93 Cube for under a grand. It can be done... I think. UPDATED GRAND TOTAL! :)

vetteguy53081

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I'm digging it!

Can u tell a bit more about your setup?

93 cube rimless on a Marineland Modern series stand. Equipment:
Prime Hd 52
Prime HD
ReefBrite XHO actinic blue strip
Bubble magnus curve skimmer
Skimz 302 sump
Sicce 3.0 return pump
2- Jaebao RW 4 circulation pump
JBJ ATO with Apex ATK return pump
ReefKeeper elite controller system
Glass covers
 
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dantimdad

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It's funny about stands. If I can buy really good materials to build one for under$125, why can't the manufacturer? The answer is, they can. We as consumers have just not demanded better quality for our hard earned money.

This is what got me into aquarium DIY. The first thing I built was a stand because of the JUNK they sold. That was in the 80's and I haven't bought a stand since.
 
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dantimdad

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I forgot to post pics of the cut down eshopps 200 sump.

Before:

IMG_20180708_135712.jpg

IMG_20180708_135717.jpg

After:

IMG_20180723_170049.jpg

I has a 7" sock holder but, I am going to either user as auto top off or half of my split sump system. Haven't decided yet. Either way, the sock holder won't be used.

I have plans for a mechanical filter system.

DSC_0009.DNG.jpg
 

vetteguy53081

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I forgot to post pics of the cut down eshopps 200 sump.

Before:

IMG_20180708_135712.jpg

IMG_20180708_135717.jpg

After:

IMG_20180723_170049.jpg

I has a 7" sock holder but, I am going to either user as auto top off or half of my split sump system. Haven't decided yet. Either way, the sock holder won't be used.

I have plans for a mechanical filter system.

DSC_0009.DNG.jpg

Good progress!! Yes,7" sock is a bit huge for that sized sump. Utilize that space as you are. I did not notice any overflow to sump. I have twin X-aqua flows and cant speak enough of how invisible they are and quiet.
 

vetteguy53081

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dantimdad

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OK, so I ordered online and will pickup this evening from Lowe's. Everything I need for my electrical, spray paint, filter sock replacements (I might do a thread on this), light mount, and last (I hope) couple plumbing parts. $60.43 with tax. I also ordered an RO buddy 4 stage. $59.83 on Amazon. I had a 150GPD 5 stage but it got broken by "No one" and "I don't know" during the remodel of the kitchen. I hate those two! :mad::confused:

This brings the running total to: $539 + 60.43 + 59.83 = $659.26

This leaves right at $340 for a return pump, another power head and my first fish and frag.

I actually think I am going to make it. :D

I will take pics of the new stuff this weekend and hopefully progress pics of the stand build as well.
 
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dantimdad

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Thanks to Brew12 for his input on my electrical panel!

BTW, I would have paid more for one 8 outlet DJ panel than I would have for all 20 outlets of my setup. It shouldn't take but and hour to wire the whole thing up. Plus the fact it would have been black and lighted switches which I didn't want and I will only have one plug going to the wall for the whole shebang. I have a heavy duty, grounded power cord from a dead UPS that is 9 feet long that I will use. I will only be using 13 of the outlets but it doesn't hurt to have 7 extra. LOL I am pretty stoked about this!

Here is a handy chart to check wire sizes in case you are concerned:

https://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

My total maximum draw if everything ran all the time all at once would be 6.5 amp. So I am good. (I estimated the return pump draw to be 1.5 amp on it's own since I don't have one yet. This is probably high.)
 
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Katrina71

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So this came today:

IMG_20180818_145946.jpg

I included this in the cost even though it won't only be used for this aquarium.

Gotta love Amazon. :)
You should be allowed to divide the purchase price between tanks it will be used on. Only include this tank's portion in the budget.
 
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dantimdad

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I finished the drywall work and primed the living room this weekend. One step closer to being able to stop gathering and start building!

Before the tank goes in I have to:
Paint the walls and trim.
Repair a spot in the hardwood where the hearth used to be
Refinish the hallway and living room floor
Install baseboards and trim around the new front door

I still need:
Return pump
Another power head
Rest of the stand materials

Whatcha think? Water by Halloween?

EDIT: I forgot I have to build a barn wood entertainment center too. Part of the deal is having this kind of stuff finished.
 

Brew12

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I finished the drywall work and primed the living room this weekend. One step closer to being able to stop gathering and start building!

Before the tank goes in I have to:
Paint the walls and trim.
Repair a spot in the hardwood where the hearth used to be
Refinish the hallway and living room floor
Install baseboards and trim around the new front door

I still need:
Return pump
Another power head
Rest of the stand materials

Whatcha think? Water by Halloween?

EDIT: I forgot I have to build a barn wood entertainment center too. Part of the deal is having this kind of stuff finished.
How much return flow are you looking for?

Sounds like you have plenty of work to do to make Halloween!
 

Chef Tommy

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So this came today:

IMG_20180818_145946.jpg

I included this in the cost even though it won't only be used for this aquarium.

Gotta love Amazon. :)

I’ve been using that for 2 years. Never saw a reason I needed a larger unit. I have a 75 gallon tank. Turn it on in afternoon & turn it off when I get home from work and 35 gallon Rubbermaid is full.
 
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dantimdad

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Yep I have a ton of work to do. But, if you saw how much I actually got done this weekend... ;)

I am looking for about 900gph at zero head loss. The pump has to power the display(need about 450GPH there), display fuge(75gph) and a media reactor(125gph).
 
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dantimdad

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I’ve been using that for 2 years. Never saw a reason I needed a larger unit. I have a 75 gallon tank. Turn it on in afternoon & turn it off when I get home from work and 35 gallon Rubbermaid is full.

Glad to hear another positive review.
 
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