Mr. Aqua 60 Gallon Cube Build

[AudiSportB5S4]

Hey there Reef Central!

I have begun research on the 60 gallon cube setup I'm going to tackle over the coming months and wanted to make a thread to track progress as well as gather some opinions from those with way more experience.

Currently I have a BioCube 29 and with big help from a friend of mine who got me into the hobby and has helped me stock my tank with appropriate livestock and corals, I am itching to get into a more serious setup. The BioCube is great to learn on and offers some flexibility to upgrade a few components to optimize the tank.

I'd appreciate any tips or guidance along the way.. I'm going to create a list below and please feel free to drop a line if you have a recommendation for something that I don't have listed or should set my eyes on something else.

Right now one of my bigger concerns lies in the stand.. When I search for this on the net, seems like a lot of stands for 60 cubes are DIY'd. I want to run a sump under the tank where I can keep all the components so the tank provides the best view it can.

Tank: Mr Aqua 60 gallon Cube. Std 24x24x24
Stand: ?
Lighting: 1 AI Hydra, with controller
In Tank Flow: VorTech MP10 (may be too small)
Return pump: ?
Controller: Neptune Systems ApexJr.
Heater: Retaining from current set up, for now
Sump: DIY? 20 gallon? Berlin Sump found on MD?
Skimmer: ?
Overflow/Drill?

I also want to welcome anyone who may have anything I could use second hand! If you're considering selling anything I could use, shoot me a message. I'm definitely not opposed to getting some stuff second hand to bring the cost down. I don't want to cut corners but some things you don't need to buy new.

Thanks for any help, I'll be updating the thread when I start purchasing things hopefully sooner than later!

I'll post a few images of my current setup now and the livestock inside when get to my home computer.

 

[thegrun]

Here is what I run on my 50 gallon semi-cube (24" x 24" x 20" tall) for what that is worth:
"¢ Two Ecotech MP-10 Wireless Pumps
"¢ 26 Gallon Custom DIY Combo Sump, Refugium, Top-Off Tank.
o Filter Sock Holder.
o JBJ Auto Top-Off system.
o 16 Watt compact fluorescent flood light 5400K.
"¢ Eheim 1260 Return Pump (635 GPH) 65 watts.
"¢ One Eheim Jager TruTemp 150 Watt Heater
"¢ One Eheim Jager TruTemp 100 Watt Heater
"¢ CAD Lights PLS-100 Protein Skimmer
"¢ BRS Dual GFO/Carbon Reactor.
o Maxi Jet 900 pump.
"¢ Aqua Illuminations Vega 95 Watt LED Light Fixture.
o AI Vega Controller.
o Custom hanging kit.
"¢ Neptune Apex AquaController
o Apex Base Unit
o Apex Display
o Ecotech Wireless Expansion Module (WXM)
o Energy Bar 8 (x2)
o Energy Bar 4 (x1)
o pH Probe
o Temperature Probe
"¢ Surge Protector Power Strip



(2) Black and White mated Clown Fish
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Royal Gramma
Flasher Wrasse
Purple Firefish

 

[AudiSportB5S4]

Here is what I run on my 50 gallon semi-cube (24" x 24" x 20" tall) for what that is worth:

Thanks, that's helpful... My list is short.. I definitely have a ways to go!

Did you drill your tank, or do you have some sort of overflow?

 

[thegrun]

It came with two holes (one 1" drain, one 3/4" return) in the overflow. I drilled for a second 1" drain as an emergency drain.

 

[AudiSportB5S4]

Some of my current corals


Corals by AudiSportB5S4, on Flickr

Firefish


Red Firefish by AudiSportB5S4, on Flickr

 

[Felix T Cat]

60G marineland cube (built in RR) here:
Factory stand
Handmade canopy (very basic but enough to hold the light)
Proflex Model 1 sump
10g tank for top off
RKE controller
2x MP10WES
Mag Drive 7 return pump dialed back via ball valve in the return line.
Bubble Magnus 3.5 in sump skimmer
Reefbreeders Photon 16 LED for lighting

 

[AudiSportB5S4]

60G marineland cube (built in RR) here:
Factory stand

Thanks for this lead! I'm going to keep an eye out for a 24x24" Ventura Stand from Marineland

 

[AudiSportB5S4]

Tank acquired! Love the size of it.. My Biocube 29 looks like a toy in comparison.

Now to start buying the rest... The big ticket items in my eyes will be the light (AI Hydra), the AI light controller, the Apex Junior Controller.. My buddy is going to help me with the sump and let me use his old skimmer.

 

[RDM]

If you're going with the Apex, you might want to consider going with the full Apex over the Jr. With the Jr you are limited to the number of devices you can add. It supports 5 in total and the display counts as one of the five. Since the Jr comes with only four plugins you probably need at least one power bar or maybe even two. Each power bar counts as one device. Then there is the controller for light dimming and wireless pump control, each counts as a device. If you add the PM1 or PM2 keep in mind the probes don't come with the kits. They are extra.

The full unit looks expensive until you figure out what it will cost you to add those additional pieces to the Jr. Just something to consider from someone that started with a Jr and is now looking to upgrade to a full Apex unit.

Good luck with the new tank!

 

[AudiSportB5S4]

Oh and then the EcoTech powerhead.. Currently I have a wishlist @ Marine Depot going of 1130 bucks

 

[AudiSportB5S4]

If you're going with the Apex, you might want to consider going with the full Apex over the Jr. With the Jr you are limited to the number of devices you can add. It supports 5 in total and the display counts as one of the five. Since the Jr comes with only four plugins you probably need at least one power bar or maybe even two. Each power bar counts as one device. When you add the PM1 or PM2 keep in mind the probes don't come with the kits. They are extra.

The full unit looks expensive until you figure out what it will cost you to add those additional pieces to the Jr. Just something to consider from someone that started with a Jr and is now looking to upgrade to a full Apex unit.

Good luck with the new tank!

Ah okay, thanks for the advice! I am excited to get it together but it will be a slow process.. I'll accumulate the parts over the summer and aim to get it running by fall.

 

[Reefed419]

Just took down my 60g Marineland cube. I went custom overflow and return, mag 5 return pump, 20 DIY sump. I know what u mean by having a large wish list, mine is at about $2300. So many things I want and so little money to contribute to them.I would suggest looking into an oversized stand. It is really tight inside in the 24x24 stands. I would suggest a 30-36x27 stand. It would allow much more room and a better sump in my opinion.

 

[whiteshark]

I'm just about to move into the build phase of a 30 frag tank that is 24 x 24 x 12. I'm DIYing a stand that is 35 x 35 to accommodate everything inside. I completely agree with the above. These tanks actually look better on oversized stands anyway IMO.

 

[vanillagorila]

I used an Elite Aquatics cube sump. It's 19.5x19.5x15. The build quality and customer service is top notch.

 

[Reefed419]

I'm just about to move into the build phase of a 30 frag tank that is 24 x 24 x 12. I'm DIYing a stand that is 35 x 35 to accommodate everything inside. I completely agree with the above. These tanks actually look better on oversized stands anyway IMO.

That is the exact tank I replaced my 60g cube with. I went with a 36x27x48 stand, I love my stand so much more now, I also added doors to 3 sides of my stand for super easy access to everything. Take advice from those who have traveled that road, go with a bigger stand or forever be frustrated.

 

[Reefed419]

I used an Elite Aquatics cube sump. It's 19.5x19.5x15. The build quality and customer service is top notch.

I am sure that is a beautiful sump, but even with a sump that size in a 24x24 stand, it leaves very little room for all the electronics, yet having any storage. Just think about it is all I ask.

 

[Crusinjimbo]

You will regret the 24x24 stand as your system grows. Go for something larger to accomidate your support systems. You may want to consider space for an algae turf scrubber of some kind in the future.

 

[Pife]

I would do a bigger stand and a full apex

 

[whiteshark]

One thing to consider, though, if you plan a bigger stand is doorway width. Nothing worse than fully assembling a stand in the garage then realizing it won't fit in the house.

 

[Frostslasher]

I think that if you are going to stick with a stand that is 24 x 24, then it's difficult to not purchase or make a custom sump that is tailored for the smaller space. I have an Elite Aquatics sump myself, and fit a lot more within in than if I had just purchased a small tank and threw baffles in it. They offer for a great utilization of space. Just my honest opinion.