Modern Integrated 50gal Cube...Build Thread!

Thanks Josh. I was hoping to find some dimmable units, but didn't think there were any on the market at the time. I'll have to research it some more.

Tank / House looks great btw.
 
Got a bit more work done over the past few days...minimal, but something. I need to make a detailed action item list of what needs to be done so I don't lose steam.

I've decided I am going to use the track actuator for a light lifter, it should be pretty straight forward. Also decided on using the spectrapure UPLC for my topoff. I was looking at the tunze osmolator, but the pump on that unit can back siphon, which is a problem given my setup. This week, hopefully I'll order up the ato and actuator/pulleys and some miscellaneous plumbing bits I need.


Finished the shelving and have everything roughed into place in the gear cabinet:

IMG_1518.jpg



Also worked on the electronics enclosure that goes under the desk. Jointed and glued, cut the door, now I just need to hinge, paint and mount it:

IMG_1517.jpg


IMG_1520.jpg



Also, got some foam cut for the tank and one of the QT tanks:

IMG_1519.jpg
 
Some work done today....got the electronics box finished and mounted. I ended up using magnets to attach the door.

Primed, painted and hung, just started mounting the components. Still needs some wire tacks/cleanup, grommets for holes etc.:

IMG_1773.jpg



With the door on:

IMG_1774.jpg



I was going to come up with a fancy way to mount the apex head unit, but decided that straight on the front of the door was perfect. If I keep coming up with new things to do, this project will go on forever. Next up on the list is getting the wood pendant built....that should be multiday fun.
 
First off, your patience and overall concept of doing it right the first time is awesome man! I appreciate the documentation you are providing for your build...all of these tank builds help out plenty of folks.

Question, and if it was answered i apologize, it was late and i was reading while half conscious...the inside of the room will be environmentally controlled and you stated you may plumb a chiller in the future, but what about the water in the external closet? Will that get warmer than inside creating a fluctuation in temps when doing H2O changes? Hopefully it is not an issue, but i was just wondering.
 
Skiquatics said:
First off, your patience and overall concept of doing it right the first time is awesome man! I appreciate the documentation you are providing for your build...all of these tank builds help out plenty of folks.

Question, and if it was answered i apologize, it was late and i was reading while half conscious...the inside of the room will be environmentally controlled and you stated you may plumb a chiller in the future, but what about the water in the external closet? Will that get warmer than inside creating a fluctuation in temps when doing H2O changes? Hopefully it is not an issue, but i was just wondering.
Click to expand...

Thanks Ski! Trust me when I tell you that I'm getting and will continue to get as much good info and input from this thread as others hopefully will. So it's not completely altruistic ;>

To answer your question, yes, that is a concern of mine. I should probably do the math to see what a 10% water change will do to overall tank temp if the incoming water is, say, 10 degrees warmer.

If it becomes an issue I'll go back to my original plan of a constant water change system (which means I'll have to pony up and buy the litermeter). In that scenario, the minuscule amounts going in at any given time will have little to no affect on display tank temperature. Here's to hoping it's not an issue!
 
Ok, so I did some quick calculations, and here's what I've come up with. Please anyone feel free to chime in and correct my math. I did have to look around online a bit for a refresher on this....

Volume1*HeatCap*(Volume1Temp-FinalTemp) = Volume2*HeatCap*(FinalTemp-Volume2Temp)

Specific Heat Capacity for Salt Water at Ocean(ish) levels ~ 3.983 j/g oC

At a just over 10% water change with an 11 deg. higher temp on the WC water:
~65g Total Water Volume @ 79 oF = 26.1 oC
~7g Water Change Volume @ 90 oF = 32.2 oC

65g*3.983*(26.1 - Tf) = 7g*3.983*(Tf - 32.2)
65*(26.1 - Tf) = 7*(Tf - 32.2)
1690 - 65(Tf) = 7(Tf) - 225.4
1690 + 225.4 = 7(Tf) + 65(Tf)
1915.4 = 72(Tf)
Tf = 26.6C = 79.88F

Here's the rundown of the scenarios, assuming a 79Deg Tank Temp:

10% WC, 90Deg Input Water = Final Temp 79.88F
20% WC, 90Deg Input Water = Final Temp 80.78F
30% WC, 90Deg Input Water = Final Temp 81.51F

As this is based on heat transfer, the tank temp affects the calculations as well, but looking at this, I'm not as concerned. A weekly 10% water change under these circumstances only raises the tank temp by less than a degree.... If it becomes an issue, I'll start doing my WC in the morning when the input water temps are cooler ;>
 
Man ... you are really gifted. Congratulations !

cheers,
MaLi

PS. Just to stop others from following you ... tell them how much you invested so far :rollface:
 
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mutateddogbone said:
careful using the salt mix that hot. the extra heat actually helps calcium carbonate to precipitate out of your salt mix!!
Click to expand...

That's some very good and much appreciated info... My plan is to mix salt pretty soon after the ro/di has done it's thing, as it won't be running all the time, so hopefully the temp at mix time shouldn't be an issue.

Have you guys had precipitation issues for stored salt water that has gotten to 90F-ish?
 
joshbryer said:
That's some very good and much appreciated info... My plan is to mix salt pretty soon after the ro/di has done it's thing, as it won't be running all the time, so hopefully the temp at mix time shouldn't be an issue.

Have you guys had precipitation issues for stored salt water that has gotten to 90F-ish?
Click to expand...

Very good question. I store mine in my garage and it gets pretty hot out there...
 
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