93g Cube Build Thread - Mixed Reef

[HomeReef]

I’ve had the 93 for almost 2 years now and I feel like it was the perfect introduction to my first reef. Check out the build thread in my signature. The wife and I are planning to move within the next 8 months so I’ve started the planning process of breakdown and eventually upgrade.

How do I find your signature?

 

[HomeReef]

Update on Sump/refugium
Sump: Trigger System 20g sapphire cube

Filtration:

Mechanical: filter sock

Biological filtration: sump came with two filter pads. Small coral/shells and some Marinepure High Performance media

Chemical filtration: Media bag of activated carbon.


Protein skimmer: Bubble Magnus Curve 5

Return pump: Kydor 1600 gph

Light: I switched to a Tunze Eco Chic refugium light on a timer for 12 hours opposite the Display.


Refugium:

Refugium Mineral Mud

Pods: Algae Barn 5280 pods that includes trigriopus, Tisby, and Apocyclops.

Pod Hotel for transferring pods to the display tank.

Macro Algae: Refugium is split into three chambers to keep macro algae separate. I have Chaeto, Dragons Breath, and Sea Lettuce.

I use the Sea Lettuce to feed my Yellow Eyed Kole Tang. Will also feed Dragons Breath if I ever have to clear some out. This is my third try at keeping either Dragons Breath or Dragons Tongue. The current one I have is Dragons Breath. If unsuccessful this go around, I will probably stop trying for a long while.

I have a problem with tuning my skimmer lately. It was working great but now it does not seem to be collecting anything.

 

[HomeReef]

This post is not related to the tank but taking the week to enjoy ocean!

 

[W1ngz]

I like the semi-circle rock scape. I did something similar, sort of a horse-shoe in my 90 cube, so it gives me a nice lagoon down the middle and two other rockscapes when looking from either side. How do you like that trigger sump? That was my original plan but decided to oversize my stand for a full size sump and room for segregated electrical.

 

[HomeReef]

Thanks! I really like the Trigger; the refugium section is all along the front for viewing and easy access to the macro algae. Plenty of space for the other equipment and the sock filters are fairly easy to change out.

 

[HomeReef]

I like to have utility reef safe fish

B/W Ocellaris Clown pair - aka Mr. White & Mrs. Black; possible breed, will see.

6 line wrasse - aka Stars and Stripes; feed on pests

Green Chromis (3) - aka Larry, Curley and Mo; reduce community tank aggression

Neon goby (3) - aka Threes Company; reduce tank aggression and eat parasites.

Lawnmower Blenny - aka Mr. Grouch; algae eater

Diamondback Goby- aka Gonzo; sand sifter

Dwarf flame angel - aka WhoDey; not a utility fish that I’m aware of but looks like my favorite football team helmet.

Yellow eye Kole Tang - aka Rocky; demolishes algae

Phone does Not take great pictures, any suggestions to make them better?

What do you have for reef safe ‘Utility’ fish?

 

[HomeReef]

As promised, I plan to share all the news with my tank, even if I make a bonehead rookie mistake. Returned from vacation today to find my favorite fish, Rocky, dead. I have no idea why, everything in the tank is doing fine.

 

[HomeReef]

Started this project; bought four 20 gallon Longs and a 10 gallon. The 10 gallon will be a coral quarantine tank. Bottom right will be a fish quarantine. Bottom left is a sump. The top two are connected with a bridge and will be for frags.

 

[HomeReef]

Got this setup going today, getting the cycle going. Top two will be frag tanks; bottom left is a sump; bottom right is a fish quarantine tank. Lights and other equipment is on the way.

 

[HomeReef]

Here is my monthly update. Spent the month trying to add coral frags. I took all the frags out of my tank and added them to the frag tanks I setup. Wanted to give them some time to grow out until I figure out what I want to do. I did add this Indo Gold Torch and got another yellow eyed Kole Tang.

 

[HomeReef]

Lots of changes this month! Got my frag Tank setup! Also added all my Euphyllia to my DT. Currently battling hair algae in my frag tank and Bubble algae in my DT, boo!

 

[AB Corals]

I have the same cube! I love mine! I have a zoa rock garden sitting in the middle of it.

 

[HomeReef]

This months tank photo. As you can see the rockscape keeps changing. I am battling bubble algae. When i see a breakout on a rock, I remove the rock and dry the rock out to kill the algae. Don't know if this is a good way to deal with it but not sure what else to do. I tried to remove by sucking out the bubbles but that makes it worse. I do have a couple emerald crabs but they don't keep up with it.

 

[vetteguy53081]

My 93 cube has been one of the easiest tanks to maintain. Nice big box with room for many possibilities

 

[HomeReef]

Also always battling film algae on the glass. Understand this may be normal but the rate of growth for my tank seems to happen too quickly.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Also always battling film algae on the glass. Understand this may be normal but the rate of growth for my tank seems to happen too quickly.

If you have reds in your lights, reduce them or turn them off. Red encourages algae growth just like in a fugium

 

[HomeReef]

Thank you, sounds like sound advice but cant control the reds on my lights as far as i know. I may be running the lights too long or bright but the coral need the light so its like a catch 22.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thank you, sounds like sound advice but cant control the reds on my lights as far as i know. I may be running the lights too long or bright but the coral need the light so its like a catch 22.

Bring whites down 10% and increase blues 10%. For reds, you can cut squares of black electrical tape and cover the reds.

 

[HomeReef]

Thanks, I will try that. Appreciate it!

 

[HomeReef]

No pictures for this month, my 93 g cube split at the seams, it was a disaster. I was considering getting out of the hobby but another member of Ohio Reef gave me tank. I am working to get it up and running. It is a 75 gallon tank.