OzarksReef Rimless Cube Build Thread

[OzarksReef]

With the new year, I made the decision to downsize from my 150-gallon acrylic reef tank to a new rimless system. The reasons for the decision included decreased maintenance requirements and lower power consumption. But over time, I've come to realize that one of things that really appeals to me in this hobby is the intricate detail on the reef. These details really seem to jump out in smaller systems, so it seems like the way to go for me.

The first step of the project involved taking down the 150-gallon display and prepping it for a sale. Here's a shot of it just before taking it down...

After looking at a lot of options for a small rimless display, one of my friends mentioned the Cadlights Artisan Series System. The Artisan is a new rimless aquarium by Cadlights - boasting starfire glass on three sides, black silicone, and diamond mitered glass. The tank-only goes for $350 - an impressive price for a high-quality aquarium. I decided it was the way to go for my new setup. Here's the shot from the Cadlights site:

When I called Eddie to place the order in early January, they were backordered on the tank-only. I decided to go with the complete system-including the sump/refugium, skimmer, lights, stand, and all plumbing for $999.

I'll update you on my progress with this new system soon!

 

[OzarksReef]

I emptied the tank and moved the occupants to my 90-gallon frag tank (also soon to find a new home). It provided the space needed to house all the corals, rock, and fish until I could decide what I wanted to keep and could sell the rest. It was full, but everything squeezed in - including four tangs (Naso, Hippo, Purple, and Tenetti):

Eventually, everything was moved over and the display was drained...

Now it was time to prepare for the new tank!

 

[OzarksReef]

I want to thank all the members of my local reef club (The Saltwater Enthusiasts Association of Springfield - The SEAS) and all the RC members that snagged up all my equipment and livestock to help make the new system possible. Everything was sold within two weeks of taking the system down!

While I waited for delivery of the new tank, I started the work on the location for the system. The new tank will be located in my basement - where it stays 70 degrees or so, pretty much year-round. The back end of our media room is the perfect spot. I had already opened up the wall to a closet in the unfinished bedroom adjacent to the media room. For this aquarium, I wanted the focus to be on the tank only - with all sump and other mechanicals in the other room.

To get started, I framed up the wall and hung the sheet rock. Definitely not my favorite part of the project!

 

[Jamie2337]

Tagging along!

 

[kevantheman35]

tagging along. i love the artisan cant wait to see it up and running

 

[Reefobsession]

I almost went for this setup over my 93 gallon cube marineland. Good choice!! Keep us posted.

 

[OzarksReef]

Will post pics of the system later today - they arrive by UPS!

 

[j2707ah]

David,

Your tanks are always top notch. For now I went the cheap route 24 nano but those tanks are sweet. Can't wait to see the rest of your build. When you and Joel move that frag tank let me know. I will be happy to help. tagging along.

 

[OzarksReef]

The packages arrived - three in all!

One package holds the light, another the stand, and the largest holds everything else. I was surprised that the aquarium held some of the bulkiest equipment:

All looked great ... until...

The pump had slipped out of the packing material and collided with the overflow during shipping! Ouch! A quick call to Eddie and a new overflow was on the way...

 

[theyammieguy]

The stand was included in that price? I thought it was extra?

 

[NaH2Ofreak]

Fixing shipping damages must occupy a ton of Eddie's time.

Dennis

 

[dubdlee]

Tagging along, looks good so far! good luck!!

 

[3djedi]

The 50g tank came via ups? How much was shipping?

 

[OzarksReef]

theyammieguy - you're right, the stand is an extra $200 + shipping.

NaH2Ofreak - there's got to be a better way to pack these! I can't be the only one who's had problems. Placing a pump in a glass box and putting it on a UPS truck is asking for trouble ! I've got to give it to Eddie though - he has responded well in my case.

3djedi - all three boxes shipped UPS Ground for $160. For the size and weight, it could have been a lot worse!

 

[OzarksReef]

While I'm waiting on the new overflow, here's a couple of updates.

The diamond-miter edges on the glass are very nice:

The sump is nice, but I'm thinking 12-gallons isn't going to work for my plans:

The system comes with some of plumbing needed - including the bulkheads. I was surprised to see the return bulkhead is 1/2-inch:

Also included in the system:

- 150-watt HQI + 2x24-watt T5 light fixture
- Bubble-Magus mini skimmer
- ~1,000 GPH return pump
- Sump/Refugium PC light
- Cooling fan

I got the stand put together (no instructions!) and removed the broken overflow. She's ready for the new overflow and some water!

 

[mudskipper1]

looks promising! tagging along!

 

[DH212]

Sharp, I like it. The tank looks nice.

 

[SawdustInTank]

Im starting to like these tanks more and more...........Was the overflow hard to remove?

 

[OzarksReef]

mudskipper & DH212 - thanks - this is such a new product by CAD - it has lots of potential for a reasonable price. We'll see how things come together.

Sawdust - the overflow came off pretty easily with a single edge razor blade. It was held in place with black silicone - I'll be using clear silicone to put it back. Should be alright though since the back of the tank and the overflow are both black.

The tank comes with a black vinyl back - a nice touch that saves time when getting it ready for water.

 

[mudskipper1]

Definitely be careful when doing the silicone, even though it is clear, it will show some. And you probably won't want it to stand out too much.