50g Acropora Cube

[Acroporaaddict]

Overall, how happy are you with the tank? I currently own a Cad Lights Versa 42Gal now and I want to make the switch over to a cube aquarium. I've grown fascinated with them lately. Is that the stock plumbing you have on it currently?

Honestly, the only reason I went with the cube is because 50g was the max my apartment would allow and I like 24" depth x 20" tall so this was the only tank that fit those dimensions. I would have much preferred 36" long instead of 24". With that said, The tank is very nice. It does have some minor flaws in the silicon and the overflow is off center about .5" to the left. I never would have noticed if i didn't need to take measurements for my Clearview lid. That is not stock plumbing, The only items i purchased through SCA were the tank and stand, everything else is aftermarket lol

 

[mystersyster]

So you're barebottom now? I'd like to see some pics lol

 

[Jaysushi]

@Acroporaaddict Ahh okay, thank you for your answer! I am still looking at cube aquariums at the moment. It is either between the Cad Lights Versa 60G or the SCA 50G. I already own a Cad Lights so I know the quality is acceptable, but I'll see and look into it some more. I do plan to go bare bottom with the new tank too. I want a cube mainly because I own a Radion XR30 G4 Pro now and if I were to get a longer tank I'd have to buy another light, which I do not want to do at the moment lol.

 

[Acroporaaddict]

So you're barebottom now? I'd like to see some pics lol

I'm about 90% barebottom now. Been taking a little bit out with each water change. One or two more and all the sand will be gone. I'll post a FTS when I'm at home and all the lights are on

 

[Jaysushi]

Sounds good, I am excited to see the tank. Sorry about your loss though and it is at least good to hear that you got rid of dino.

 

[Acroporaaddict]

Alright, here are some updated pictures.

Notable changes:
*Going Barebottom
*Running 2 Neptune WAVs along with 2 MP40s on the way
*Running a filter cup with rolled up pad instead of filter socks
*15w UV sterilizer
*Removed the Kalk stirrer and now feeding saturated limewater straight from 5g container
*Have a Vertex RX6 Calcium Reactor, Kamoer FX-STP peristaltic pump and Carbon doser on standby for when the tank needs it

 

[Sumo Reef]

Why the cup with pad? I would think the top would fill up with detritus first and just keep the rest of the pad from helping?

 

[vaughnkingreefs]

Thank you for all of the info with regard to your experience with this system. I am very close to pulling the trigger on one of these systems. I was going to go with the 66 gallon, but the 50 gallon is the only one discounted at this moment and I'd rather save some money for equipment. Can you please explain how you plumbed this system? What went into your decision to plumb your tank this way?

Thanks!

 

[Acroporaaddict]

Got the 2 mp40wqd installed and running. I don't think flow will ever be my limiting factor when talking about Acropora growth in this tank

Also picked up a nice frag of CG Cherry Bomb

 

[Acroporaaddict]

Few updated pictures

 

[Acroporaaddict]

Haven't updated in awhile. Got the calcium reactor hooked up, started running zeovit, changed out all my bulbs, removed every non acropora coral. Everything is growing and coloring up nicely. All acropora placed between 300 and 400 par.
Current parameters:
35 ppt
78 - 79°
8.3 - 8.5 ph
7.3 kh
420 ca
1280 mg
400 k
1 no3
.012 po4

 

[Rakie]

Is that a vertex reactor? How you liking it so far

 

[Acroporaaddict]

Is that a vertex reactor? How you liking it so far

Yes, it's the Vertex reactor. Honestly, it's no different than any other reactor I've ran in the past, geo, reef octopus etc. The real game changer for me was putting on the Kamoer Fx-stp. I have the ph in the reactor set at 6.8 - 6.9 and just adjust my effluent flow rate based on tank consumption.

 

[Andrews_aquarium]

any updates?