launchnukes' small one. 75g custom rimless semi-cube sps build

[launchnukes]

Just placed my order for the new tank today so figued I'd start a build thread.

I tore down my 300dd (full fish room, 500+ gallon system) a little over six months ago because of a move and career change. I've enjoyed the hiatus but I've been getting the itch to build another sps system. I wanted to build a massive system (1,000+ gallons) but I just don't have time right now"¦.or the energy. Maybe something smaller would make more sense for now"¦

My last build thread 300dd:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1838572

So after much debate I decided to go with a 60 gallon rimless cube (24"x24"x24"). But after talking with the builder over the course of a few days and playing with my rocks in the garage I decided to add six inches to the length to give myself a little bit more room for aquascaping and fish but I didn't want to kill the cube look. So the final product will be a custom 75g semi-cube measuring 30"l x 24"d x 24"t rimless starphire display tank. I'm going with ½" glass for the extra security.

My goal for the tank is to build a clean sps system. I plan on trying to make all of the equipment in the tank as low profile as possible so I will have the tank builder install a glass-holes overflow and drill the return in the back glass. I plan on using vortechs on the back glass for additional flow. I am not sure of the rest of the components yet but I know I will be running leds for lighting. Most likely a 27" Razor, been hearing good things about them and they seem like a good bang for the buck.

 

[launchnukes]

Did some rockscaping around Christmas time. And yes, I did work on the rocks before ordering the tank. Lol.

When I took down my 300 I sold the majority of my rock but I saved about 75 or so pounds of the best rock I had and stuck it in the corner of my garage because I knew I wouldn't be able to stay away from the hobby. I'm sure glad I did.

I've always liked the minimalist/bonsai style aquascaping. So I decided to build a custom rock structure with lots of ledges for sps placement and caves for fish to hide. I hate hair and bubble algae, and I'd like to do my best to keep critters out, plus so I'm going to start with 100% dry rock. Plus it's much easier to work with and I want to take my time building a rock structure.

I bleached, dried, then vinegar dipped all the rock before starting the rockscaping. No drilling or rods, just superglue and water weld.

I missed the smell of vinegar!

Soaking

All clean

 

[aquaph8]

I'm in man, looking forward to it.

 

[launchnukes]

I'm in man, looking forward to it.

thanks Brett, your tank is looking great btw

 

[launchnukes]

starting the structure

adding more shelves

getting there. box represents the tank size

added a few pieces here and there to make ledges larger and to fill spots that looked empty

changed the top rock

adding one more piece...

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Looking good. To bad you couldn't get the 300DD setup but I know you will make this look just as big.

 

[BobbyV]

Still think you should reconsider barebottom! Maintenance super easy and
less to worry about phosphate leach or crazy nitrate spikes. Keep it simple!

Less GFO overtime also to keep it cheaper.

I know how you like to have a white floor, buy some starboard off eBay a keep on rock'in my man!

 

[launchnukes]

Looking good. To bad you couldn't get the 300DD setup but I know you will make this look just as big.

Thanks, I'll try.

Still think you should reconsider barebottom! Maintenance super easy and
less to worry about phosphate leach or crazy nitrate spikes. Keep it simple!

Less GFO overtime also to keep it cheaper.

I know how you like to have a white floor, buy some starboard off eBay a keep on rock'in my man!

Hey Rob. I know, I know but I've got two words for you...Bluespot Jawfish. That fish is just too cool, I've got to give one another try. At least this time i'll only have 50 or so pounds of it, not 300 like before so it'll be much easier to get out of there if i decide to go bb. thanks for the post bro.

 

[BobbyV]

Sure appears to be a lot of trouble for one fish .. .. .. .. .. I sure hope it appreciates you!

 

[launchnukes]

Still waiting for the tank.....

Picked up a 20l from petco during their $1 per gallon sale, had a friend cut me a few pieces of 1/4" glass, he refused to let me pay him, and a tube of ge silicone. so without further ado....my $24 sump. oh, and my sro-1000int.

 

[BobbyV]

Good thing that 3rd photo was angled enough so that we could all understand your ownership of an awesome car!

Sure wish I could afford that vehicle. Lucky being you!

I have the SRO external on my 120 gallon frag system, nice skimmer. Looks like you have enough clearance to attach a hose from the drain nipple to a waste receptacle. You just have to get a controller and attach switches to that container.

What is it like to be awesome??

 

[launchnukes]

i'm running behind with the build, i've been so busy at work lately. at least the tank arrived! Need to finish the stand, skin the stand, and order some more stuff. still trying to decide which light fixture to go with. I've even been considering a chinese led fixture, I saw a few in person at the lfs and was impressed.

tank turned out great. i ended up going with a 700gph glass-holes overflow and I'm very happy with the final result. very low profile.

tank pics. please excuse the messy garage

 

[aquaph8]

Tank looks nice, who's the builder. I love how low profile that overflow is.

 

[launchnukes]

Tank looks nice, who's the builder. I love how low profile that overflow is.

Thanks. it was built by a guy in Melbourne, FL. He's new to the business but he's built a few nice tanks in the area so I figured I'd give him a shot. I'm very impressed with the results.

A pic of the completed stand before skinning. I'm going to drop the stand off at the woodworker this week and I plan on ordering the rest of the components to get the tank cycling so hopefully I'll have the tank up and running in the next couple weeks.

[/IMG]

 

[launchnukes]

I finally have the ball rolling again on the tank build. It got put on the backburner for a little while but now i'm ready to have a tank again. I just ordered everything I need for the build. plumbing, sand, salt, lights, mag float, refractometer, two part, reactors, carbon, gfo, pumps, vortech mp10, test kits, etc, etc. I forgot how fast all that stuff adds up.

oh, and I just got a text from the woodworker. i'm very happy with how the stand is looking so far.

 

[sahin]

Looks like a promising build. Nice work on the stand :thumbsup: Are you going to have 250w or 400w MH? Or will you be going with LED?

 

[A.G]

Tagging along

 

[symbiodinium]

tagging along also...

 

[rovster]

Love the rockwork. How do you plan on finishing the stand?

 

[launchnukes]

Thanks for tagging along guys.

Looks like a promising build. Nice work on the stand :thumbsup: Are you going to have 250w or 400w MH? Or will you be going with LED?

Thanks. I've decided to go with a 27" 160w 16000k Maxspect Razor. The looks of the fixture really match what I'm trying to accomplish with the tank, it seems like a good fixture with a good color spectrum, and I wanted to give leds a try.

Love the rockwork. How do you plan on finishing the stand?

Thanks. The stand will be stained to match the furniture in my house.