rostato's Custom 135G Cube Build Thread

[ctmgardea]

Really going to be watching your progress on the rock work, take lots of pictures. I will be starting my rock work soon on a 34x30x30 cube here in a little bit. Still trying to get my stand guy the wood to get the stand made, then get it all painted and sealed and put together. Lift the tank through a window ( to big to get through door). Then let the fun begin!!!

 

[rostato]

I'll be sure to take lots of pics. It's going to be a lot of trial and error, but I really want it to look good. So, I'll take my time.

 

[rostato]

It's up! And test filled the tank to check the level. More bad news though...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=18181565#post18181565

 

[hmello@bermexin]

WOW! Can't say that would be okay or not. What a bummer though.

 

[rostato]

I think what I am going to do is cut some pine, and make a rim around the existing frame. I will leave about 3" around the side of the tank for a "Shelf" of sorts, and round it off with my router. I think it will look better anyway...

Already bought the wood, about to go cut it now. I have people coming over tonight, so I'll enlist their help removing the tan kfrom the stand AGAIN!

 

[hmello@bermexin]

Yeah I was thinking some type of flat molding, then fill in the space between the molding and the stand top with some wood filler or Liquid Nails.

 

[shaggss]

rostato

Too bad, I am no expert so can't comment. Hope all goes well. It'll be a great tank once up & running I'm sure.

cheers :beer:

 

[rostato]

Well I "fixed" it last night, only to get the shaft from the fiancé. My lip around the edge was too big for her taste, so I am back to square one. The tank is back off the stand AGAIN, and maybe I'll get it back up tomorrow. This is becoming the most depressing build ever.

I'll update in a dar or so with hopeful progress.

This is what was too big At least I have had fish in it already

 

[hmello@bermexin]

Yeah, I'm with her. I still say some flat molding with wood filler for that spot.

 

[The Punisher]

I think if you added some nice crown molding type stuff under the lip it would look great. That way it's not just a 3/4" rectangle sticking out.

 

[rostato]

That's what my plan was, but she doesn't want that. Oh well. I'll fix it tomorrow

 

[rostato]

Fixed and painted the stand yesterday.

I also started to hang all the equipment, and mocked up the plumbing manifold. Hopefully the tank will be plumbed tomorrow, and cycling by the end of the week.

 

[hmello@bermexin]

There ya go that looks great!!

 

[rostato]

Thanks.

 

[shaggss]

yep, looks much better......remember, happy wife, happy life :fun2:

 

[CleanLivin]

Screen cover construction?

Screen cover construction?

I just came across your thread - Just finished setting up a MarineLand DD 150 cube. Would like to learn more about how you built your screen cover. Material used for screening and frame is what I'm interested in.

I also have 2 of the Sol Blues over my tank - putting in all 70 degree optics - looks like it will work fine. Just need to add some type of cover to deal with the fish that might want to take a flying leap out of the tank.

Jack

 

[rostato]

I just came across your thread - Just finished setting up a MarineLand DD 150 cube. Would like to learn more about how you built your screen cover. Material used for screening and frame is what I'm interested in.

I also have 2 of the Sol Blues over my tank - putting in all 70 degree optics - looks like it will work fine. Just need to add some type of cover to deal with the fish that might want to take a flying leap out of the tank.

Jack

Check out http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/video?file_name=231

I would like to note that I have been making these for years now, and the materials (1/4" screen netting) used to be a PITA to find. So, a big thanks to BRS for making the materials readily available. Everything else can be bought at HD, Lowes, or Menards.

 

[rostato]

Update time!

Update time!

Update time. :fun4:

So I have been very busy today. I mounted my GFCI box, and Vortech Battery backup.

Then I got really sick of having to use a flashlight under the tank to see anything, and I had to go to Lowes anyway, so I picked up some LED lights for under the stand. I could have used Xeon, but I want the entire tank to be LED lit. I also figured that after replacing the bulbs on the xeon fixtures one time, I would spend the same amount on LED's, so I bit the bullet. They do a fantastic job lighting the stand when I need to work.

Then I finally finished up the manifold from the return pump. The MAG 12 will feed my return, BRS Jumbo Bio-Pellet reactor, BRS Carbon Reactor, and the refugium in the sump. I am a little ****ed that my plumbing was not perfectly straight, but I'll have to live with it.

 

[rostato]

And we are about 1/4 full of 0 TDS RO/DI!

 

[karsco]

Nice build Rostato! I have a custom 150G cube built by DSA so it is real similar to your tank. I went through the same thing with the stand issues. I built my (first) stand on a level floor then moved it into place and the floor was out 3/16" in 3 feet, not good. I really like these tanks the depth gives you a lot of options for laying out a rockscape.