New custom 40g cube Project Started

[aural]

Well after much debate I've finally laid the groundwork for a new tank. The idea behind this one is simple: SPS Dominated, Bare Bottom, hidden equipment.

The cube is 20" long - 25" deep - 19" tall - Starphire glass on all viewable sides.
The tank has a built in overflow/sump area that will house the skimmer and return pump. I will use a high output return connected to a multi-out locline system to acheive very good turnover.

I'm going to use
-Rio 17 Hyper Flow that is rated at 1090gph for return and circulation
-AquaC Remora Skimmer
-250w aquamedic pendant with a 15k bulb
-45lbs of live rock
-starboard with sand glued to it for aesthetic reasons.

i tried learning a cool 3D rendering program to do a sweet drawing, but i failed miserably, so i went back to what i know - photoshop. so excuse my non-fancy-pants drawings.

here is a front view. the trim is going to be brushed. Starphire sides, tempered bottm, black partition between the display and the sump. (sump is 5 1/4 wide)

here is a rendering of the back of the tank. the sump area will be partitioned off in half.

what do you guys think so far?

 

[MattG]

Sounds like a nice design. I bet the brushed trim will look really cool.

I am in the process of setting up a cube also. Deciding on the equipment was a royal pain.

 

[minimalist]

Decent Photoshop skills. Can't wait to see the design come to fruition.

 

[aural]

thanks guys... everything is ordered. they said the tank will take "a few weeks". I just have to find some great liverock now. I really like the stuff they have at reefscience.com but i cant swallow the $100 extra on shipping.

we'll see.

 

[aural]

well i got a bunch of equipment in. Got the remora skimmer, rio pump, aquamedic 250 watt pendant, 15.000K XM DE bulb, a bunch of loc-line and a mag-float.

I was reading the instructions for the Remora and it said it has about a 2 week break-in period... what are your thoughts about me putting this skimmer on my 75 gal while my cube is being built, that way when the tank comes the skimmer is already seasoned... good or bad idea?

 

[143gadgets]

Nice Start. Do u plan on using starboard?

 

[aural]

yes i will be using starboard... i'm going to sand it and glue sand to the starboard to give it a bit more of a natural look. I"ve seen it done before and i think it looks a lot better than just the stark white starboard.

 

[minimalist]

Rios are crap. Excellent choice on lighting and skimmer though.

 

[aural]

well i had the pump so i figured i would at least try and use it.

You want to suggest a better one for me?