My 60B build thread

[william Lutman]

So my much anticipated 60B build is 2 weeks in. That's enough time for things to both come together and crash and burn too.

I started getting serious about this build a year ago. And as such (and being cheap) I collected bits and pieces throughout 2024. I came across a Fiji Cube AIO insert, new but half price. In June I picked up a Orphek Atlantik icon (used) for half price. And on it went.

December 2024, I usually take my credit card points and give gift cards to my kids. I had points left over. That paid for my stand from Amazon. Last major buy was the tank, and thanks to PetCo 's half off sale, I picked up new Aqueon 60B for $99.

That left one thing... Cleaning the house enough that my wife wouldn't kill me over another tank.

So that's the background, let the build and errors continue

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Nice!

 

[william Lutman]

Let's look at the stand, yes I built it in the hall. Purchased on Deceber 27th and if just sat till I was ready to build. At 62x19.7 I knew I would have some space since 60B is 48x19. Purchased and delivered from the Evel overlord of mail order. Do you remenber when all they sold was books?

Stand was built 1/25/2025

 

[william Lutman]

1/27/2025 I place the tank and put my Fiji Cube 40B AIO filter assembly in. This was my plan for filtration. Guess what? 40B does not fit in 60B. Second picture is the insert sticking up above the rim a good inch. So if you are in Chicago area and are interested in Fiji Cube insert, let me know, I'll give you a great price. This was my first dissapointment of the build.

 

[william Lutman]

So now we jump right into my second big issue. I had picked up this sweet Orphek Atlantik Icon and purchase the Orphek mounts that on the BRS website said it would fit a rimmed tank and lists the 40B, littler cousin of my 60B. Few pictures of the mount off the web followed by picture showing it would never fit a rimmed tank. Admittedly I missed the fine print at the bottom of the webpage. Nice kit if it would have fit.

 

[william Lutman]

Solution for the Orphek mount was a HMS multi light kit with some handy engineering. You'll see it better in later pictures as I forgot to take more tat day. But here she is with light and racks and my old CRP overflow and my DC Coralview skimmer.

 

[william Lutman]

For a controller I have aquired boxes and boxes of old ReefKeepers. One of the tings I wanted was to add a laptop to run myReef 2.0. Of course nothing modern will run the old software. I have an old Acer Aspire one (yes a one) that has Windows 7 loaded... Remember windows 7? I actually found power supply and everything... battery was shot, but guess what, the evel overlord of mail order sells NEW high capacity batteries. $19.88 plus tax. And Bamm my maching was up and struggling.

How long had it been since I booted this laptop last? It asked if I wanted to reset the date and time, I said yes, it came up as December 31st 2008. But after loading all the drivers and updates I could, she runs ok.

I leave you with my little friend as I have to work now.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along! Can’t wait to see the tank once it is filled!

 

[william Lutman]

So where were we? I bought and assembled a wood box to hold my ReefKeeper, connected the laptop and things looked like it was going to come together as planned NOT

 

[william Lutman]

In order to move my RO upstairs, I added second booster pump with wifi outlet, it pumps it much faster than I can make it.

 

[william Lutman]

This little pump will do about 5 gallons a minute. Let the filling begin!

 

[william Lutman]

Past half way!

 

[william Lutman]

But my RO is empty,

Lucky 650 Ocean Reef is nearby to go grab another 15 gallons of RO! Thanks Glen.

 

[william Lutman]

So at this point salt mix was added to reach 1.023 and everything was running

Stardate 2/2/2025

 

[william Lutman]

I believe it was 2/4/2025 that one return hose started dripping. You know the $45 Triplite I bought to protect things, the sudden sizzling sound let me know something was wrong. Power strip NEVER TRIPPED. And so began Plan D or E or F or something... Never give up reefers. Then this fell into my lap.

 

[william Lutman]

Then this happened too. Because I am just luck like that

 

[william Lutman]

So as of 4:20 Thursday, drains are working, I have less money, but tank is running again on combination of power strips and Hydros which is new to me but coming to life.

Observations: although cute and likely great for a Nano, a 5.5 gallon sump will not cut it with a 60B. I have started build of a 20L sump. Shout out to Marine BioSystems who make very nice stuff. This will go in over the weekend. Still shipped but not received. 20L is from Petco's 50% off Aqueon sale (Did you know they will do same day delivery for free).

 

[william Lutman]

Also, with Ammonia reduced to zero I have added few inexpensive green chromis to school and keep me company asI work from home. I leave you today with few pictures of what's to come. Let the grow-out begin.

 

[beehave6301]

Following!

 

[william Lutman]

Baffles came this morning for sump 2.0. I bought 30 minute, 100% silicone caulk, carefully following vendor's instructions yealds a very nice sump.