30 Gallon Shallow Cube Build

[cdunson82]

After some events in life I had to sell my 75 gallon rimless that I had up and running for a while because I was going onto the third floor of an apartment. After two months of no tank I started going nuts and decided to build a new one. After seeing Darth Waders build I knew that was the tank I wanted to have, and now I decided to do my first build thread with it. I would like to hear all criticism on what you think or what I should do differently. Thank you for looking.

I am currently going through the cycle. My Parameters are:
Salinity: 1.026
Temp: 79
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrites: .25ppm
Nitrates: ~60ppm

Hardware -
Tank: Deep Blue RR 30 Gallon "Mini Frag" tank dimensions 24"x24"x12"
Stand: Deep Blue Stand
Light: AI SOL Super Blue in Black with controller
Skimmer: SC-65
Return Pump: Rio 1700
Rocks: Marco Rocks

Intended Livestock -
Fish: Snowflake Clownfish, Midas Blenny and Orcid Dottyback
Coral: SPS Dominate

Now for the pictures:

When I first got it home -

The aquascape I decided on -

AI Sol and controller -

Skimmer -

Everything filled, water cleared and first time turning on the light (I still need to paint the conduit piping I am using for the light but not sure if I like it) -

Skimmer in action -

And a picture of the tank today filled with diatoms -

Thank you again for looking and let me know what you think.

 

[premilove]

Looks great my Lfs has deep blue's entire lineup including your setup. Awesome tanks they look even better fully stocked!

 

[Pallobi]

Pretty sweet

 

[keener1830]

Digging the rimless look I'm about to set up a tank with the same dimensions but it is not rimless.

 

[ange062]

Sweet looking setup and equipment list, look forward to progress on this one!

 

[cdunson82]

Premilove - Are you able to get a picture of the one from your lfs the next time you go? I am trying to get some ideas of placement and such.

Thank for all of the kind words, I really love this tank. The dimensions are awesome, but I have always loved shallow tanks. Just seems so much bigger then 30 gallons.

 

[premilove]

Sure but from what I remember all they use them for is frags. I believe they are in the process of making the 30g a show tank. Prob will go next Tuesday.

 

[WaVe RiDeR]

was going to get that exact tank but i ended up going with the 60 gallon deep blue rimless nice tank!!!!

 

[secrest]

Nice setup. I love the tank, I've been trying to find one for a few months no locally but had no luck so far. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

[cdunson82]

Thanks for the kind words, none of my LFS had them either but was able to order it. Just find out if they can order it for you.

Update:
My numbers are still going through a cycle. All of my previous tanks have had live rock, live sand and already cycled water so this wait is a lot longer then I'm used to.

Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: .5ppm
Nitrates: 160ppm

 

[St.Pete_Reefer]

Thanks for the kind words, none of my LFS had them either but was able to order it. Just find out if they can order it for you.

Update:
My numbers are still going through a cycle. All of my previous tanks have had live rock, live sand and already cycled water so this wait is a lot longer then I'm used to.

Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: .5ppm
Nitrates: 160ppm

Have you done a water change yet?

 

[JustinBT]

Wow this is a beautiful set up, I look forward to seeing it mature. Ive been playing with the idea of replacing my 28 bow with a rimless 40 breeder because I really like the clean look of a wide shallow tank but this steals the show all day sir, good luck to you
By the way, anything going in your sump with that mighty skimmer?

 

[Hyperion1337]

im planning to get one exact dim. from dep blue however it wont be RR. Can i ask: How much did you get yours for, like the tank and stand?

 

[TX..r33f]

That looks really good. one day i want a custom 30G shallow tank about 9-10in deep.

 

[cdunson82]

Thank you all for the kind words......I like how the scape turned out but still debating how I should plan the coral side.

St. Pete - this is where you and anyone else can help me, should I do a water change? I was under the impression that I shouldn't do a water change until after the cycle is complete? This is my first time with dry rock so all advice is greatly appreciated.

Justin - the only thing I planned on putting down there was an ATO. No real plans for anything else.

Hyper - I have had tanks not RR and I suggest getting RR. It really does make life easier and is really in the end a cleaner look. No one around me had them so a LFS had to get it from a near by dealer, tank was $199 and the stand was $179. Hope this helps.

 

[Hyperion1337]

k that helps a ton, wow my LFS was overpricing the tank big time even though it was one already used and two it isnt RR. Plus I really dont mind the not RR tank cuz I did check and the back is not tempered so its safe to drill and thats most likely what I will do and install an internal overflow.

 

[Darth Wader]

Love the setup. Reminds me of mine....

 

[TimothyJ]

Love the setup. Reminds me of mine....

Where did you find this tank for sale?

 

[cdunson82]

Darth Wader: Thats a compliment lol. After seeing your build I went out and found a lfs that could get it for me. I have always loved shallow cubes but the cost to get one custom made is insane, these tanks are absolutely gorgeous.

Timothy: From a local fish store here in Orlando. If there are any stores around you that deal in Deep Blue Tanks, most likely they can get it for you.

 

[SaguaroSteve]

That rimless tank looks SHARP! This will look awesome with SPS!