rostato's Custom 135G Cube Build Thread

[rostato]

I have outgrown my 45G cube, so it's time for an upgrade. I have been looking for a Marineland DD 150 for a while, and had zero luck. I do not have the most funds right now, so I really wanted to save money with this build.

Lucky for me, I randomly walked into a LFS that I have never been in because I was bored, and in the area. I assumed the worst because all LFS here are terrible. (around here they are all worthless, and make most of their money on grooming).

So, they randomly had this nasty looking cube sitting in the back of the store with a "take me home" sign. I assumed it was free, but was quickly slapped back into reality.

Regardless, I got a great deal, but it needed a major cleaning, and the stand and canopy that it came with are nothing but scrape wood.

After cleaning the tank, I was pleasantly surprised. Only one scratch on it, and the silicone is in great shape. It holds water, and I couldn't be more happy with it for the price.

The tank was custom built by Ocean View Aquariums right before they got bought out by Deep Sea Aquatics. It's 36x36x24 with a center overflow. 1/2" glass all the way around. No starphire, but I have a cube with starphire now, and I personally don't get all the hype.

The tank while draining the 8.5 gallons of vinegar, and water.

 

[rostato]

So, you can see that the stand was not built by someone who care about their floors because all the weight is on the 4 corners. That along with the fact that I want a taller stand I just decided to start from scratch rather than re-use the wood.

The other thing I noticed is that the tank with the frame is 36.5" wide, and the old stand was only build to 36". This further made me not trust the old stand.

So I started building the new stand last night, and finished the frame today. I have NEVER built anything with wood, so this was a new experience for me. I took my time, and made sure I got it all square.

Thanks to rocket engineer for the design...

I really want a tall stand because I like looking at the tank while standing, and have a bad back. So, I built the stand to 34" tall (the tallest that will go through the door), and made a 5.5" riser that the stand will sit on to make it taller once it's in the house.

This will also be the place where I mount the floor, and I hope to find some tub liner to protect my hardwood floors.

Here it is next to the old stand for comparison in height. I like it!

 

[rostato]

Now I just need to figure out how I am going to attach the two parts of the stand together.

I also made a cover for the overflow today to keep my wrasses from jumping in. I'll paint it black soon to keep algae from growing in the overflow.

 

[rostato]

And of course, the mandatory child in tank picture...but with a little rostato flare.

 

[rostato]

For equipment I will be moving most of the stuff from the old 45G Cube. I am VERY glad I went WAY overboard on all the equipment because all of it will easily transfer over to this tank.

From the old tank.
Profilux III
Profilux 3 dead doser
2 6 way digital powerbars
1 Vortech MP40wES
Profilux Vortech Controller
BRS carbon reactor
Elos NS 1000 Skimmer with tall collection cup
1 AI LED Super SOL Blue Module with 70 degree optics

Planned additions...
1 AI LED Super SOL Blue Module with 70 degree optics (for a total of two, I may need a third)
MAG 12 return
BRS Jumbo Bio-Pellet Reactor
Custom 30G MRC Sump
1 Vortech MP40W (for a total of 2)


I think that about sums it up. From this point on it should be a rather slow build. I still need to finish the stand, and move the old tank out of the way.

 

[iap]

Looking forward to seeing t this thing setup. I've outgrown my 110 cube, looking to upgrade. My lfs has an awesome 5x5x3.. That would be perfect but its just too dang tall

 

[tor101898]

looking forward to this upgrade keep us posted with those pics.

 

[Sm1nts2escape]

awesome.Can't wait

 

[rostato]

I'll try to keep it updated daily until it starts cycling. I am hopeing the boss will go to Lowe's with me tomorrow, and pick out the material we will be using to skin it.

 

[Toomnymods]

good start so far.. keep us updated

 

[rostato]

For today's update...I got my BRS Reef Saver Rock in today. I only looked at two pieces, but I am very impressed with it...

Also got some other goodies I will need for the build. When BRS says Jumbo, they mean JUMBO! I Had no idea this reactor was going to be so big. Oh well

 

[Chrisrush]

Looks good. I have a similar tank but mine is 27" tall. Going with LEDs as well. That is one huge reactor. Thanks for the pic.

 

[rostato]

Looks good. I have a similar tank but mine is 27" tall. Going with LEDs as well. That is one huge reactor. Thanks for the pic.

yeah yours is probably the marineland DD 150 that I really wanted.

 

[rostato]

Ok, I didn't update yesterday because of the new year, but here is what was accomplished.

I got some more equipment...MRC Sump, Life Reef Skimmer, Vortech MP40, and an AI LED SOL Blue with extra 70 degree optics.

I plan on using the life reef skimmer for the cycle, and then transferring my Elos NS1000 after I break down the 45G Cube. If I like the Life reef, I may just keep using that.



I also put two coats of Kilz primer sealer on the frame. Now I just need a truck so I can get some plywood home, and finish the stand. I am still not sure what to do. I may forgo the 2x6 bottom frame, and just leave the stand sitting 34" tall. It will be difficult to Keep the stand looking symmetrical with that tall base. I dunno

 

[tor101898]

Looking good, I guess MRC is a reasonable drive from your place? I also have a sump made by them. great piece of equipment, I picked up at MACNA in NJ.

 

[txbonds]

MRC I think is in Atlanta, which is probably only an hour or two from him, but he actually picked it up from me yesterday in South GA (met him halfway)

Thanks again Rostato. That sump looks much better sized under your stand than it did under mine. It fit in my 58 stand, but was just too bulky and large to really work with. Would have worked, but honestly a smaller sump would probably be better suited on a 58.

Will be watching your progress. Keep us posted on that lifereef skimmer. I never got a chance to try it out. Regards.

 

[rostato]

Thanks again txbonds!

Yeah, MRC is about a 1 and 3/4 hours drive for me. I have been up there before to have an old kalkwasser reactor serviced. They are an awesome company with great customer service. They have been very good to people in the Atlanta Reef Club for a long time.

 

[JAustin]

Love it man!

 

[kmu]

Nice start....

Im really interested in finding out how that single AI module works on that 36x36x24 cube...

 

[rostato]

Nice start....

Im really interested in finding out how that single AI module works on that 36x36x24 cube...

It won't be a single unit. I'll use two. The one from my old cube and the new one. I'll use those until I add more corals and the add a third one if I need to. I just need to get both modules over the tank and see how they look.