass with black silicone :D
Im thinking of the drain going to a refugium chamber that will take up half of the sump, them spliting the remaining half into two chambers. One for the Bubble King skimmer, and the other for the Red Dragon return pump. It will loosely resemble this cube sump idea by MELEV:



http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/cube/hex_sump_set.jpg

[LoneStar]

Nice!! Should be ample elbow room for the corals. What are you planning on using to coat the stand with?

[cpreefguy]

Im thinking about either powdercoating it metallic blue, or getting it Line-X'd
The powdercoating would be cool, but I know the Line-X will be way more durable.
Im also going to skin it with three panels so that it will cover all visable sides, but when I need to get to the sump area I can just slide it off of the stand. It will look pretty clean though with no door or anything.

[cpreefguy]

I have made a few decisions on my build.
I am getting the stand modified a little for removable in-laid panels and a light rack. It will then be powder coated Metallic Blue, Im still throwing the color choice around since I dont want it to take away from the tank too much, but I do want it to be unique, and it will be unique :D.
For reference, this would be the color of the stand (the blue part :D ):
http://www.colorwarepc.com/images/gallery/small_product_gallery/slide007_lg.jpg

Ive also decided that for my birthday in April, I am going to ask everyone for Aquarium Specialty gift certificates to help me with the following order:
Bubble King Mini 160 Skimmer
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/images/MiniBK.jpg
Red Dragon Mini 3.5m3 Pump
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/images/mini3.5.jpg

Peltech Ocean GEOtronic 300 Chiller/Heater
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/images/Ocean_300.jpg

I am also still trying to decide on a sump design.
I have also been endlessly researching aquascaping to get ideas for my tank. I have decided to emulate the Rainbow Lagoon, low and well thought out:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d186/hceiv/Audio/DSC02387.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d186/hceiv/Audio/DSC02560.jpg

That is it for now, Ill update when the stand is done and/or when I figure the sump put. Thanks for looking :D

[LoneStar]

Very nice. I like the equipment choices and ideas for the tank. They are some I would choose myself. Definitely worth following when I get back into the hobby.

[erikharrison]

So what's up with that Red Dragon? Is it ultra quiet? I know they recommend them for ZeoVit reactors but what are you going to do with it? :bigsmile:

Learn us sumptin.

[Texreefer]

very very cool,,Sean will soon be selling $1000 frags to pay for all that!:bigsmile:

[cpreefguy]

Michael- Thanks!

Erik- The Red Dragon is ultra quiet, it is going to be my return pump. I chose most of my equipment on how quietly it operates, since the tank will be in my room. The Bubble King is supposed to be almost silent as well.

Mike- LOL! Ive secretly been making many frags over the past few weekends, so it will be many frags at lower prices this time :D

[cpreefguy]

An update for my followers :D

Before the meeting on Saturday, I received a PM from lhoy, stating that he saw my thread in the WTB forum for the 30cube to use as a sump, and that he had a used sump that he thought I could use. I thought, well ok, just bring it. Even though Im looking for specific dimensions and baffles. Whatever, we'll see.

So, I see Lee at the meeting, and we check the sump out.
OMG!!!
It was like he had it built to my exact specifications! Look at post #51 here. The sump has almost the exact dimensions that I wanted (these were actually even better dims), the baffles are exactly the same as I wanted, as posted in #51 above. It was just too crazy that he had this and it was exactly to-the-T what I wanted. So thanks Lee, Im adding you to my "Thank You page" :D

So, I now have my sump. I also met Werp there with some sketches and ideas I had for modifications for the stand before I send it off to the powder coaters (I still cant decide on a color!), plus the light rack will be built to hold a 4x24w ATI Powermodule, and a 6x24w ATI Powermodule. I should have the stand back in about a week.

From there, it is on to trying to aquire another 24" Powermodule to complete my lighting. Then, I am going to place my order with Aquarium Specialty for the Bubble King, Red Dragon, Ocean GEOtronic chiller, Tunze 6101 w/ single controller, and who knows what else Ill find before then!!!

Thanks for reading, and what is an enty without a pic???
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8093.jpg

Im currently trying to get this colored back up!

[LoneStar]

Then, I am going to place my order with Aquarium Specialty for the Bubble King, Red Dragon, Ocean GEOtronic chiller, Tunze 6101 w/ single controller, and who knows what else Ill find before then!!!

Profilux II controller :innocent2:

[cpreefguy]

Michael- I wish!

Here are a few pics of my newly acquired pieces of equipment.
My perfect sump, thanks Lee!
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8527.jpg

Tunze magnet mount for the 6101 when I order it, thanks John!
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8531.jpg

[cpreefguy]

I added one of these to my list, a nano stream rock. It will be positioned in the bottom left corner pointed upwards to combat the 6101 in the upper right corner :D
http://tunze.com/fileadmin/images/product_database/6025.250.jpg

[sharkboy]

I have never heard of a powermodule...is that a new type of lighting?

[cpreefguy]

It is relatively new in the US, I think the first shipment of them came into the US at the very end of last year, or the beginning of this year. They are made by ATI, more info here:
www.reefgeek.com

[cpreefguy]

After a lot of consideration and research, I have decided to go with the Korallen-Zucht Revolution S Skimmer instead of the Bubble King mini 160.
I placed my order today, it will be coming straight from KZ in Coburg, Germany :D
I should have it in about 2 weeks, here is a pic until then
http://www.korallen-zucht.de/index.php?rex_resize=434w__revo_m_1.jpg

[apedroza]

That thing looks like a lava lamp!!!! How are the reviews on it???

[cpreefguy]

LOL yeah, it is different looking.
I decided on it because the BK skimmers are Very, Very, Very efficient, and strip elements out of the water almost as fast as they can be replaced. There were many incidences of BK users that were losing a lot of SPS, then switching to the KZ skimmer and finding themselves much more successful.

[cpreefguy]

I ordered a few other essential pieces of equipment, a Tunze Stream 6101 and 7091 Single controller, courtesy of Matt at www.reefready.net :D This should be coming in about the same time as the skimmer.
http://www.saltycritter.com/images/pics/tunze/tunze_ts07.jpg

I may also order the optional photo cell 7094.05, and the nano-stream rock 6025.250 . Matt really has been a pleasure to deal with :D

What's left in order to get my tank running you may ask?

Let's see, I need to get my stand powder coated, the Red Dragon return pump, fuge light, Ocean GEOtronic Chiller, and I also need to acquire the 2nd 6x24w ATI Powermodule.

[Texreefer]

Matt really has been a pleasure to deal with :D


yeah,, he is about to pee his pants with excitement over all the money your giving him:bigsmile:

[cpreefguy]

yeah,, he is about to pee his pants with excitement over all the money your giving him:bigsmile: LOL, I didnt spend that much :angel:

[BIGBIRD123]

looks like a potential sponsor....

[cpreefguy]

That's right, my new system will be a 300



Liter :D

I finalized my order with Matt @ reefready and I should be getting it soon :)

[cpreefguy]

Update:
Today I received a little something from Korallen Zucht :D
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8623.jpg

[KyleV]

Christmas in March?

[RayAllen]

Come on Now! We want to see whats in the box!

[cpreefguy]

Come on Now! We want to see whats in the box!

Oh, sorry! Here you go :bigsmile:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8634.jpg

[greenmako]

you tease...lol

[DisturbedReefer]

cpreefguy, Thanks for the invite to your build thread! I will be keeping a close watch on this one since I have the same (minus the overflow) AO 60g Cube. I love this tank and the size is fantastic for an office or a room...mine is in my home office. Here is a quick pic of mine, I don't have all of the great equipment like yours...yet. That KZ skimmer looks great, I was looking at the BK 160 for an upgrade but reconsidering after your comment about the BK and overkill. I have a BM 160 right now, it is doing great, but that is one of the great things about this hobby...getting the latest and greatest! My tank...

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f60/Disturbedreefer/DSC_6863ALarge.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f60/Disturbedreefer/DSC_0077.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f60/Disturbedreefer/DSC_0083-1.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Welcome to MAAST DisturbedReefer!
Your tank is looking great!
I am also happy that I went with the KZ skimmer instead of the Bubble King. If I can find it, I will post he thread with 20+ people that switched off of the BK to something different (I think about 5 went with the KZ), all of them noticed a great difference in the health of their corals after they switched. Tjomas @ KZ has reportedly received hundreds of reports stating the same.
Thanks for checking out my thread :D

[DisturbedReefer]

Got a link for where you bought that KZ? Yeah, I'd be interested in the link on the converters to the KZ. I will continue to watch your thread to pick up any ideas you might have for our coveted AO cubes. Please come check out my thread on RF as well...http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30592

[cpreefguy]

Got a link for where you bought that KZ? Yeah, I'd be interested in the link on the converters to the KZ. I will continue to watch your thread to pick up any ideas you might have for our coveted AO cubes. Please come check out my thread on RF as well...http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30592
I signed up over there, nice build thread as well.

I got mine directly from www.korallen-zucht.de
It took about 2-2.5 weeks to get. I know Aquarium Specialty has them In-stock and you will receive it much faster from them.

Here is the link I was talking about. Bogg is the one who pointed me in the right direction:
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36732

[DisturbedReefer]

Hurry up and get this tank running, I want to see how your KZ skimmer works on it :bigsmile: Keep us posted on any progress.

[cpreefguy]

Lets see, first I need to get the stand and the equipment stand powder coated. Then, I need to order the return pump (at least). At that point, I will plumb it and fill it just to get it running
After that, sand and rock will go in. I plan to have it running for a few months before I transfer any livestock over.
ETA for water and rock, Id say mid-April

[DisturbedReefer]

Mid April sounds good. This has been a very well thought out tank! I just want to live vicariously through you (with all the high end components). You can live vicariously through me with an AO 60g cube already running. Lots of changes coming for mine...going to replace the tank I have with a new Blue series with external overflow (got mine used and it has a bulkhead on the bottom), aluminum stand (skinned in aluminum and glass), Sfiligoi Infinity XR6- HQI 1 x 250 watt with T5 and Moonlights, Maybe an upgrade to the Korallen Zucht Revolution S Skimmer (want to see how yours performs). I guess that's all for now:bigsmile:

[cpreefguy]

Sounds like you have some good equipment coming too!
I looked at the XR4 before deciding on the Powermodule, I saw the 250w XR4 in action at MACNA and they are BRIGHT! Probably bright enough for a 120.

[mcgilacoty]

sean, have you considered bluing your stand? if it is mild steel or stainless you can do this and it will give it a nice subtle shade. i can give you some more info if you are interested. looks like a helluva setup!

[cpreefguy]

Will "bluing" rust proof it? That is what I am most worried about...

Thanks for the compliment :)

[BioCube14]

cpreef your tank sounds like its going to be sweet I cant wait to see more pics.

[BioCube14]

rust is the main thing you need to worry about with any metal even if you do powdercoat it I say you rhino line , line X type stuff. I had a bunch of stuff powdercoated (Carstuff) and eventually it did show signs of rust after a couple years I can imagine with salt it would be quicker.

[sharkboy]

Sean, not sure if you have mentioned this but will you be using the zeovit method?

[mcgilacoty]

the bluing won't protect it. you have to use an acrylic sealer on top of the bluing. it makes it look even cooler. You can accomplish the same thing by annealing the metal and using a sealer, but it is a more tedious process. the bluing looks great especially in a home setting.

are you sure your "carstuff" was powdercoated instead of conventionally painted? unless chipped, the powdercoat should never rust through. the thing about powdercoat is that it is much more resistant to chipping than paint. it sounds like your powdercoater didn't do a very good job. you should be ****ed!

[mcgilacoty]

oh yeah... you can always powdercoat over the bluing if it turns out you don't like it (which i highly doubt would happen). msg me if you have anymore questions.

[cpreefguy]

It sounds really cool, but Im not sure about the durability vs that of powder coating, off to google :)

[cpreefguy]

Sean, not sure if you have mentioned this but will you be using the zeovit method?
TBD :bigsmile:

[BioCube14]

well the powdercoat guy i went to does good work the parts he did were in the elements were showing signs of rust after about 2 years the stuff not in the elements looked like new still I dont think he went the extra mile though coating or sealing but i guess if you used a sealer of somekind you should be fine

[mcgilacoty]

durability is relative. if you're gonna be banging it around alot you probably don't want to go with the bluing/sealer because the sealer will scratch similar to paint but you can't compare the look of powdercoat to bluing in my humble opinion. i can't imagine that you would be abusing this thing enough to justify powdercoating. i would suggest buying a small bottle of metal bluing (it is inexpensive) and trying it out on a small part of the stand. try rubbing in one coat and if you want a little darker shade rub in another coat. keep in mind that the sealer will give it a luster so the finished product will look shinier than the bluing "in the buff." another thought, black acrylic doors would look pretty sweet with your setup.

btw, i'm a metal fabricator and do have experience with this stuff. i'm not just blowing smoke up your butt.

[SoLiD]

Is your stand made of Carbon Steel. If so you might consider Parkerizing it. I have a Remington 700 PSS that employs that type of rust protection. It looks like it will take an act of god to get that stuff off. -David

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkerize

[jessie71763]

Condensed version of the thread so far!

I currently have a 22g Finnex and ran out of room a while ago. Any reefer knows what that means, UPGRADE!!!
Tank:
Aquarium Obsessed Blue Series 60 gallon cube (24x24x24)
Rimless, 3 sides 1/2" Starphire with black silicone and
Smoked glass center overflow
Stand:
A custom steel stand is in the works
Filtration:
Simple sump with Bubble King Mini 160
Red Dragon Return pump
Tunze 6100's for circulation
Lighting:
24" 4x24w ATI Powermodule with KZ Bulbs (3 coral light, 1 fiji purple)
Aquascaping:
Im going to keep it very simple, pulling inspiration from the Japanese Style aquascaping methods. Im also going to try and aquascape by the "Golden Ratio" of Aquascaping outlined in invincible569's blog. It will be interesting to see how it comes out.
Livestock:
SPS!

Here are a few pictures of the equipment I have acquired so far, most notably the 24" Powermodule
Tank all crated up fresh from Canada:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8109.jpg
BLUE Glass:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8121.jpg
Nice lookin overflow!
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8155.jpg
I had to slide it in on a towel because this tank is heavy! (~160lbs)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8149.jpg
24" 4x24w ATI Powermodule:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8166.jpg
KZ bulbs
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8169.jpg
I hope to have this running soon, Im ordering the Red Dragon this week and the stand will hopefully be done soon.

Hello, nice tank, I too have a cube reef system, it's a 80 gallon cube 1/2 acrylic. My direct e-mail is jcjma@worldnet.att.net shoot me an e-mail and I will send you pics of my tank. I build my own stand and canopy. I have 300 watts of VHO with Icecaps 660 ballast and also 250 watt 14,000 kelvin also icecaps ballast. The lights are controlled with ReefKeeper controller. CPR wet/dry, 1/10 Current chiller all this inside the stand and it's not even crowded.

Looking forward in chatting with you.

Thanks Jessie

[cpreefguy]

Hey Jessie,
I would love to see your tank, as Im sure would others! :)
If you would post pics and such in the photography forum that would be awesome, sounds like you have a great setup.

[cpreefguy]

I guess I can give a mini-update :shades:
I ordered and received my Top off from www.top-off.com (http://www.top-off.com)
http://top-off.com/images/items/Top-Off%20Deluxe%201%20Combo.jpg
They custom made my bracket to fit my sump which has 1.5" eurobracing throughout. I cant say enough great things about them and their products.
I also ordered an Eheim 1260 for my skimmer, which I received on Friday.

Biggest news, I finalized my order with Greg at www.reekgeek.com (http://www.reekgeek.com) tonight for my 6x24w ATI Powermodule. I should have it next week :applause:

Thanks for following!

[apedroza]

So your gonna have 10 total bulbs??? Or you gonna just use the 6x24W??

[cpreefguy]

I'll be running both fixtures, so yes, 10 bulbs total :)

[Headless_donkey]

Those are some amazing light fixtures. Do you know exactly what bulb combo you are going to run?

[cpreefguy]

Ill probably run:
6- KZ Gen 2 14k Coral Light
2- KZ Gen 1 Coral Light
2- KZ Fiji Purple

[cpreefguy]

gen2 14k
gen2 14k
FP
gen1
gen2 14k
gen2 14k
gen1
FP
gen2 14k
gen2 14k

[cpreefguy]

I received my 6x24w ATI Powermodule yesterday, thanks to Greg at ReefGeek!
My 4x24w Powermodule is currently too bright for my 22g, so I am kind of afraid of running 10 bulbs on the new cube :hypnotyized:
If I use both fixtures, they will cover the whole area of the tank, the bad thing is that I will be lighting my overflow box as well. In retrospect, I may have ordered the 8x24w Powermodule, since it is 17.5" deep and so is my tank before the overflow box. We'll see!
I also received a modified injector for the KZ skimmer (thats right, mods before it is even running lol)

[greenmako]

just make a small lid out of black acrylic that sits on top of the overflow that way the light will not grow algae in there.

[cpreefguy]

just make a small lid out of black acrylic that sits on top of the overflow that way the light will not grow algae in there.
Good idea, I still feel like I am wasting 2 bulbs on the over flow though...

[cpreefguy]

A quick pic:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8669.jpg

[DrMark]

Seems like the 6 bulb fixture is plenty for the cube by itself?
Mark

[LoneStar]

Seems like the 6 bulb fixture is plenty for the cube by itself?
Mark

Not if your hardcore :bigsmile:

[SoLiD]

Not if your hardcore :bigsmile:

Hardcore would be a 1000Watt MH Fixture. No wait, that would be insane. :lightbulb::lightbulb::lightbulb: :hypnotyized: :lightbulb::lightbulb::lightbulb:

[LoneStar]

Hardcore would be a 1000Watt MH Fixture. No wait, that would be insane. :lightbulb::lightbulb::lightbulb: :hypnotyized: :lightbulb::lightbulb::lightbulb:

No, thats TexasTodd style! :bigsmile:

[cpreefguy]

What a great birthday!
My parents bought me the Red Dragon 3.5 return pump!
and my GF bought me a few Zeovit products, the new generation 14k Coral light bulbs, and Boston Aqua Farms Bone cutters!!!
Looks like the tank will be up sooner than I thought!

[sharkboy]

Sweet!

[apedroza]

Happy Birthday Sean!!! Thanks for the frag!!

[MissT]

Awesome birthday presents! oh, and

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/SmokeStew20/happybirthday.jpg

[DisturbedReefer]

Congrats and Happy Birthday!

[cpreefguy]

Thanks everyone! :wub:
It was cool that I got to spend a bit of my birthday with fellow MAASTards!

Here are a few pics of the goods :bigsmile:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8676.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8679.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8677.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8678.jpg
The New Generation bulbs look awesome BTW:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8681.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Got Tunze?

I do :D

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8702.jpg

Ill be running a 6101 Stream, with a 6200 shroud (less reach, wider flow wall) connected to a 7091 single controller with photocell for night mode.
Im also going to run a modified 6025 in a nano-stream rock at the bottom left corner of the tank pointed up towards the surface for a rolling effect.

[MissT]

http://kingdomboundbooks.com/blog/cha_ching.jpg

[Dozer]

Great thread, the tank looks great!!

[OneDayMatt]

Got Tunze?

I do :D

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8702.jpg

Ill be running a 6101 Stream, with a 6200 shroud (less reach, wider flow wall) connected to a 7091 single controller with photocell for night mode.
Im also going to run a modified 6025 in a nano-stream rock at the bottom left corner of the tank pointed up towards the surface for a rolling effect.

It looks like we share more than one interest. I had Project Mu SCR rotors on my NSX! (Have a C5 Z06 now)

[cpreefguy]

It looks like we share more than one interest. I had Project Mu SCR rotors on my NSX! (Have a C5 Z06 now)
Oh yeah :thumbs_up:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8619.jpg

Sweet ride(s) btw!

[sawarf]

Sean,
Are you totally in love with the lava lamp? :wub: I want to upgrade to a quieter skimmer and am interested in Korallen Zucht. I want something that will do its job but I don't want to hear it from two or three rooms away... Know what I mean? Just thought I would check with you b4 I upgrade. I value your opinion and advice! =-)


Update:
Today I received a little something from Korallen Zucht :D
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8623.jpg

[cpreefguy]

sawaf:
It has been a while, and I missed your post, sorry!
It is not in action, but I have seen videos and it is near silent. I can let you know for sure in August :)

I have been busy and this project has been on hold. I had a chance to work on it a little yesterday and today. I cut out the 1/2" insulation foam for it to sit on, as well as the plywood which is coated in Kilz. I also cut the eggcrate for the bottom. I plan on attaching a few GreatStuff foam structures to it.

If you look at the pic below, you will see the white PVC piece, it is located precisely at the "Golden Ratio" point, which is where your focal point should be because the eye is supposedly naturally drawn to it. Im still toying around with that idea, I may locate it on the other side of the tank....TBD

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN8792.jpg

[apedroza]

Sean where did you get the insulation foam?? Is the plywood coated in kilz the top of your tank stand?? Also what kind of kilz are you using?? Trying to set up my little cube in the next few days.

[cpreefguy]

Sean where did you get the insulation foam?? Is the plywood coated in kilz the top of your tank stand?? Also what kind of kilz are you using?? Trying to set up my little cube in the next few days.
I got it at Lowes, I have a ton left over that you are free to have if you need it, just let me know.
The plywood will go on top of the stand, then the foam, then the tank on top of them.
I have 1.25" angle iron on top of the stand so it will hide the wood and foam.
I used the white kilz in the spray can, but ran out and used the paint on kind for half.
HTH.

[apedroza]

Sure I'll take the foam if you have any left!!! If your going to the meeting I can get it from you then!!! Thanks for the tips. Also I will be going sandless, but wanted to put some starboard at the bottom. Any ideas about using starboard??

[cpreefguy]

Ill bring it to the meting :)
I dont have any experience with starboard, I know a few people around here have it though...

[LoneStar]

Sure I'll take the foam if you have any left!!! If your going to the meeting I can get it from you then!!! Thanks for the tips. Also I will be going sandless, but wanted to put some starboard at the bottom. Any ideas about using starboard??


I bought mine at Regal Plastics in San Antonio. Depending on your tank size and Seans, it might be better to order the material at the same time(if your gonna go that route). They may not sell it on small sizes, since they would have a lot of cut off waste. Or they may make you order at least a half sheet.

Either way, when you cut it, make your dimensions a little shorter on all sides. You do not want the Starboard to sit ontop of the silcone holding the glass together. Use a ton of silicone to attach the Starboard to the bottom pane of glass. Then use silicone to fill in the gaps on the edges. Running a ice cube over the top will help give you a nice, flat edge as you go.

[apedroza]

Thnaks for the help. I'll call the regal plastic here in Austin and see if they carry it.

[JeffCo]

They call it HDPE and they will cut it for you as well for a small fee. i got mine in black.

[apedroza]

OOOOHHH Black!!! I like that!!

[cpreefguy]

But white will reflect light back up at your corals :)

[LoneStar]

On a side note, I am running the 4x24w Powermodule on my current tank using a 1:1 of the KZ Coral light and KZ fiji purple bulbs. I have to say that this fixture blows me away! It runs very cool, and the color I get from it is outrageous. Ill update tomorrow with some pics of my current tank.

How has that ATI fixture been working out for you? I'm kicking around ideas in my head :shades:

[cpreefguy]

Im still loving it.
Ive changed the bulb combo a little. It is just a solid fixture

[LoneStar]

Nice. I'm looking at using a 24" T-5 fixture on a tank I'm planning.

What bulb combo are you using now? And what will you use on the new tank?

[cpreefguy]

Right now Im using:
KZ Coral Light 14k (new gen)
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus

On the new tank I plan to use the following combo:
ATI Blue Plus
UV Actinic
KZ Coral Light 14k new gen
ATI Blue Plus
UV Actinic
KZ Coral Light 10k first gen
KZ Fiji Purple
UV Actinic
KZ Coral Light 14k new gen
ATI Blue Plus

[LoneStar]

Any updates? :shades:

[cpreefguy]

Im dropping my stand off today to get powder coated, I should have it back in about a week :D

[LoneStar]

Im dropping my stand off today to get powder coated, I should have it back in about a week :D

Nice!

[cpreefguy]

Actually they were closed today, so Ill drop ot off monday :)

[LoneStar]

1. I am going another direction on the new tank, so Im selling my Tunze 6101 and accessories.

So what direction are you taking with the flow in your tank? :innocent2:

[cpreefguy]

Not sure yet :)
Im going to see what's at MACNA :D

[LoneStar]

haha good call

BTW Todd from Cherry Corals is going to have a nice booth setup at MACNA when you go.

Let me know what you find out.

[cpreefguy]

^^^ Ill take some pics for ya

[LoneStar]

Did you ever get one of these? Or still have plans on going that route?

Peltech Ocean GEOtronic 300 Chiller/Heater
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/images/Ocean_300.jpg

I'm doing a bit of research on the Peltier style chillers (thermoelectric chiller) and contemplating going that route.

[cpreefguy]

I was going to, but I decided on the Teco seachill.
Though those peltech chillers are cool, I couldnt justify spending that much on it

[LoneStar]

Ahh ok. GHL is coming out with their own version of these and I'm considering one after my tank is up and running. Going to see how the temp fluctuates first though, once its running.

[cpreefguy]

Well. turns out the stand had accumulated some surface rust in the time it was sitting around. I went to get it sandblasted, but the place that does it went out of business. Too much trouble, not enough time.
So... Im in contact with bigdscobra here, AKA Dan the owner of Line-x of San Antonio to get it line-x'd! :D
Its going to be almost 3x as much to get it LineX'd but I think it is worth it, plus they do other colors besides black.
Then Im thinking of some sort of custom skin for it.

I also picked up the Teco Seachill 1/8hp chiller from addboy (thanks Garrett!)
Sweet unit, I was about to pay $650+ for it, until Garrett made me the great deal of $300, and it has been used for 1/2 a year, so I was excited about that.

Additionally, I ordered the heater that installs in the chiller for total temperature control.
And I ordered a Vortech mp40w too! Both of the above from Scott at Aquarium Specialty. They should be here this week.
Check this Vortech wave action out!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLYKrI0equQ

Other than that, Im just trying to get everything all done and set up by next week.

[lhoy]

Sean, I told Garrett you would want that chiller when I went there to pick up his zoa's and palys!! That was a STEAL!!!

Lee

[cpreefguy]

Good looking out Lee!

[BioCube14]

wow that is some crazy wave action EARTHQUAKE!

[apedroza]

I kept waiting for the water to splash over the sides but it never did!!!! Cool waves!!

[cpreefguy]

Well, Im sad to say that this build will not reach fruition.
I have decided that is just isnt the right time for me to have a bigger tank.
Ill be graduating this year, and I dont know what I will be doing after that so I dont want to set this up, only to tear it down a short time later.
I am going to keep my Finnex, or I may see if there is a slightly larger All-In-One tank at MACNA that catches my eye :D

It was a hard decision, but I know it is the right one.

Thanks for following this build, and sorry it isnt going to happen.

[DrMark]

I did enjoy it. I learn and appreciate all the builds, even the ones that dont get finished. Was going to be top notch, just the way i like it.
Wait till you have graduated and settled, to where you will be for quite a while, then do it up right!!
mark

[cpreefguy]

^^^
Exactly! Thanks for the words.

[cpreefguy]

Also, I will be keeping some stuff for my current tank (or a different all-in-one if I can find one I like) such as the chiller, vortech pump, and the 6x24w Powermodule, and one of the custom steel stands.

[LoneStar]

boooooooooooo









































lol jk

Makes sense though. Take a look at MACNA and see what is there. Its better to keep it small while moving around anyways. See if a certain 'swoosh' brand is there and see how you like their 'all-in-one' setups :innocent2:

[sharkboy]

I'm sure something will catch your eye at Macna...

[BioCube14]

Yea I hear you on the setup ..its so easy to just buy a All IN ONE and plug and play im thinking of going finnex M tank 30 gal! or another solana why cant there be more AIO that are in the 30 gal range

[Iplantz]

Hey if your going to get the Finnex M tank, just make sure you plan on getting a better skimmer. The lights are pretty good though for the price. Or you can get a no light version.

[SoLiD]

Yea I hear you on the setup ..its so easy to just buy a All IN ONE and plug and play im thinking of going finnex M tank 30 gal! or another solana why cant there be more AIO that are in the 30 gal range


I can't wait for Red Sea to release their Red Sea MAX 250 (65 Gallon Model). I know you like cubes, but maybe you could hold out for that one, Sean?

http://www.reefbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/red-sea-max-250.jpg

http://www.reefbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/red-sea-max-250-wide.jpg
pictures belong to www.reefbuilders.com

-David

[BioCube14]

wow what type of lighting is going to be on that sucker?

[BioCube14]

I found more info

Update: We have found out more specs: The Red Sea Max 250 will be available in black, silver or white. It comes with 6×39 watt T5 lighting, which equals to 236 watts of total lighting. Built in fans and lights are controlled with the T5’s lights via a nice digital timer. Dual aquarium pumps which produce about 15x aquarium turnover at 3600 lph (950 GPH). Not to be neglected is a full size turbo injected protein skimmer called the “C-skim” (pictured) which gives 300lph of air which is powered by a 2400 lph (633 GPH) pump. Comes with all the mechanical, biological and chemical stages as the orginal red sea max. There will be a chiller kit available soon and the stand will be able to easily accommodate this. Expect the power center to be the same as the smaller model with one cord going to the main socket.

this is going to be a sweet! sweet! TANK! But I hope I dont pass out when I hear the price.

[SoLiD]

The CEO of Red Sea lives in San Antonio & was a surprise guest speaker at one of our Meetings this year. He is the guy at the far left in the last picture. He leaked the information of the Red Sea MAX 250 to us there at the meeting. He even passed out the one and only brochure for all of us to see. But there wasn't a price anywhere to be found. :ph34r:

-David

[BioCube14]

well we should get him to give us a deal on these tanks hehe I'll buy him lunch or something

[dustint21]

I want one!!!!

[cpreefguy]

:D

[LoneStar]

:D

Did you decided to go with the Red Sea Max 250??

[cpreefguy]

Nope, it's just something about this 1/2" starphire box sitting on my floor :D