Another biocube build

[jdavid]

What's up guys

As some of you may remember I recently sold my build I had been working on- and while im still looking for something a little more obtainable (perhaps a 65), I decided yesterday that I've had enough waiting and bought the $5 tube of epoxy that launched this build into overdrive.

I've had a biocube before, and while it's not the ideal start for a build, I had this one laying around and I'm using what I've got. I'm not happy with the lack of skimmer space- and my rocks aren't the most pourous either so I'd like to use a bunch of matrix too. I need a sump. So I need to drill it. Probably today. I'm interested in recommendations for hole sizes and placement- leaving the back wall in tact. Thinking about just drain halfway up the 3rd chamber, and return lined up with the original placement for the return in the third chamber. Ditch the stock pump and let the 1st two chambers function normally.

Fiji pink? I think so. Stock MH with Phoenix 14k, kessil a150 (w or w/o supplement??) These are a couple options I have laying around.

Anyway, here's some pics of the start of the process

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[dball711]

Looking good, off to a great start!

 

[jdavid]

Thanks Dave! What sizes would you drill the drain and return for a small sump?

I'm thinking about throwing it in the backseat and taking it to a local business like.. Now!

 

[jdavid]

3/4" drain and 1/2" return? Is that right?? Lol

 

[dvu006]

Scapes looking good!

 

[dball711]

JDavid;1032568 wrote: 3/4" drain and 1/2" return? Is that right?? Lol

Sounds about right.

 

[jdavid]

dball711;1032577 wrote: Sounds about right.

Dropped the tank off to be drilled, he recommended a 1" drain and I didn't argue. Lol.

Picking it up tomorrow, meanwhile just admiring my rock formations

Substrate: check. 40 lbs Fiji pink live. I'm usually a sea floor special guy but man.. Just looks so coarse to me now. Was temped to grab the super fine Bahamas oolite but I know better haha

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[dball711]

That's a lot of sand!

 

[jdavid]

I want a leopard wrasse

 

[tbub1221]

Cool bro

 

[picoreefguy]

JDavid;1032606 wrote: Dropped the tank off to be drilled, he recommended a 1" drain and I didn't argue. Lol.

Picking it up tomorrow, meanwhile just admiring my rock formations

Substrate: check. 40 lbs Fiji pink live. I'm usually a sea floor special guy but man.. Just looks so coarse to me now. Was temped to grab the super fine Bahamas oolite but I know better haha

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i know what you mean about the sand man i usually get caribsea's aragalive but i got the ocean direct this time and its crazy course, i dug out about 2 lbs of clam shells, rocks, even a twig and after all that was removed about half of whats left is 1/4" in diameter. i might take it out and go back to aragalive. let me know if you need some matrix i have a little i can spare.

 

[jdavid]

I think I have enough matrix B! Thanks

Tank is drilled!

 

[jdavid]

Thanks Rit! I'll be seeing you along the way

 

[jdavid]

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[jdavid]

Took a couple days after the expo to get out on the river down in savannah, explored some islands, found sharks teeth, giant horseshoe crabs, saw Dolphins, and plenty of other fun. Dylan says hi.

Now I'm back, these were all taken last week when I tested everything. Tomorrow I'm gluing the rest, clamping the hoses, and filling the tank upstairs. Sand & rock will go in and the waiting begins. I'm going to use microbacter7 and fish food to jump start everything.

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[rdnelson]

Did he break any bones???

 

[jdavid]

We didn't go bowling

 

[rdnelson]

Yeah but think of the damage he could do with a fishing rod!!!!!

 

[jdavid]

This happened after a big tanker came by. I was sitting on the back of the boat fishing and wound up about 100 feet over and up on the beach!

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