20 Cube build

[lorenk]

The fun begins.

I have a 20" cube that's been sitting in my garage for a while that I'm finally setting up. It's made by MRC and was in their bargain bin a while ago (thanks Raj!). It has a corner overflow on the right and a sectioned off section on the left for the return and a place where I can run some power cords if needed.

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I'm building a DIY stand. This actually has been what's held me back from getting this setup...I hate building stands. So be nice, I still have some work to do on it, specifically another coat of paint, some sealing at t he bottom and finishing the door.

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I plan to do a closed loop on this, still trying to figure out where I want to put the holes. It will be powered by a little giant 3 pump. I intend to put the intake on the back wall about midway. Still not sure on the placement of the returns yet.

Lighting will be a 250w Lumen Bright (mogul) pendant with 20k bulb. If that ends up being too much, I may downgrade to a 175w.

I'll post more pictures and details of the build as I progress!

 

[william1]

Cant wait to see the progress. I am going to build the stand for my 180, and I hate building myself. Looking good so far.

 

[Reefplumber13]

hey will what are you going to do with your 90 pm me so we dont junk his thread up lol

 

[lorenk]

jgilley84;298360 wrote: hey will what are you going to do with your 90 pm me so we dont junk his thread up lol

Yeah, we wouldn't want to do that, would we? :doh:

 

[lorenk]

Some tips on stand building.

Tip #1, if you are using a handsaw with a miter block, don't expect perfection. Next time, I'll buy a power miter saw.

Tip #2, even though it's a small stand, I should have used 2x4s instead of 2x2s. And instead of 1/2" plywood, I would have used door skins.

 

[seedless reefer]

You wanna try again I can loan you a saw?

 

[lorenk]

Nah, that's why God invented disk sanders...to fix crappy miters.

 

[linda lee]

What a cool looking cube! This will be a unique set-up.

 

[lorenk]

Time for an update. Basically have everything put together. Tank is filled with saltwater and I've got some rock in it (not happy with aquascaping so nopics of that). Just waiting on my new pendant.

Here's a full tank w/stand pic. I'm trying to decide if I want to go bare bottom or not.

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I installed a closed loop. Intake is on the back wall in the middle with one return on the top back wall and the other at the bottom front. I was a bit worried about the one on the bottom, but decided to take a risk. Yes, those are some rusty channel locks.

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The closed loop is powered by a Little Giant 3 with valves on both the intake and output.

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And I put in a 3/4" SCWD to get some variability in the flow. I was a bit worried to put in the SCWD because it will be a pain to repair if something happens, but it was worth the risk. I am really impressed with the simple technology and am glad I installed it.

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The sump barely fit. The stand is only 22" deep and it actually is hanging out the back by 2". But I needed to fit my "Gen 1" Oceanforce Skimmer in there. Think the OF300 will work on my 40g system? Sponge between front section and the back section of the sump has eliminated all bubbles which is a first in any tank of mine.

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Return pump is only a mag 3 right now. I want to upgrade to a mag 7. This will give me bit more flow, but will also allow me to branch off the return and use the section on the left as a small fuge area. I will put a T toward the bottom and leach off some of the flow which will flow over the top of the pseudo-overflow. I'll need to patch the bottom though to cover the big hole that was drilled in it. Pics to come on that.

 

[jetchris]

looks good so far, i beleive a 250w may be too much light. But if you already have it, go for it.

 

[lorenk]

It is a 20k bulb so I figure less PAR and I'll start higher.

I was never happy with my 150k HQI over my 24g aquapod.