daytonajim00
New member
I started this build about 3 months ago. It's a modified Biocube 29 running into a 20 gallon sump/refugium.
I removed the back dividing wall on the Biocube and drilled for two 1" drains and one 1/2" return. I added a ply of tinted acrylic to the back wall for extra reinforcement and drilled that. There is an internal overflow box going into a Herbie style set up.
For the refugium/sump, I used a standard 20 gallon and designed dividers. The refugium chamber 'hooks' around the sump and return chamber so you mainly see refugium as the display.
The reef tank dumps into the rear chamber and the current moves under the first wall into the large refugium. The current 'hooks' around the 'L' shaped refugium, over the far refugium wall, and then under a 1" bubble trap in the return chamber. The trap baffle is removable for cleaning. There aren't any bubbles so I'm more so using the 1" trap for filter media- sponge and a bag of carbon. A Mag 5 pump powers the current back to the reef display sitting a mere 9" higher (2' head from pump).
I made a custom stand out of 1/2" fine grade plywood. My friend is well versed in Autocad. I drew the dimensions and he plugged it into a program that breaks down each panel cut needed. I made my cuts and used a Craig jig with Guerilla wood glue. There is little internal framing needed due to the design so the entire stand is reasonably light. I topped it with real Teak vaneer, which is of course, a tropical wood known for its water resistance. I painted the face white and have yet to add doors or internal shelves.
It has been running pretty good for about 3 months now. This is actually a rebuild from my last tank. I've changed tanks over the past 10 years. Some of my original rock remains. Never had a catastrophic crash.
From the photos here, I have since added more rock (dry which was seeded), my old skimmer, and my pride- a Raspberry Pi controller based off the open sourc "ReefPi" software. I will update this journal with these changes and whatever else as the journey continues!
I removed the back dividing wall on the Biocube and drilled for two 1" drains and one 1/2" return. I added a ply of tinted acrylic to the back wall for extra reinforcement and drilled that. There is an internal overflow box going into a Herbie style set up.
For the refugium/sump, I used a standard 20 gallon and designed dividers. The refugium chamber 'hooks' around the sump and return chamber so you mainly see refugium as the display.
The reef tank dumps into the rear chamber and the current moves under the first wall into the large refugium. The current 'hooks' around the 'L' shaped refugium, over the far refugium wall, and then under a 1" bubble trap in the return chamber. The trap baffle is removable for cleaning. There aren't any bubbles so I'm more so using the 1" trap for filter media- sponge and a bag of carbon. A Mag 5 pump powers the current back to the reef display sitting a mere 9" higher (2' head from pump).
I made a custom stand out of 1/2" fine grade plywood. My friend is well versed in Autocad. I drew the dimensions and he plugged it into a program that breaks down each panel cut needed. I made my cuts and used a Craig jig with Guerilla wood glue. There is little internal framing needed due to the design so the entire stand is reasonably light. I topped it with real Teak vaneer, which is of course, a tropical wood known for its water resistance. I painted the face white and have yet to add doors or internal shelves.
It has been running pretty good for about 3 months now. This is actually a rebuild from my last tank. I've changed tanks over the past 10 years. Some of my original rock remains. Never had a catastrophic crash.
From the photos here, I have since added more rock (dry which was seeded), my old skimmer, and my pride- a Raspberry Pi controller based off the open sourc "ReefPi" software. I will update this journal with these changes and whatever else as the journey continues!
