Dustins Cube

[boofer]

Well, Im finally getting around to post some pics of the progress Ive been making on my new tank. Ive had the tank since 12/23/05. I found it used at a very good price. Ive definately been taking it slow and trying to make everything exactly how I want it. Its been hard staring at it this long, but its almost done now

To start heres the tank (-the hood) when I went and picked it up. You can use the gal gas can for size reference..Its a 36X30X24..

The first thing I did, was to take the 2 6" center braces out. They would be nothing but in the way. It wasnt an easy task taking the trim and the braces off, but I was determined

Once I had the braces off, I ordered the 2" strips for the euro-bracing I needed. I had to go with 1/4" glass, because no one locally (that I found) would cut 3/8". I could have used the center braces if so. This pic is of my very high-tech bracing system I used Marine Goop to mount the braces to the glass..

I didnt take a picture of it when I was doing it, but I also re-installed the trim over the bracing for extra strength.

Initially, I was going to go over the top with the plumbing, but after researching drilling and the awesome price I got for the drill bits ($25 shipped for 3 diamond bits...3/4", 1", and 1.5" BH size) I had to do it. I just used my cordless drill and made a dam out of clay for the coolant. I also taped the inside with duct tape for protection against chipping as the bit came through and to keep the coolant where I needed it. Each hole took about 10-15 minutes, mainly because I had never done it before and didnt want to break anything...

Heres all the holes drilled and a couple of the bits and the BH's..

After all was drilled, I got some black acrylic from Barrett to mount on the INSIDE of the tank for added strength and to act as a background. I siliconed very good around all the BH holes and between the glass and acrylic. Once it was mounted I sealed with silicone around all the edges..

 

[boofer]

Next, I had to mod both the hood and the cabinet. The hood was one piece that would have to be completely removed to gain access to the tank. I couldnt have that, so I cut it in half and hinged it for easier access. I also put stops on it so the hood wouldnt have to come all the way over. I also took out the drawer (which was taking up valuable space) and the old doors and made new doors out of plywood. I had to sturdy up the stand some, just for my peace of mind. I used a black flat enamal and 4 coats of poly on the hood and stand..

I went with the Luminarc Mini and a 400 watt 20k XM for lighting. I would have gone with a 14k again, but the Par on the 400's was lacking. The 20k Xm has more par than some of the 10k 400's. The choice was easy, since I dont want to supplement.

For flow I ended up going with the 4-way and a Dart for my closed loop. Ive always wanted that combo, so I went for it.
Heres the closed loop plumbing from the back. I initially was going to have it all in the stand, but I just didnt have enough room. The tank needs 7" clearance in the back for the plumbing now. Ill probably make some kind of access panel to cover it up..

This is when I fresh water tested for leaks and an example of the flow..

It makes an awesome random flow pattern in the tank. I did have to send the Dart back to MDM because the motor was whining real bad. They were very quick about sending me a replacement.
I hated to do it, but I had to cut some of the ridgid pipe on the returns to add some flex. Mainly because I was scared Id tweak the BH's and break the tank..

Well, Thats where Im basically at now. The tank has been filling since last night with RO/DI and Ill mix the salt in the tank. I still have to plumb the sump up (which Im doing today), so Ill post more pics as I progress.

 

[Rendos]

Awesome. I like what you have done so far. Is this going to be barebottom, or have you just not put sand in yet? I am assuming this will be SPS...or mixed reef. Love the shape of the tank. Very cool.

 

[bshumake]

NICE!

 

[willember]

looks like a winner

 

[nam2212]

Very nice.

 

[nebraskareef]

That is freakin' sweet!

 

[just dave]

Very nice.

The black acrylic panel you siliconed to the inside,is it tight between the the glass and the box?

 

[turboex901]

add another "nice" comment to the list. it looks great dustin. looking forward to coming over and humping the tank.<~~steve

 

[drowzee]

looks good. what will you be keepin?

 

[acro-wrasse]

Nice job Dustin!

 

[TitansFan]

Wow Dustin I love it.
I can only have a 36 inch tank right now in space I am "allowed" . My new 65 gallon wide I'm assembling is nice but, I love your tank's width. With your pics here and on the om site I have decided to do a CL with a SS. Your plumbing is well thought out. I like ball valves and unions everywhere.
If you don't mind I would like to play 20 questions with you... Is that 4-way and Dart too much flow? Are you having to dial it back any? Do you plan adding loc-line or anything to your bulkhead outputs? Do you think the acrylic was really needed for strength? Sorry for all the questions. O one last one. Mind giving me a link to those hole saws?
Thanks for sharing your tank building. Look forward to more pics of the sump and autotop off when you get to them.

-Chris

 

[Below Sea Level]

VERY Nice!

 

[boofer]

Thx, all Its taken me longer than I wanted it to, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now

Richard-Yeah, its going to be barebottom, mainly SPS.

Dave- Im not sure what your asking...are you talking about the overflow box? The acrylic was cut with about a 1/4" gap between everything so I could have room for a decent caulk joint and to also not be laying on the existing caulk joints.

Steve- Ive been humping this thing for over 2 months now, so if your alright with sloppy seconds its all yours

I was short some salt, so Ill have to pick that up tomorrow and also 1 fitting I need to complete the sump. I have 85 gals in the tank now mixed at 1.022 (will be 1.025) with the heater running. I also have 30gals thats been mixing for about a week. Im planning on getting it all running tomorrow and get the rocks in and let it run for at least 2 weeks before I move everything over.

Ive had the rocks "cooking" for about 7 months now. In the begining I did a 100% WC every week till about Dec, then (for cost reasons) moved it to every 2 weeks. Ive gone through 4 boxes of IO! Every time I transferred the rock from one brute to the other each rock was swished in new salt water. I hope it was worth it....it was very time consuming. The shedding from the rock in the bottom of the brute has gone down tremendously so thats a good sign.

this was taken today..suprisingly, theres still quite a bit of coralline still hanging in there...

Heres my temporary set-up I had for about 6 months....

Everything is in a 29gal now, since the new tank was going in the same spot....

more to come...

 

[boofer]

Chris- thx When I was plumbing it up I wanted to have a valve after the pump "just in case", but its perfect wide open

Right now I have no plans to add anything to the BH's. I did play around with the flow alot. The best flow I seemed to get was taking the 2 outside BH's and 90'ing down with a pipe almost to the floor then a 90 shooting at the front wall. The 2 inside BH's I had just 90'd straight down. It created a massive random barrel roll all rolling towards the overflow. With barebottom, There wouldnt be anything on the bottom of the tank. It would all be suspended till the overflow/skimmer got it. Even with the plumbing painted black, I just dont want to look at the pipes in the tank. Im trying to keep it clean as possible. But that was the best configuration I found.
The acrylic wasnt "needed" It was just added security. It also replaced the window tint that was used before as the background.
Heres the link to where I got my bits.. http://stores.ebay.com/Treasure-HK-Ltd
I got a 60mm, 45mm, and 38mm bit.

Youll have to e-mail him if your getting more than one. Ive drilled 5 holes with the 45mm, 1-60mm and 1-38mm. All, as you can see, have plenty of diamond left on them. Every tank I have is going to be drilled before its over

 

[TitansFan]

double post

 

[cateyes]

WOW Dustin,,, you've really done a nice job on your tank!!!

i like the idea of glueing the black acrylic inside the tank, it had to of been easier than my painting attempt..

i have a three sided canopy over my 29 , it makes it real easy to raise and lower the lighting while preventing too much light spillage,, it also helps with heat escape...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6921854#post6921854 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by boofer

Steve- Ive been humping this thing for over 2 months now, so if your alright with sloppy seconds its all yours

honestly, you guys need to quit with the tank abuse...:eek1:

 

[fishdoc11]

Wow! I'm impressed

Looks great Dustin. Allways nice to see a tank that's very well thought out and especially when someone you know thought it out. What kind of skimmer are you going to put on that bad boy?

Chris

 

[boofer]

Thx, Lisa The only thing Im worried about using the acrylic on the inside, is if the silicone doesnt hold around the edges and water gets behind the acrylic. I used the black silicone II then I went over it with all-glass clear silicone so I hope thats not an issue.
I love the open top configuration. I also had my 29 gal like that. Like you said it helps alot with heat and adjusting the light. I do get alot of light spillover, but I couldnt imagine a 400 watter in a closed canopy....I dont think it would be good

Chris, Thx man Ive thought long and hard on this one. Its going to be about as perfect as I can get it at this time.
For the time being on the skimmer, Im going to be running a G3(?) a fellow reefer so generously let me borrow and the ER 5-3. Ill eventually get something better, but this thing has tapped me out what would you put on it? Its roughly 130 gals.

 

[strelcevina]

Picture just donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t justified how god aquarium look live

I am still thinking on your cube man

Simple beautiful