Woody’s Cobalt C-Vue 40 Build Thread

[Woodster8297]

5/9 FTS:

This is going to be my first build thread. I’m a new hobbyist - started a 16 Biocube in August 2018 that has been successful to date. Ended up running out of room and decided it was time to move to a 40 breeder. New to the hobby, I wanted something AIO and the C-Vue line really caught my eye with their build quality. I got this tank as a Valentines Day present and decided to build my own stand. So far I have gotten the stand built and painted and am in the process of choosing lighting. I am looking for recommendations and would like to get a quality lighting option that will grow any coral I put in the tank but won’t break the bank. I haven’t decided on T5 or LED but I plan on keeping a full mixed reef. I will attach some pictures of my stand build and hope to hear some lighting recommendations. I still need to attach the doors and get a shelf put in but I am very happy with the way the stand turned out.

 

[Lasse]

Welcome with your build thread - the stand looks very good.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Woodster8297]

Thanks, I have been following your build thread as well. I ran into Rome issues with my mitered corners but using a hand saw and miter box are quite tough. I ended up sanding them down and using wood filler. Your tank and experience are to be admired. Thanks for replying. Wondering if I should purchase an IM self Leveling mat to go underneath tank to protect bottom glass. Any ideas?

 

[Lasse]

Thank you

I use the old thin types of outdoor sleeping pad between the stand and aquarium.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Woodster8297]

I think I am going to go with the IM self leveling mat. Ordering a few other items as well! I haven’t found any foam pads that are thin enough

 

[._Z_.]

Looking great! As far as lighting, can’t go wrong with led-t5 hybrid. You can almost always find a name brand LED barely used on the threads to save a bit.

 

[Woodster8297]

So far today, I finished painting the inside of the stand along with adding doors and hinges. Still deciding on handles but thought I would update the thread with some pictures. I still need to true up the doors on the stand.

 

[Woodster8297]

Looking great! As far as lighting, can’t go wrong with led-t5 hybrid. You can almost always find a name brand LED barely used on the threads to save a bit.

I have been looking at these fixtures, just unsure on cost as I am trying to not break the bank. Any links to some cost effective ones?

 

[._Z_.]

I have been looking at these fixtures, just unsure on cost as I am trying to not break the bank. Any links to some cost effective ones?

Aquatic life is probably the cheapest. Good thing is that you can upgrade to the hybrid down the line if you decide to later. Do you have a lighting budget? What would you consider breaking the bank?

 

[Woodster8297]

I hopefully would like to say around 300-400 total for lighting but the only thing I’ve found within that budget are a few T5 fixtures and two of the Noopsyche k7 pros

 

[._Z_.]

I hopefully would like to say around 300-400 total for lighting but the only thing I’ve found within that budget are a few T5 fixtures and two of the Noopsyche k7 pros

You could probably find a pair of used hydra 26hd. For that. I think mounting options will take you over your light budget though. Probably black box led will be a good choice for you then

 

[Woodster8297]

Yeah I have been searching they just go so fast.... I can always spend a little more, I’m just a penny pincher lol

 

[Woodster8297]

I think I am going with two AI Prime HD’s and the mounts for each. I just can’t decide if I’d want to go with the regular or flexible ones. I got the IM Leveling mat and put the tank on the finished stand. If anyone would like the plans I would be happy to share.

While I’m at it i my as well post an update FTS of my Biocube 16

 

[Woodster8297]

Just got a few goodies in the mail today!!!!
An AI Prime HD and have set it up over the tank.

So far I have microbacter for starting a fish cycle and some marine pure gems.

This week I will be ordering a Jebao 0w-25 wavemaker, a 150 cobalt Neothem heater, mesh bag, thermometer, and some Chemipure blue.

I’m also thinking about getting some sand, live rock and salt at my lfs to get my tank wet by April 1st.

Eventually - after my cycle is complete - and I get the itch to add some coral I will go ahead and add another AI Prime HD.

 

[Woodster8297]

So big milestone today for the C-Vue 40.

Finally got in all the supplies and went to my LFS to get some sand, rock, and a pair of clowns.

I will probably mess around with my aquascape tomorrow again because I’m not thrilled with how it currently sits and needed some time to think about how I’d like it.

As for now:
Salinity 1.025
Ph is 8.2
Temp 78
Ammonia 0
Nitrate 0
Nitrite 0

Dosing microbacter 7 and going with a fish cycle.

I have my Neotherm 150 and Jebao 0w-25 installed and am going lights out for the first two or three weeks.

Currently looking at skimmers and ato.

First real FTS

 

[Woodster8297]

I have finally established the aquarium and changed my rockscape to get ready for the move from my Biocube 16 to the CVue.

Today the parameters were
Salinity 1.026
Temp - 78
pH- 8.0
Ammonia- .25
Nitrate- 0
Nitrite-0

 

[str8Reefin]

So far today, I finished painting the inside of the stand along with adding doors and hinges. Still deciding on handles but thought I would update the thread with some pictures. I still need to true up the doors on the stand.

I would really appreciate a copy of your plans for the stand. Looks great!

 

[Woodster8297]

I would really appreciate a copy of your plans for the stand. Looks great!

Awesome, I’ll get them together and send them over!

 

[ASAG62]

Hello Woodster,
I'm also looking into purchasing a C-Vue 40 (Cobalt said they should have more in stock in a couple weeks). Your tank is going to be awesome and I love the stand (could sell those on the side LOL) I have a question about the lighting, will that one fixture be sufficient for corals?

 

[Shirley Weller]

ASAG62 -
OP stated in post #14 that he’ll be adding another AI prime once the tank cycles. You may have overlooked his comment about the additional light. Hope this helps.