60gallon cube with 30 gallon custom sump

[Justin1997]

I have had my tank up and running for about a year now I was using some cheaper equipment because I was only 16 and had no job just savings to start up. I was running it on a canister filter and have now upgraded to a sumo now that I work and can afford it, this thread will show some pictures and maybe open up some ideas for some, let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Justin1997]

Not a very good picture but you get the idea, I had just brought it home from miracle aquariums, this tank cost me $239 taxes in dimensions are 20"L X 20"W X 18"H. I have a reef octopus 110 and will be adding when input more stuff into it.

 

[Justin1997]

I decided I'd paint it the same as my display tank, it is in a corner so 2 sides are painted I used I and a half cans of plastidip (flat black). This paint is easy and quick to use also can just peel off if you ever want a new colour.

costs about $20 a can.
Here are some pics of this process:

 

[Justin1997]

When it comes to filter socks keep in mind the smallest ring they make is 4" my holes are 3"'s not a huge deal but first sump kind of had it in mind to be perfect :/

 

[Justin1997]

This is my display tank http://youtu.be/V0mnA-bzQw4 I'm setting up my sump this Monday October 20th, 2014. I will do another video soon as I've added some new things (blue spot jawfish, half black mimic tang).

 

[Justin1997]

Here are some shots of the sump set up had a few leaks in my PVC as I was setting up so it was a bit delayed. It has been running for 3 days now my corals have adjusted to flow, some have not, protein skimmer is working great. I have one problem though my overflow is rated up to 1500gph and the level here slowly lowers if it gets at a certain point will my siphoned break and cause a flood out of the display tank?

overflow

 

[Justin1997]

 

[Justin1997]

Next on my list is Radions I will hopefully have them closer to the end of November.

 

[helldiver]

Nice setup man-I like the way you did you sump it is cool

 

[Justin1997]

Thanks going out this weekend to grab some cheato for copepods

 

[Justin1997]

So I've had some issues with evaporation , to solve that I bought this ATO and a very small powerhead to keep my Aqueon from running dry.

I bought some zip ties and electric mounting base to organize my cords.

 

[Justin1997]

To store my water reserve I got my buddies to build me a box and I put a 5 gallon bucket in it.

 

[Joker79]

Looking nice!!!

 

[Justin1997]

Thanks, does anyone know if putting bio balls in a mesh bag in the sump is beneficial if so how come?

 

[Joker79]

Bio balls are used to create bacteria by water trickling over them. They can also become a nitrate trap if not taken care of.
That being said being in a mesh bag I wouldn't think they would be very affective. They would provide some filtration but of course would need to be cleaned every so often.

 

[BeEasy]

Just my experience from indoor growing and storing water, you should have your storage water aerated and have a lid over the bucket.

 

[Justin1997]

Bio balls are used to create bacteria by water trickling over them. They can also become a nitrate trap if not taken care of.
That being said being in a mesh bag I wouldn't think they would be very affective. They would provide some filtration but of course would need to be cleaned every so often.

Thanks my nitrates are between 0 and 5 without the bio balls so I just won't bother.

 

[Justin1997]

Just my experience from indoor growing and storing water, you should have your storage water aerated and have a lid over the bucket.

Is just an air stone fine with some holes drilled in the lid for hoses to come out or does it have to be completely sealed?

 

[BeEasy]

Is just an air stone fine with some holes drilled in the lid for hoses to come out or does it have to be completely sealed?

Yes that will be perfect

 

[Justin1997]

Yes that will be perfect

Awesome thanks a lot I'll work on that tomorrow.
Thanks for the help everyone.