Modern Integrated 50gal Cube...Build Thread!

[joshbryer]

So I received a box of fun from ReefGeek.....

-2x Vortech mp10w Es
-2x Vortech battery backups

-Apex Unit with std. temp/ph probes
-2 Apex EB8s
-Apex WXM
-Apex Lunar Module

-8x24w Dimmable Power Module
-Bulbs: 4x ATI Blue Plus, 2x ATI Aquablue Special, 1x GE 6500k, 1x KZ Fiji Purple

I'm gonna post in GrimReefer's T5 thread, but does anyone have suggestions for bulb order?


Goodie Box #1:

 

[joshbryer]

Great build can't wait to see it finished.

BTW, can you post up pics of your backyard, i like the patio set up on the cement squares... One of my projects besides to finish up my 55gal build,

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1780792


is to start my backyard landscaping.

Thanks

Hi Camaro-

Here's a couple pics as promised...

Good luck in your build and landscaping!

 

[joshbryer]

I can recommend spectapure LiterMeter 3 for your Auto saltwater change & FW top off water. You can also hookup your RODI system to your FW reservoir. I have been running with this setup since Feb, and so far its been great. Just make sure that you calibrate your LiterMeter every month or two and check your salinity.

Great build! any picture of the equipment room behind the wall?

Hey Mirugai-

Here's a couple pics of the equipment cabinet behind the room as it stands now:

And here's what I'm planning...To the right of the storage tanks etc, I'm going to build a stand for general (read: non tank related) storage.

 

[Mirugai]

And here's what I'm planning...To the right of the storage tanks etc, I'm going to build a stand for general (read: non tank related) storage.

Believe me its all gonna be tank related in that cabinet.. Just wait and see

 

[Mirugai]

If i may suggest, run a small line from that storage to a drainage, wherever it maybe, you'd be glad to have an extra space without that waste tank.

IHMO, the less maintenece you do, the happier you'll be. At least that applies to me

 

[Brando457]

My concern is you have the QT as being plumbed to the sump, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of the QTs since you'd be allowing any nasties from the QT to enter the display via the common sump?

 

[joshbryer]

My concern is you have the QT as being plumbed to the sump, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of the QTs since you'd be allowing any nasties from the QT to enter the display via the common sump?

Hi Brando-

To clarify, both Qt tanks are isolated both from the main display as well as each other. Absolutely a good thought though, as that would be bad

thanks!
Josh

 

[joshbryer]

If i may suggest, run a small line from that storage to a drainage, wherever it maybe, you'd be glad to have an extra space without that waste tank.

IHMO, the less maintenece you do, the happier you'll be. At least that applies to me

Mirugai-

You know, I think I'm gonna take your advice on that one and figure it out... I figured a way to run a line into there for the ro/di today, and I'm pretty sure there's an easy solution for the drain too. Thanks for the words of wisdom!

Now the question is...if I need to run a chiller, how am I going to vent that cabinet for it....

 

[Mirugai]

Good, i dont think you will enjoying carrying waste water bucket everyweek.

 

[joshbryer]

Today was pretty productive... Didn't get as much done as I was hoping to, but it usually seems to work out that way.

Finished up the basic frame for the QT tank stand. Now I need to paint it and decide whether to put the slide out shelves in. If I put the shelves in, I think I'll have a height issue with the coral QT (lower) tank, due to lighting.

Here's some progress...

 

[fstar25]

Looking good. Subscribed.

~Frank

 

[joshbryer]

Thanks Frank!

Cheers,
Josh

 

[syedjilani]

Well done Josh.

Looking gr8

 

[joshbryer]

Well done Josh.

Looking gr8

Hi S.J.-

Thanks much! Your build is looking awesome as well, just went and checked out the thread again. Your Bubble Killer idea is really innovative...nice work!

Best,
Josh

 

[joshbryer]

Quick status update... Started building the electrical/electronics cabinet today. Got all the panels cut, biscuit joined and dry fit. Jigged out the opening for the electrical gangs on the back panel. Hopefully this week I'll be able to assemble and then paint it and the QT tank stand.

Next weekend I plan to do some through the wall drilling for plumbing and wiring, run some trenches and lay pipe for a drain line as well as an ro/di input line into the storage cabinet.

I also need to finish the plans for and start building the teak pendant that will house the Powermodule and lunar leds...more on that later.

Have a good week!

 

[BennyFrank]

...I also need to finish the plans for and start building the teak pendant that will house the Powermodule and lunar leds...more on that later.

Have a good week!

You know this is a high quality build when even the appearance of the powermodule needs to be masked! Looking forward to the progress.

 

[joshbryer]

You know this is a high quality build when even the appearance of the powermodule needs to be masked! Looking forward to the progress.

Thanks Benny, that's certainly what I'm shooting for.... Progress on the other hand, I'm realizing will be steady but slow. Given my work/life schedule at the moment I'm pretty much restricted to weekend work only. Hopefully I should have all the components this week though!

 

[joshbryer]

Small update, I made some progress on the cabinet tonight. Got all the venting and wiring holes drilled, and was going to glue, but ran out of daylight....maybe tomorrow. Need to get some more 2" grommets this week.

On another note, it seems that the electronics box is going to be a bit too crowded, so I'm thinking I'm going to relocate the vortech backups to a nema enclosure in the utility cabinet.

 

[joshbryer]

Goodie Box #2 arrived today from BRS.....dosing pumps, ro/di, filter media and two-part mix:

 

[wtildens]

This looks interesting, suscribed.