Nate's SCA 50g build

reefd00d · Apr 21, 2020

I'm upsizing from a IM nuvo 20g to a SCA 50g cube. I found a good deal on a used tank with sump and skimmer, so had to pull the trigger. This is going to be my first tank with a sump.

In the past, I started with a Fluval 5g, then a Fluval 13.5g, and now the IM Nuvo 20g. Baby steps.

My first step was trying to find a stand for the tank. The cube is 24" x 24", and the sump is also 24" wide. I wanted to also house my ATO reservoir in the stand, along with electronics. This all led me to having a custom stand built that was a bit wider than the actual tank.

So we finalized the design in Sketchup and then he built the cabinet. Here are some pics of the process.

reefd00d · Apr 21, 2020

More on the stand... I coated the bottom with Redguard Waterproofing and then used Rustoleum Marine Topside paint in white to finish out the inside of the cabinet.
I found some cool sea turtle knobs for the doors and will probably add some stencil work to the doors and just below the tank on the top band of the cabinet. I'm not sure if I should keep it simple with just 2 colors (aqua and silver) or go all out like my practice picture (I think it may look too busy).
I threw in my Precision Marine R24 Refugium Sump, SCA 301 Skimmer, and ato reservoir in the cabinet and everything fit like a glove. I think the layout in the pic is the best way to go, as everything is accessible from the front or side doors.
I picked up a Current USA eFlux DC Pump (1900 gph) from a LFS that was having a sale because they were moving.
I also found some unused plumbing from a local reefer for free and ordered the rest that I needed. Next step is to start plumbing! ;Nailbiting

Devaji · Apr 21, 2020

nice stand!
I had there 90 36x24x24 I did a DIY stand and it was no where near the quality of yours. I think its good for the long hall if one has a good stand.

dig the sea turtles hardware.

whats your plan for this cube?

ISFNick · Apr 21, 2020

Where did you get the custom stand done?

reefd00d · Apr 22, 2020

Devaji said:
nice stand!
I had there 90 36x24x24 I did a DIY stand and it was no where near the quality of yours. I think its good for the long hall if one has a good stand.

dig the sea turtles hardware.

whats your plan for this cube?

Thanks! I plan on moving my zoas, shrooms, nems, and hammers from my 20g. Along with the rock. I have some more rock that's been sitting in a tub for a month or two. So really just a softies / lps tank. I'll transfer my fish also (barnacle blenny & 2 clowns) and hopefully get a few more.

AyeNick said:
Where did you get the custom stand done?

I found a local (I'm in Houston, TX) cabinet maker who has done aquarium stands in the past. Here is his facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Andrewsworkshoptx

Fourstars · Apr 24, 2020

Hope the rest of it is as nice as the stand. Great start!

reefd00d · Apr 24, 2020

Fourstars said:
Hope the rest of it is as nice as the stand. Great start!

Ha! Me too!

reefd00d · Apr 27, 2020

Over the weekend, I drilled out a 1/2" hole to 1". Now I have a 1" drain and a 1" emergency drain. My return will be a 1" external over the top.

reefd00d · May 6, 2020

Worked on my plumbing last weekend. Finally got everything glued in!
Are the dogs as excited as me to finally get this project moving?!?!

reefd00d · May 21, 2020

Water in the tank!
Let the cycle begin!

Fishingandreefing · May 21, 2020

Looking good. Are those Caribsea life rock “shapes”?

Nepenthes88 · May 21, 2020

Very nice! The rock work looks very good.

I really want to get an SCA tank soon as well. Either looking at the 90g or 120g.

reefd00d · May 21, 2020

Fishingandreefing said:
Looking good. Are those Caribsea life rock “shapes”?

Thanks! Yes, on the left side it is. I found 4 used pieces at a LFS that just had them sitting outside. 2 arches, 1 circle, and 1 rock. I bleached them, sundried them, then let them sit in bucket with Seachem Seed for 2 months. I tried out different scapes trying to use the circle, but I just couldn't find one that I liked. Now, the circle is a base for the back arch. I attached one side of the arch in the circle and let the other side kinda float out in the middle. The other arch, I leaned up against the rock and used it upside down.
The rocks on the right I got from the same LFS, but I'm not sure what type they are. At least they all look the same with some hiding places.
I also picked up a big flat white rock, but I chose not to use it, as it would of stuck out like a sore thumb.

Fishingandreefing · May 21, 2020

reefd00d said:
Thanks! Yes, on the left side it is. I found 4 used pieces at a LFS that just had them sitting outside. 2 arches, 1 circle, and 1 rock. I bleached them, sundried them, then let them sit in bucket with Seachem Seed for 2 months. I tried out different scapes trying to use the circle, but I just couldn't find one that I liked. Now, the circle is a base for the back arch. I attached one side of the arch in the circle and let the other side kinda float out in the middle. The other arch, I leaned up against the rock and used it upside down.
The rocks on the right I got from the same LFS, but I'm not sure what type they are. At least they all look the same with some hiding places.
I also picked up a big flat white rock, but I chose not to use it, as it would of stuck out like a sore thumb.

Nice! I ordered 20lb of shapes and 20lb of arches for my reefer 350 (73g). I am pretty sure I will need more but will see. It’s kind of expensive.

btw, after you bleached it, did the color fade?