No longer up in the air

So it looks like this is where I'm going with my project. Befor I spend ANY money on this, however, I have to put a fence around my yard so my standard schnauzer (Sp. Agent Tim McGee) can get his proper exercise.

Description Qty Price Ext
70 Gal. Cube Corner-Flo-Blk-30x30x18 1 $331.00 $331.00
Monterey Stand 30x30 1 $280.19 $425.19
Koralia Evolution 750 gph Water Pump 4.5W 2 $38.79 $77.58
3Ft/4Bulbs fixture from FishNeedIt 1 $124.99 $124.99
Reef Octopus 4" Pinwheel In Sump Skimmer 1 $169.99 $169.99
ProFlex Model 3 Sump 1 $279.99 $279.99
Sybon Refractometer with Automatic Temperature Compensation 1 $44.99 $44.99
Tom H. (Used) 1 $25.00 $25.00
Instant Ocean Aquarium Salt - 160 Gallon - Bucket 1 $45.89 $45.89
JBJ ATO System 1 $99.99 $99.99
LaMotte Calcium Test Kit 3609 1 $38.99 $38.99
LaMotte Nitrate Test Kit 3110 1 $61.99 $61.99
LaMotte Phosphate Test Kit 3121 1 $69.99 $69.99
Digital Combo pH, EC, TDS & Temperature Meter 1 $149.00 $149.00
Calibration Solution 1 $25.00 $25.00
160 Lb Bahama Aragonite sand 1 $109.00 $109.00
5/50 combo of Live Rock (5#) and Dry Rock (50#) 3 $132.00 $396.00

TOTAL $2,474.58

Of course this is going to be done in stages.

1. Buy Tank and Stand
2. Buy Sump(actually a refugium) and Protein Skimmer
3. By ATO
4. Get Everything set up and water test - including test of ATO
5. Buy Light
6. Get Salt Mix and Testing Equipment
7. Introduce Rock and Sand

I'm thinking everything should be ready to go around February. At that point, I'll start thinking about livestock - Mostly considering SPS at this point. I've not decided on any fish yet, although I do want to investigate the requirements for a lawnmower blenny. I saw one the other day and it really grabbed my attention! B-U-T, I have to make sure it will fit with my setup and experience, or lack thereof.

 

Not bad selection over all, but one thing you might consider and save a good bit of money & that is buy used. Check local want adds, CL etc. That $750 you spend in tank & stand alone, I know will buy a 200+ gallon tank & stand in the St. Louis CL (using as example cause thats whats close to me). Some people dont like used but if you check it out before hand there is nothing wrong with it to me.

 

Looks like you have planned well. I especially like that fact you are not rushing and have a goal.

A 70 gallon cube is a excellent tank to begin with.

Interesting that you are already more focused on the sps, most go directly for fish. I am a huge fan of sps and other stony corals so I sympathize.

 

Hopefully I'll have my 50 posts before very long and be able to check out some of the stuff available here. Cl in my area is lousy. Limited selection and prices that approach new retail prices.

 

Looks good. Am I reading correctly though that you are using a 4 bulb T-5? 4 bulbs will not have the spread to light a cube. You would probably need 2 x 4. A single 150 or 175W MH would work though and bulb replacement would be much cheaper. Unfortunately, the T-5s are better for rectangular tanks, not so well adapted to cubes, unless you don't mind half the tank being dim, or are willing to add more bulbs...

 

Hmmmmm... definitely something to consider. I'm trying to avoid MH due to heat and utility costs. PP&L is already sending me letters about how to reduce electricity consumption. (Shhhhhh. They don't know about my 6 fresh water aquariums, all running at temps in the low 80's.)

Maybe I'll bite the bullet and go LED. Very expensive, but what the heck, I'll already be into this for $2500.

 

What do you think of this?

AquaticLife T5 HO 6-Lamp Light Fixture w/ Lunar LEDs?

 

I have the exact same cube, loooove it! I opted for the Ventura stand over the Monterey, it was 50% cheaper.

Check out my build thread to see my equipment, here's a recent pic of mine:

http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-of...oes-70g-cube-build-new-pics-6-26-a-99145.html

 

Actually, I read your build thread, and that is what interested me in a cube. I was originally looking at a 60, but 24x24 was just a little too small of a footprint for me. The 70 looks just about right, but those extra 10 gallons end up adding over 300 bucks compared to the 60 tank and stand.

 

Except the utility costs would be higher than a 150W or 175W MH. It's 6 x 39W = 234W. and it still isn't spaced well. 2 x 3 bulb fixtures spaced apart further would be better, but I don't think they exist.

The heat issues with MHs tend not to be a problem under 250W though on that sized tank. The reflector is key though. I run the 93g cube and use a 250W MH and have no heat issues. Actually my heater has been on all summer. I use a Lumenbright "mini-wide" reflector though. These reflectors are desinged to be hung high. I have my bulb about 16" above the water. So, no heat issues. The Lumen bright "mini" can be hung even higher. Also, a good reflector really increases the amount of light getting to the tank, so, you don't need as powerful of a bulb.