MidMichiganReef
New member
Here is my original aquascape design. I tried to leave the top low so that there is room for tall sps colonies to grow. The cave in the middle is deeper then it appears in picture and I would like to put a nem there.
Heavily Modified Biocube Build
- Thread starter MidMichiganReef
- Start date
MidMichiganReef
New member
I had a major cycle with nitrite spike of >5 which is starting to wind down so I've just been sitting back and being patient. In the mean time I decided to build an ATO that runs off my Apex via the Breakout Box.
Supplies:
Neptune B.O.B
3 float switches from BRS
Aqua lifter pump from BRS
Mounting brackets with extension from autotopoff.com
5g bucket with lid
Design:
3 switch system with one for maintaining water line, one mounted 1.5" above the water line as a too high kill switch, and one mounted upside down at the top of my return for a too low kill switch.... Safety first with ATOs!
Step one figure out the water lines and the height each float needs to be and mount them:
Step two, wire them to the B.O.B.:
Mount and zip tie as best you can. A complaint about Apex stuff is that they are hard to mount as it is really hard to fit a drill next to the unit without being at an angle. After several failed attempts I used velcro to mount and zip tied wires to the power strip as a safety net. If the Velcro lets loose the module won't fall in the water. :
For those Apex users here is my ATO pump code in the dashboard:
Fallback Off
Set Off
If Switch1 Closed then On
If Switch2 Open then Off
If Switch3 Open then Off
Defer 001:00 then On
Min Time 010:00 then Off
This code tells the Apex to run the pump when the water line switch (Switch1) is closed and to shut it off if the too high switch (Switch2) is open or if the too low switch (Switch3) is open. The defer tells the Apex to not turn on the ATO unless Switch1 has been closed for 1 minute, that way water movement in the sump doesn't trigger it. The min time tells the Apex to not let the ATO pump run until a minimum of 10 minutes has passed since the last time it ran.
The too low switch (Switch3) is also programmed in the code for the return, skimmer, and email/text alarm. It shuts off the return and skimmer by code "If Switch3 open then off" and sends me a text by code "If Switch3 open then on". Each written in the control for the individual device.
Hope that helps anyone using an Apex!
Supplies:
Neptune B.O.B
3 float switches from BRS
Aqua lifter pump from BRS
Mounting brackets with extension from autotopoff.com
5g bucket with lid
Design:
3 switch system with one for maintaining water line, one mounted 1.5" above the water line as a too high kill switch, and one mounted upside down at the top of my return for a too low kill switch.... Safety first with ATOs!
Step one figure out the water lines and the height each float needs to be and mount them:
Step two, wire them to the B.O.B.:
Mount and zip tie as best you can. A complaint about Apex stuff is that they are hard to mount as it is really hard to fit a drill next to the unit without being at an angle. After several failed attempts I used velcro to mount and zip tied wires to the power strip as a safety net. If the Velcro lets loose the module won't fall in the water. :
For those Apex users here is my ATO pump code in the dashboard:
Fallback Off
Set Off
If Switch1 Closed then On
If Switch2 Open then Off
If Switch3 Open then Off
Defer 001:00 then On
Min Time 010:00 then Off
This code tells the Apex to run the pump when the water line switch (Switch1) is closed and to shut it off if the too high switch (Switch2) is open or if the too low switch (Switch3) is open. The defer tells the Apex to not turn on the ATO unless Switch1 has been closed for 1 minute, that way water movement in the sump doesn't trigger it. The min time tells the Apex to not let the ATO pump run until a minimum of 10 minutes has passed since the last time it ran.
The too low switch (Switch3) is also programmed in the code for the return, skimmer, and email/text alarm. It shuts off the return and skimmer by code "If Switch3 open then off" and sends me a text by code "If Switch3 open then on". Each written in the control for the individual device.
Hope that helps anyone using an Apex!
footballdude2k3
Active member
Just out of curiosity, why did you buy the biocube if you were going to mod it so much?
MidMichiganReef
New member
I was ready to go with a large tank and then my wife got pregnant with our first child (due in June). I love sps and difficult corals so I needed a way to have that with less maintenance time required. I loved my old biocube but they certainly have restrictions on what you can keep with a stock cube. I've thought about doing something like this for years and finally decided to pull the trigger.
I like that the biocube is sleek looking and self contained and I like the challenge of modifying a tank to get what you want. I also like the fact that very few people, if any, have a tank like this. I hope to be able to challenge for the nicest nano tank out there a year or two from now.
I get why people don't understand my reasoning, especially considering that my Apex system alone cost double the cost of the biocube, but things like the apex will work on any tank I have in the future and I always say, if you care about money then don't be in the saltwater hobby.
footballdude2k3
Active member
I completely understand/respect that. Good luck and I will be following this build for sure.
fishouttawater
New member
As the owner of a "lightly modified" AP24, this is very cool and impressive to see...subscribed and looking forward to updates!
MidMichiganReef
New member
Got the tank cycled and it held steady 24 and 48 hours after a ghost feeding. Went to the LFS yesterday and picked up some hermits, snails, and a yellow flanked fairy wrasse. Like all wrasse he's very fast and hard to get a pic of. Good news is he's eating great including 2 meals today.
Reefed419
New member
Very nice build, I love the drilling of the bio cube. I have a 14 gallon bio cube I am going to drill in the nest week or two. I have a few questions. I am wondering why u did such a crazy return plan and didnt' run it straight through the back glass to the false wall. Also what are u using at the flase was to connect your pvc and loc-line fitting. I am still trying to plan this part out before I tackle this project. I wife has had a biocube 14g for about 3 years and my only complaint about it, is it needs to 2 be drilled, so it can have a decent skimmer. So with my bio cube I am going to run the reef octopud BH-50 in my DIY acrylic sump. I am also running the rapidLED kit for my bio cube, as my wife has loved her kit thus far. Good luck with this build and look forward to you stocking it. I will be following along.
MidMichiganReef
New member
Since I choose to overflow out of chamber three I had to return through chamber 2 because the overflow is in the way of going directly in. I assume you meant false wall. Here is a pic:
MidMichiganReef
New member
The return line 3/4" it is attached to the stock return piece.
MidMichiganReef
New member
I like the RapidLed kit so far. I run it with the apex so I can tune it however I want. I went with the standard 12 royal blue 12 cool white.
jimlundborg
New member
I like it! Following along.
MidMichiganReef
New member
Tank is getting filled with high end sps and zoas this weekend. I also have a really abstract pair of Grade A Picasso clowns lined up. Can't wait to get them and post pics.
MidMichiganReef
New member
Yes the breeder is a friend I met in the hobby a few years back. He has everything from platinums to picassos, to regular percs.
