SCA 90 Gallon "Cube" Build

Bret · May 3, 2020

After being out of the hobby for many years, a trip to Hawaii last year sparked the desire for a new tank. Fast forward almost 12 months and I am finally starting the build.

Tank is a 90 gallon SC Aquariums "cube" (36x24x24), and I'm building a custom steel stand.

Tank arrived a couple weeks ago. Still don't have it out of the box, but looks to be in good shape.

Bret · May 3, 2020

Material for stand

Cutting Pieces

Un-assembled stand

SR Reefing · May 3, 2020

Wow, building steel stand yourself with all these nice tools. U got some skills.

Devaji · May 3, 2020

nice! I had that same tank...but had to sale it to get the red sea 750 but I do miss it.

once thing I would conciser since you're "handy" would be to drill the tank for ext. overflows on the 3' tank that overfow box is huge and I was never really satisfied with my scape. just a thought.

I took a weling class decades ago in high school have been tempted to go to youtube university...lol and try a metal stand myself.

keep the updates coming!

Bret · May 3, 2020

SR Reefing said:
Wow, building steel stand yourself with all these nice tools. U got some skills.

The right tools are everything with fabrication. I just built that welding table for this project. was tired of doing everything on the floor. Having an elevated, and more importantly, flat surface make a huge difference.

Bret · May 3, 2020

Tools of the trade.

Bret · May 3, 2020

Devaji said:
nice! I had that same tank...but had to sale it to get the red sea 750 but I do miss it.

once thing I would conciser since you're "handy" would be to drill the tank for ext. overflows on the 3' tank that overfow box is huge and I was never really satisfied with my scape. just a thought.

I took a weling class decades ago in high school have been tempted to go to youtube university...lol and try a metal stand myself.

keep the updates coming!

I considered the external overflow, and I guess it still not completely out of the equation. It's just hard to justify the added work and expense for the extra real estate.
I'm planning an opposing teardrop shaped aquascape, I think it will fit fine, but we'll see how it goes, just ordered my first batch of dry rock off Amazon...

I would definitely pick up a mig welder and start practicing. If not just for a stand, it's a great skill to have. Harbor Freight's Titanium line is inexpensive, and decent starter machines.

Bret · May 3, 2020

Stand Progress...

Bret · May 3, 2020

Stand is almost done...
Going to add a Starboard false floor that will be slightly recessed below the lip of the bottom tubes. It will be siliconed in to catch an spills. Will also add a rack within the stand to hold my chiller, and additional Starboard shelves for supplies.

I used 1.5x2" .120 wall tubing for the top that will support the tank. everything else is 1.5" square .095 wall. The false floor is supported by 1" square .095 wall.
Dimensions are 36.25 long, 24.5 wide and 36.125 tall. A sheet of 3/4 ply will sit on top for a total height of just under 37".

Bosreef · May 3, 2020

You know that stand ain't going anywhere thats peace of mind I would pay for. Good luck with rest of the build

fishybizzness · May 3, 2020

Great work! Looking good so far!

Devaji · May 3, 2020

yeah that stand came out very nice!

Fishingandreefing · May 3, 2020

Nicely done!

brianbigoats · May 5, 2020

Very Nice i am working on a SCA 90 myself

Bret · May 6, 2020

Thanks for the support everybody.
DIY stands are the way to go, this is my third one. The commercially available stands look nice, but generally are pretty inferior from a longevity standpoint, especially for the price most of these companies want for them.

Bret · May 6, 2020

brianbigoats said:
Very Nice i am working on a SCA 90 myself

I really like the dimensions of this tank. Surprising more manufacturers don't offer it.

Bret · May 6, 2020

Side project while I wait for more parts to arrive...
Anyone guess what it is?

LBReefer · May 6, 2020

Following along. I'm impressed and inspired by your metalwork.

Bret · May 9, 2020

Got my first batch of dry rock. Bulk foundation rock from Amazon. Reviews were mixed to pretty good, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

Packaging was minimal, plastic bag with some thin foam in a box:

Minimal breakage though:

The loot prior to washing:

After pressure washing:

Total dry weight was 44.2 lbs for the 4 washed pieces (advertised as 40 lbs). its not the most interesting or low density rock, also seems fairly soft and fragile compared with typical Fiji, but will work well for the foundations of my structures, and can't beat the price at $55 shipped.