My 60 Gallon Custom Cube Build

[Heavymman]

Hi all,

I am finally getting around to starting my tank build thread. Let me start off by saying I am just getting back into the hobby since 2008 so I am a little rusty (I had a 28 gallon Nano Cube with softies). I was actually going to do a 30 gallon rimless build but the tank was broken upon receiving it and I luckily found someone selling this 60 gallon close by on the forum. That being said let me get into build.

Right now I have dry rock curing in the basement and I figure that will be about 8 weeks until I get all the phosphates to 0. I have a QT set up with a pair of clowns and a firefish. I just started dosing Prazi today but unfortunately the firefish is real skittish and I am having a hard time feeding her. I might get some frozen food for her and try to put it right in front of her from now on.

My saltwater mixing station is the best thing I have done so far, I was actually able to run tubing up to the second floor to make water changes easier. Also, I extended the wire for the Apex PMUP pump using #12 for the voltage drop so it will now ATO from the fresh water reservoir on the mixing station.

Plumbing and finishing the electric should be this week and a water test will be this weekend so I will be sure to update.

Equipment:

60 Gallon custom cube w/ 1/2” starfire glass all sides.
1” durso overflow
3/4” return both drilled through bottom
I will use tubing for the plumbing for now
Apex COR 20 return pump
Eshopps X-120 Skimmer
Apex WiFi system
Apex ATO unit
Kessil 360w Tuna Blue , future plans might be suplimmenting it with T5s
Sump doesn’t have a spot for a Refugium but I really would like one and may need help/advice on that
Powerheads, none yet, I had to return the MP-20 because 1/2” glass was too thick, need some help with this also

Livestock:

2 Clowns
1 purple firefish
Both in QT at the moment
Futures to go SPS dominant

I am still undersideded whether or not to go barebottom or do a 2-3 inch sad bed. Anyways, please let me know what you think and any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Heavymman]

The rock plan

 

[Albertan_Reef]

For a refugium, do a secons tank beside the tank and make it a display refigiumn

 

[Heavymman]

For a refugium, do a secons tank beside the tank and make it a display refigiumn

That’s an awesome idea, I just don’t know how I would make the room with the couch in the way... my wife would kill me lol

 

[Nicholas Dushynsky]

The rock plan

Hi and welcome.
Great idea for the mixing station wish I had the room, but I use natural sea water so I don't need it now. You have alot of high end equipment for it too, a great start.
The only thing I'd suggest is looking at the scape the initial shape of the scape looks ok it's just it looks like a pile of rocks stacked and not that much room for water flow in and around the rock work, which could lead to issues down the road. Also it looks like you will have a large surface area of rock touching the bottom glass I would go for more holes through the rocks and raising the rock up on smaller rocks as a stand if you like. plus there will be more caves for your fire fish to hide in. I got all my rock a smashed it all up with a hammer and reglued it together in a more open structure.

 

[Nicholas Dushynsky]

This is only a fluval 13.5

 

[Heavymman]

Hi and welcome.
Great idea for the mixing station wish I had the room, but I use natural sea water so I don't need it now. You have alot of high end equipment for it too, a great start.
The only thing I'd suggest is looking at the scape the initial shape of the scape looks ok it's just it looks like a pile of rocks stacked and not that much room for water flow in and around the rock work, which could lead to issues down the road. Also it looks like you will have a large surface area of rock touching the bottom glass I would go for more holes through the rocks and raising the rock up on smaller rocks as a stand if you like. plus there will be more caves for your fire fish to hide in. I got all my rock a smashed it all up with a hammer and reglued it together in a more open structure.

That’s good to know. I always struggle finding the “perfect” design. Thanks!

 

[Nicholas Dushynsky]

This is only a fluval 13.5

It does look better with sand though.

 

[PanchoG]

It does look good, congrats Following along.

 

[Heavymman]

Had a couple of questions regarding the screen on the top and powerheads. Does anyone know who would sell acrylic screen frame? The existing frame is aluminum and that is going to get eat up with the salt creep. Also, any ideas which direction to go with powerheads / Wavemaker? I already have the apex unit and I wasn’t thrilled with spending that kind of money for their WAV units. Also the MP-20 didn’t work because glass is 1/2” thick.... thanks for your help!

 

[count krunk]

You can get diy frame kits from BRS

 

[Heavymman]

Anyone ever use these powerheads?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ss6-0-supersilent-dc-wavemaker-1585-gph-skimz.html

 

[NY_Caveman]

Very nice start to this set up. Have you considered a gyre for flow? I have the IceCap 1k Gyre in my 45 and it moves a ton of water. The 3k version may actually be better for your system. I also have VCA Random Flow Generators on my dual returns.

For aquascape ideas I like this video series. The videos are short and pack in a ton of ideas and general philosophy
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-aquascaping-video-series.392876/

 

[Heavymman]

Very nice start to this set up. Have you considered a gyre for flow? I have the IceCap 1k Gyre in my 45 and it moves a ton of water. The 3k version may actually be better for your system. I also have VCA Random Flow Generators on my dual returns.

For aquascape ideas I like this video series. The videos are short and pack in a ton of ideas and general philosophy
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-aquascaping-video-series.392876/

That is definitely a very educational video series for aquascaping, thanks! I was thinking about the Gyre but I’ve heard they were very load and since the tank is in the living room I got nervous.

 

[NY_Caveman]

That is definitely a very educational video series for aquascaping, thanks! I was thinking about the Gyre but I’ve heard they were very load and since the tank is in the living room I got nervous.

From my own experience, the IceCap 1k is dead silent. Even at 100%. I have read the 3k is louder including from one member who had both a 1k and a 3k in their system. I have not used any Maxspect.

 

[Captain Quint]

Glad to see you back after a 10-year break Heavymman. Great tank equipment rock, everything and thanks for sharing.

 

[Heavymman]

Glad to see you back after a 10-year break Heavymman. Great tank equipment rock, everything and thanks for sharing.

Thanks, hopefully we will have an update this weekend with a full water test.

 

[Jerry Ebner]

Nice setup indeed. I wanted to show you my 60 marineland cube build. I will have to revisit your page but I went eshopps sump so I could use a fuge in the sump area
This was my build
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/60-gallon-marineland-build.376209/#post-5003823

 

[Heavymman]

Nice setup indeed. I wanted to show you my 60 marineland cube build. I will have to revisit your page but I went eshopps sump so I could use a fuge in the sump area
This was my build
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/60-gallon-marineland-build.376209/#post-5003823

Beautiful build, I’m most definitely want a Refugium in my sump I might be able to add a divider to create it, but I need to do my water test first. Maybe this weekend I can have my plan together.

When you say “was” you mean past tense like your holding off right now?

 

[Rakie]

I like Tunze Powerheads myself