Faisal's 60 cube

[faisal629]

Hey everyone, im new to this forum but not soo much to the hobby (actually still need to learn a lot!)
I have a 120 reef before that got tore down and sold withing 2 months so this will basically be my first reef tank! I had FW tanks in the past and currently have a 150 FOWLR running. This thread is going to be pic intensive!

 

[faisal629]

Here is the equipment breakdown
60G Marineland reef ready cube w/ stand
2x MP10
DIY 20G tall sump
SRO 1000 w/ auto neck cleaner
35LBS of tonga and shelf rock aquascape (MUST SEE)
Black sand (natures ocean)
tunze silence return pump (LF-LMK if you have)
4" filter sock
most likely will incorporate a ATS
and will likely go with Radions for lighting

 

[faisal629]

I was stocking all the for sale forums for some time and i recently came across someone on craigslist selling a 60G cure reef ready w/ stand, 250w MH+ t5 lighting, Sump, plumbing, and return pump for $300, shot them an email to find out its a local reefer i knew
I bought the tank home, the stand was dark maroon and chipped and really did not look in good shape at all so i painted it black.

 

[faisal629]

The overflow had a little leak and the silicone on the vertical seams was barley there and looked really bad so i re siliconed most of the seams and painted the back black as well.

 

[faisal629]

I attempted to make a foam rock wall for the overflow, it worked out fine but i will not be using it, here are the pics anyways...

here is what i used...

 

[faisal629]

The sump i got with the tank if way too small so i will be selling it soon with the return pump which it way too big lol

the lighting fixture had one moonlight LED that was not working..

time to open her up

Let there be light!

 

[faisal629]

here is all the tongs and shelf rock i can afford so it will have to do!

 

[faisal629]

my goal is to use the E MARCO 400 MORTAR to make one sick structure
here are some ideas i have..

front

right

left

 

[faisal629]

you can see the black silicone seams are not perfect but trust me they look a 100x better then before

 

[faisal629]

Im actually working just to stay in this hobby, which is and expensive one. I like aquariums and fish because they help me relieve stress and make me feel relaxed, here are my other 2 alternatives lol

I really enjoy going to the range as well

 

[faisal629]

This is the sand im planning on using

 

[faisal629]

now for the 35lbs rock structure, I want minimal rock touching the sand bed, I kept it to four legs supporting a structure that goes pretty high up...

I made the whole structure inside the tank and this is what happens, im not worried cause most will come out with water and plus sand is going to cover it...

 

[faisal629]

with the mortar its probably 40lbs now

 

[faisal629]

I found the sand i was looking for! bought 40lbs for now, will buy another bag in the future if needed.
ps" i know its not live...

 

[faisal629]

here she is in my room almost filled up!

 

[faisal629]

This is how far i am in my build, i will keep you guys posted as I make progress! if you see anything i can do batter please let me know!

 

[Sahin]

Nice start. That's an interesting scape, do post some photos once the waters cleared. Good luck with the build.

 

[Henry C]

I like the rock scape I think it will look sweet filled up! What are you planning for livestock and what type of corals are you planning to keep?

 

[revsgirl]

Lookin' good!

 

[revhtree]

Cool! I love the rock structure!