My 50 gallon cube build

[ocean17]

All,

Just wanted to post some pics of my recent 50 gallon cube build. I switched out the sump because my drain box/bubble trap were too small so there are more detailed pictures of the "second" sump/fuge build towards the end. Main pump is a Mag 9 with a simple closed loop utilizing a Mag 7. Overflow plenum is 6" x 6". I have a 150W viper on the tank currently but will be upgrading to the 250W with fan soon. I have a Tunze 9010 skimmer coming as well. The cabinet I built myself and wrapped in old wood that came from a set of cattle pens I tore down years ago. These were 2 x 6's which I ripped down the middle to make them lighter. I then found three window sashes and used them as doors.

This is the initial mock up of the cube
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0484.jpg

Cube stand and sump
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0497.jpg

Stand structure, pretty basic
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0500.jpg

Bench testing after fully plumbed
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0502.jpg

My raw materials
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0499.jpg

After I wrapped the stand but prior to another bench test
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0514.jpg

WHAAAAAA!!! That's with the light
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0517.jpg

Ok, will send up the new sump build after this thread goes up as I'm not sure there is a limit to what can be loaded at one time.

[Mr Cob]

Now that's an original stand. Love the panels. It all looks great!

[ocean17]

The following are a little more detailed of the actual build of the second sump. The local acrylic shop told me that by putting some card stock in between the pieces you want to weld up, fully jigged up, then carefully removing, will give you just enough space so your solution will have the proper capillary action and it worked great.

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0530.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0531.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0532.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0540.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0541.jpg

[ocean17]

Since I'm much better with acrylic than I am with wood, building a rustic stand allows for a ton of mistakes and missed angles. The windows were painted with that "crackle paint" so that's why they look a bit blighted. This build was a heck of a lot of fun and I'm glad I decided to install this in the house and not sell it.

[jeffro]

You have some real talent, fantastic looking build

[txav8r]

Awesome build thread! I love that stand!!

[hobogato]

great job, this is gonna be a great setup. looking forward to keeping up with your progress.

[joelb]

man i've got to get me some tools! very nice

[jpond83]

i would like to see more pics of this build

[1fstlightning]

I like how that stand has almost that "Rustic" look. Good job, looks nice.

[1fstlightning]

i would like to see more pics of this build X2!

[clone]

man thats a nice cube.
ill be watching out for this one.

[Paul28]

Those Windows on the stand thats a cool idea

[jesserettele]

Great taste and talent. Very nice looking, modern rustic style, while showing off the guts of the system in the sump. I will also be looking forward to the progress. Thanks for sharing.

[ocean17]

All,

Now I wish I would have taken more pics. Understand that the rustic look was two fold, 1, I had the material and 2 you can be pretty sloppy on your joins and cuts and it still looks good. The inspiration for this tank was a tank that I think Aggman now has that i saw at a MAAST get together in San Marcus. It had extra think acrylic sides and a see through base.

This is it.
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0246.jpg

Here is my tank currently. I've added a 250W Viper, with built in fan, which sounds like a jet engine so I added the hood. Didn't keep my blue spot jaw fish from jumping out a couple of days ago. Those fish need to come with warning labels.
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0557.jpg

This pic was taken late one evening when I finally got my leaks fixed and had the new light installed out in the garage. I was a religious experience, thus the glow ;-)
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0505.jpg

Up in the thread and in this pic you can see I have leaks on the main tank.
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0503.jpg

How my son entertains himself in the shop
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0488.jpg

Notice the lock line
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0489.jpg

I built 5 25 gallon cubes as practice before going any bigger. Two were given as Christmas gifts and we're using one as holding tank, oh one started leaking and one is unfinished.
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/txmaverickmh/JD%201st%20Upload/IMG_0487.jpg

Sorry for the photo quality, it's the iPhones fault.

[ocean17]

I'm going to try to take some better pics with my Nikon today after the lights come on. I'll post some of the finished tank soon. I'm still waiting on my Tunze 9010 but right now everything seems to be pretty happy. I've even kept an SPS alive for a week, heck of a deal.

[1fstlightning]

I built 5 25 gallon cubes as practice before going any bigger. Two were given as Christmas gifts and we're using one as holding tank, oh one started leaking and one is unfinished.

You gonna wanna sell one of those? If so I might be interested in getting one.

[ocean17]

I'd sell the one that is still running for 199. Material alone plus pump is 150. It has a false back with bubble chamber, fuge and return section. I'm using it as a holding tank now so I'd need some notice to get stuff moved.

I'd recommend a Viper 150W MH too,

jd

[1fstlightning]

I just noticed that you in Corpus. Dont really know the next time I could get down there

[saabtech]

craftsman!
many props to ya'!

[diego]

That cube is amazing. Great job.

[BIGBIRD123]

James,
One thing that impressed me about you is that when you start something, you finish it! I can't think of anything you have done since we met that was second best. This is Top Notch my friend...

[txmaverickmh]

No doubt guys! I have personally watched James become the acrylic master and he is getting very good! And, he is so freaking hard on himself!

James, I am so sorry to hear about the blue-spot jawfish, I feel for your loss especially since I have had two jump from my tank, and I know it is one of yours as well as my favorite fish.

Cant wait for the big MAAST party at your place this weekend! Woo Hoo!

Michael