29 BioCube w/ Rockwall

[taavis]

After tearing down my 180 mixed reef, due to finances and time restraints. I couldn't stay away from the hobby, so I decided to set up a 29 bio-cube. I didn't want it to look like a stock bio-cube, so I decided build a rock-wall with a hidden return.

My goals with this tank was to have a realistic looking rock-wall that didn't take up too much space and leave enough room for some Tonga Branch aquascaping. I also would like to have unique/rare fish and corals. This is where I am going to ask for help with. So any suggestions are very welcome. Just keep in mind that I am not a millionaire, if you know what I mean.

As for as equipment goes. Lighting will be a 20" Sunpod HQI 150w. I had thought about the LED upgrade, but just can't fit that in the budget right now. I will be running a Tunze 9002 skimmer. I am using the stock return pump right now, but thought about changing it to a MJ 900. Not wanting to get to much flow throw the filter chambers. I will be using 2 Koralia #1's for flow. I am thinking about changing to #2's, but not sure yet. I just doesn't seem to have much flow with the #1's. I will be using a JBJ ATO. Also be installing a dual reactor for carbon and GFO. And finally, I want to control everything with my AC3.

Now down to the good part. I have been working on this for a few months now. I have the rock-wall done, its in the tank cycling right now. I know that with dry rock and a new rock wall, it was going to have a pretty bad cycle. After only 3 week cycling I have never seen test so bad before. On the Ammonia, Nitrates, and Nitrites. Not sure if this is normal for something like this, I have never had a cycle this bad. I am currently working on getting a stand built for this. I am no carpenter, so I am going for nice looking, not great.

I don't want to hit you with a hundred pic of my progress. But here are a few that will get you to where I'm at right now.

So that's the scoop this far.

Troy

 

[gdavis17]

I really like your stand. Good job on the construction.

 

[taavis]

A little more work done on the stand. Getting close to moving it inside and getting the tank on it.

 

[a-T-m]

That's a real professional looking wall, i like how you've got a bit of it angling down the sides. If you already have the koralia 1's, you could mod them a bit to up the flow instead of buying new ones.

 

[taavis]

Thanks for the complements.

a-T-m thanks for the links to the K1 mods. I am going to try that first before I go get some new #2's

 

[taavis]

Another small update.
I have cut out the openings in the top and bottom for the doors. And started to build the doors. I am having a problem with them, getting them squared. Its taken me a little longer then I thought, so I should have new pics really soon.

I did mod the K1's for more flow but don't thing it did much difference. I am working on get a couple #2 from a local club member to see how that works.

 

[taavis]

With not much progress to show right now. I thought I would give a little eye candy of what I do got. Just to keep you interested.
This is a 12g nano that I throw together when my 180g came down.

 

[taavis]

Got the doors done, made a few changes, and ran into some major problems.

I finished the doors and put them on the stand, and decided I didn't like the stain that I used for the wood. IMO it made it look a little cheap. So I have decided to paint the stand black, but have the trim around the door white, just to make it stand out a little.

My problem is I still can't figure out what is wrong with my sunpod. It won't fire, I have tried new bulbs, new ballast, and checked the switches and wiring, and cleaned the socket. Might have a bad new ballast, so I am doing some checking into that.
Also my param's are starting to get more undercontrol, but perfect. So I thought I would throw a cheap damsel in there to help cycle everything. And less then 12 hours it died. Now I am concerned that the rock wall is going to be a problem.

Here is a few pics of progress.
Sorry pics are a little blurry but you get the idea

This is one of the doors that I painted black and white.

 

[alovely]

wow I like the way it is comming together. I have been thinking about doin gthe rock wall for a while now and have been reading that if you don't have too much rock to hold the wall down that it will eventually float up. How are you keeping yours down w/ silicone?

 

[taavis]

I have a hiden return that is in the rock wall, that is glued to the return piece on the back wall. But its pretty heavy with all the rock and sand on it. The advise I have about rockwalls would be let them cure for quite a while before putting them in a tank. I am having heavy concentration of Ammonia. And its taking alot longer then I thought to get the cycle done.

 

[SurfnFish]

Very cool rock wall man. Job well done. I usually don't like the way rock walls end up, but you sure did a good job. Can't wait to see it set up and running!

 

[taavis]

Thanks alovely and surfnfish for the compliment. It did turn out a lot better then I expected.

 

[taavis]

Sorry progress is slow right now. Been busy with other things, but I am expecting to have the stand done this weekend if everything goes right. Just got to get the doors completely painted and installed and a clear coat of polyurethane over the hole thing, then I will be bringing it inside. As far as the tank, I am still having trouble getting the light to fire, can't figure out what is wrong with that. And the params are starting to come into check, but slowly. Hope to have pic updates soon.

Troy

 

[taavis]

I have finally got the lighting problem fixed, talk about headache. Still working on the stand, haven't had much time lately like I thought I would. But getting back on track. Plan on putting some fish in there as soon as the stand is completed. I was so hoping that all this would be done by now. with a local coral swap coming up this weekend. Wanted to stock up on some new stuff for this tank. Well I guess I will wait intil fall, probably better that way, will give the tank more time to stabilize before adding new frags.

 

[taavis]

Stand is done, and I will be moving the tank into it this weekend.

 

[taavis]

Got this finished. I have got a few fish in there and all is going good. I am going to give it another month before I start moving coral. I just want to give it more time to establish itself. Still trying to get the skimmer set right, and all the programming of the AC3 done.

 

[mightymizz]

Looks great, thanks for the updates, look forward to more!!

 

[tenvibes]

looks good. you plan on keeping it barebottom?

 

[taavis]

I do plan on keeping it BB. I plan to have it covered with zoas and acan. So I hope that you can't see the bottom when it starts to fill up.

 

[RockinReef651]

This will be interesting to see once its done. Definitely want to see what the BB looks like covered with those, are you thinking crazy/bright colors?