DuB's Reefing Journey - Neptunian Cube M90 (70 gallon DT)

[bsdubois00]

Well, after a 15-year hiatus, I’m officially back in the reefing game! Been spending the last few weeks going down a rabbit hole (or should I say coral cave?)—reacclimating myself to everything that’s changed in the hobby. So much has evolved since my last setup, and I was originally eyeing an IM 40, JBJ 45, or Neptunian Cube 60…

But then, FB Marketplace worked its magic, and I scored a sweet deal on a Neptunian Cube M Pro 90 (MP90). Moving from an AIO to a sump setup feels like the right move in the long run.

EQUIPMENT LIST (last updated 3/7/2025):

• Neptunian Cube M90 w/ sump (70 gallon display, 20 gallon sump)
• Sicce XStream SDC Powerhead x2
• Reef Factory Smart Roller
• Aquamaxx ConeS Q-1 Skimmer
• Orlushy DC Return Pump
• EcoTech Marine XR15 G6 Pro x2
• 300W BRS Titanium Heater with IM Helios Controller (x2 for redundancy)
• Hydros Launch
• Hydros X8
• Hydros Sensors (pH Probe, Temperature, ATO Reservoir Level Sensor)
• Hydros Triple Optical ATO w/ Backup Float Sensor
• Avast Plank Auto Feeder
• Kamoer F4 Pro Doser

STOCK LIST (last updated 3/7/2025):

• Black Ice Clownfish x2 (mated pair)
• Royal Gramma

 

[bsdubois00]

Here she is...time to do a little cleaning on the tank and sump and get ready for the cycle.

 

[bsdubois00]

When you have a laser and get bored. This should help with salt spray and noise (I’ll cut the skimmer hole out when I finalize placement).

 

[bsdubois00]

Working on getting Multiboard installed in the sump cabinet. This will give me the ability to mount everything and organize controllers / cables / etc.

 

[bsdubois00]

Mutliboard printing done (now on to the mounting of everything) and plumbing complete

 

[bsdubois00]

Getting close. Should be wet this time next week.

 

[curtarias]

Great looking tank. I like the idea of the multi board.

 

[bsdubois00]

Aquascape done. Time for sand and water.

Made a point to leave an island for GSP - plenty of spots for coral to go and swim through spots throughout.

 

[signal7]

First time I'm seeing this multiboard. Great idea!

 

[bsdubois00]

Big day today. We have water!!!

 

[DiscoStuart]

Nice! What are you going to do for lights? Any issues mounting to the back, given the weir?

Also, general thoughts on build quality?

 

[Northern Flicker]

Looking good, I like the scape and it should allow a lot of space for coral growth.

 

[bsdubois00]

I have 2 XR15s waiting to mount. Going with back of tank mounts and will be spread out between the weir and the end of the tank so no issues at all.

 

[bsdubois00]

We’re cycling!!!

Started this weekend with Fritz TS and Nitrocycle - now we wait.

 

[plummer114]

Where did you get the ATO for this tank??

 

[bsdubois00]

Where did you get the ATO for this tank??

Advanced Acrylics

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Our ATO Reservoirs are an ideal accessory for your sump to help maintain your desired level of salinity in your aquarium system. Now, not only do we carry Cell Cast Acrylic ATO's, but exceeded our quality and also provide PVC/Hybrid Acrylic reservoirs.

advancedacrylics.com

 

[bsdubois00]

We’re fully cycled and now awaiting our first fish delivery. I opted to buy quarantined fish to help with the time to stock. I figure since the tank isn’t massive the cost was worth it for the time saved.

I’m going to leave the lights off for a while, just wanted to turn them on for the pic.

 

[bsdubois00]

And we have fish!!!!

A mated pair of Black Ice Clownfish and a Royal Gramma from High Tide Aquatics (already QTd)

 

[bsdubois00]

A couple RFAs added today.

 

[bsdubois00]

Small update today - things are going well in the tank, starting to see the ugly stage begin (about time to add some CUC).

Got the tank lid in yesterday from Top Lids and am extremely satisfied. This was a new size / model for them and with a little guidance on measurements everything turned out PERFECT!!