New cube build! Again!

[Bmasculine]

Well I guess it’s time to post some progress on my build. It’s been going slow due to the hours I work. But it’s going to be 60 gal cube, originally was going rimless, however was at the lfs were I picked up a deep blue tank brand new for $200. Can’t pass that up. So let the build begin.

TANK-60 gal true cube from Deep Blue

EQUIP- Apex 2016, COR-15 return pump, sump trigger cube 20 sapphire, Skimz sn-127 dc controllable skimmer, two gyre xf 230, aquatic life T-5 led hybrid, hydra 26 hd, kessil h80 refugium light, tunze ato, jebao 4 head doser, BRS mini carbon reactor, cobalt neo-therm heater and misc. sure there are things I’m forgetting.

 

[Bmasculine]

So tank is here need a stand for it. Wife suggested doing some type of built in with it so after some discussion and sketches we came up with this.

 

[Bmasculine]

I know it’s rough but those are bookshelves on the side, I don’t think I’ll be doing a canopy but she likes them.

 

[Bmasculine]

So I won a sump up to 500 dollars from BRS, and decided to go with the trigger sapphire cube for this build. It’s a super nice sump. And ordered some more stuff to go with the build.

 

[Bmasculine]

I decided to go with the Skimz 127 dc controllable skimmer, fits sump perfect, looks good, like the idea of being able to fine tune it.

 

[Bmasculine]

Got in some boxes, everything is feeling like Christmas except the look on my wife’s face isn’t joy. Lol

 

[Bmasculine]

Time to start on this stand. It’s going to be pretty simple, three doors, center door will be 24” same size as tank and side doors will be 16” same as bookshelves that will be built later. I’m actually glad my wife suggested this as having a cabinet this large for a cube should mean no shortage of space for equipment. Unless I just go way to far...

 

[Bmasculine]

Here are a few pics of the frame

 

[Bmasculine]

Start to put a Little skin on it and started building doors.

 

[litenyaup]

Nice build so far....and what’s the dodge in the background?

 

[Bmasculine]

Nice build so far....and what’s the dodge in the background?

thanks! The dodge is my wrecker, I’m actually behind on posting I’ll put some more on here later, just drilled tank this morning.

 

[Reefer Deez]

That’s awesome you won that sump on BRS! You off to a great start remember ask any questions you may have there is a lot of really kind people here to help you!

 

[Bmasculine]

That’s awesome you won that sump on BRS! You off to a great start remember ask any questions you may have there is a lot of really kind people here to help you!

For sure I’ve found this to be one of the most helpful forums, #reef2reef. I have a pretty good plan as far as what I want to do. This will be my first cube but 4th tank build I’ve done. I’ve actually got a 180 gal tank in my garage with equipment that needs to go to finance some of this build, lol says the wife. Whom also wants to convert one of the tanks I have now to a seahorse tank.

 

[Bmasculine]

A little more trim work and hanging the doors. Trying to make this look like a real stand.

 

[Bmasculine]

Doors, some shelves, and a little primer.

 

[Muttley000]

Looks great! What is the stocking plan and how are you lighting it?

 

[Bmasculine]

Looks great! What is the stocking plan and how are you lighting it?

Lighting will be AI Hydra 26 hd with T-5. As far as coral I have some lps I’ll be moving over from another tank, but leaving the top open for sps. All my tanks before have mainly been Lps however really gonna try my hand at sps this time. Had a few really nice frags that grew out into 4-5” colonies in my 180 came home one night looked at the tank and thought stuff doesn’t look to good. Then noticed the heater was stuck on and tank was 87 degrees. Killed everything and haven’t tried sps since. Except for some cheapo stuff but nothing nice.

 

[Bmasculine]

I’ve never run a controller on a tank but this one will have one. Too many things like the one listed above that have cost me hundreds if not more. Need to sell some of my stuff before buying controller so wife doesn’t freak. Originally thought of going with the GHL profilux 4 but lack of support and vendors that carry their products have pushed more tword the apex. Although the GHL does seem to be a higher quality product

 

[Bmasculine]

So drilled tank this morning. Was pretty nervous, having never done it. Must say not as bad as I was envisioning actually turned out quite well. Installed PVC bottom in tank and painted the back as well. Also installed CPR overflow. Originally was going with synergy but at half the price and no big box on the back of the tank this seemed a better fit.

 

[Bmasculine]