Steve's 60 Cube

[sgarron]

Well, after thinking and planning and a little dreaming over the last couple months. I have decided to finally get started with my return to reefing. The tank will eventually be a BTA tank with a pair of Ocellaris and maybe 4 or 5 other fish.

So far I have put together a list of the basics. If I have forgotten anything or if you see something that may not work, please feel free to give your opinion.

Planet 60 Gallon Tank, no overflow

Fiji Cube LoPro 800gph overflow

Trigger Emerald Cube 20

Trigger Emerald 5g ATO tank

Tunze ATO

Varios4 return

25w Pentair UV

Deltec 600i skimmer

Apex Classic - EB8, EB4, FMM

2x200w BRS heaters w/Ranco controller

2x Nero3 pumps

Kessil A360X


I have picked up all the items on my list, except for the tank. I'm waiting to hear back from Planet or my LFS to confirm that the panels are not tempered. Once I receive that confirmation as well as crate/freight costs, I'll be placing my order.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Great start

 

[sgarron]

And so the waiting game begins....

Tank ordered. Could be here next week, could be August...who knows.

 

[sgarron]

Managed to get some work done on the stand this weekend. 24.5 wide x 30.75 deep, 36 tall. I made the stand extra deep so I can push it just about up to the wall and still have space behind the tank for the overflow, plumbing, and UV.

 

[sgarron]

Also, currently mixing up 15 gallons of saltwater to get the rock started while I wait for the tank.

 

[sgarron]

A little dry fitting and mental planning while I wait...

 

[Andrews_aquarium]

Looks awesome!

 

[sgarron]

Coming up on 10 weeks waiting for the tank. It sucks, but does give me time to get things ready. Stand is pretty much done now, Relocated a light switch to avoid future issues reaching it, and ran a piece of 1/2" pvc out the side of the house for skimmer fresh air intake. Also have the 24v battery backup ready to go for the Varios 4.

 

[sgarron]

I was informed I should be receiving the tank this week, sure hope that's true. A couple minor finishing touches and a quick coat of paint on the wall and I'm done.

 

[sgarron]

Got the call this afternoon that the tank was in. Got it home, drilled it, painted the back and put it in place. Hope to get the plumbing and electrical finished tomorrow. Should be wet by the weekend!

 

[mike89t]

Looking great!


I'm at the step where I have to drill some holes for my Fiji Cube overflow and the returns as well. I'm not looking forward to it. How did you use the Fiji Cube Template and which side did you drill from?

 

[sgarron]

Looking great!


I'm at the step where I have to drill some holes for my Fiji Cube overflow and the returns as well. I'm not looking forward to it. How did you use the Fiji Cube Template and which side did you drill from?

Thanks!

I lined up the overflow about where I wanted it and saw that it was about the same distance as the template placed upside down, so that's what I did. I clamped the template on the outside of the tank and a piece of 1x6 on the inside and drilled from the outside in. The 1x6 gives support when drilling through and really minimizes chipping. The hole came out really clean.

Take your time, go slow, keep the hose running, very little pressure, and keep the drill level. It's not difficult, just can't rush it.

 

[sgarron]

Electrical and plumbing complete, unplugged everything except the lights from the Apex, getting her wet!

 

[revhtree]

BOOM! Congrats on the new tank!

 

[Staghorn]

Looks good so far

 

[sgarron]

Well, it's full. All equipment is hooked up except the UV, I can't get that quartz sleeve to seal. I'll reach out to Pentair next week. Monday will be rock and sand day, if nothing else comes up.

 

[DDenny]

Looking awesome can’t wait to see updates.

 

[sgarron]

It's all in there. 60lbs of Fiji Pink sand and 55lbs of Real Reef Dry Live Rock. Stll a little haze from playing around in there and I'm sure I will "adjust" the scape a hundred times over the next couple weeks But, at least it's a start.

 

[sgarron]

Cycle completed about 2 weeks ago, decided to wait until I returned from vacation to add any inhabitants. Returned from Aruba Saturday night, did a 25% water change today, will run a full battery of test in the AM and then off to the LFS...

 

[mike89t]

Awesome! What are you planning on starting with livestock wise? Are you planning on doing a QT?

By the way thanks for your words of confidence earlier! Helped me get up the courage to finally drill my tank. Way easier than I expected.