Thor's Custom 80+ "kind of" Cube Build

Thanks BoBo! Good to have you along. I'll try not to disappoint. Hopefully my planning will pay off, but I am sure there will be some curve balls in there. Aren't there always? .

Re: controller. yeah, I have heard a few folks say the same thing, and considering the costs of power strips/timers it does seem like over the long run it would save some money. They are an investment though so we will see if I can squeeze it into my budget...

 

Making progress....

Hi All;

Quickie for you.

I ordered and got my QT tank. I went with a CAD Lights 18 "Mini" Cube. I have another order in to BRS for some odds and ends. Still to get for it:
Tunze 9002 Skimmer (I think it is only one narrow enough for my filter box).
Tunze Osmalator ATO, and
AI SOL Nano.

Build of the stand to begin after the new year (shooting for Feb).

Display Tank:
I'm still working with a local distributer to find a builder, and will nail it down after January 1.

I've still much to get to be ready for this one and I am basically putting in an order every month to build up stuff. Here's the list of needed items:
Eshoppes 160 Cone Skimmer
Vortech MP40
Eheim Compact+ 3000 return
Tunze Osmalator ATO
2 AI "Pheonix" (I've been trying to talk myself into the new Radion. I love that light, but I just don't know that I can swing the price).
Still an open question: Apex Controller (Or Apex Lite).

The plan is still to build the stand/sump the same time as for the QT. Hoping to get these guys running by springtime!

 

Hi All;

This is what happens when you give yourself time to think on these things.

So originally I was planning on running my RODI under the bathroom sink, through the adjoining wall into a small linen closet in the bathroom for a 30 gallon or so RODI storage tank.

We are in a small 2 bedroom condo and space is at a premium. Just for reference, here again is a picture of the alcove I plan in installing my DT in:


Instead I think I am going to build a cabinet below the ceiling (but above the DT) in this space to hold the RODI and storage tank. I realized that it shares a wall with our washing machine unit and so I can plumb the RODI in there. Otherwise that would be wasted space...

God I can't wait to actually start building this thing!

 

The plans sound great, Thor. I bet you are excited! Can't wait to see the results!

 

Have you looked at the CADlights 50g Artisan?

 

I look forward to seeing your progress

 

Panfish, as a matter of fact I have! I'm still shopping around a bit for the DT. Obviously until I buy it is always subject to change. For now though, I am still leaning towards going custom tank, and build out the stand/sump, and now the upper cabinet to house the RODI stuff myself (with the help of friends and family).

Granted, if things keep getting in the way of my build time then I may just end up going with a standard size tank and pre-made stand instead just to save some time and get a tank up and running. I think by the end of January or early Feb. I will hit the tipping point of going one way or another.

And thanks Reefgirl! Hopefully I will have some progress to share with you all soon too .

 

I got my Tunze 9002 nano skimmer and my Tunze ATO in the last week or so for the QT. I will have to mod the skinner to remove the magnet, but given that it should fit perfect in my filter box! Now all I need is a light and to build that stand and that tank is ready for set-up.

Next I will begin pulling everything together for the DT. Right now I am leaning towards the CAD lights 70 gallon artesian, or possibly a marineland 90. I have pretty much ruled out the custom.

I'm also reconsidering my approach for the stand. Now I am considering building an in-wall unit for the stand and overhead cabinet....ah, decisions, decisions.

Otherwise, I'm still on hold. I've gotta get my condo rented before I have any funds to proceed. Just replaced the stove, fridge and hood this week. I've got to get new carpet in there and replace the fixture in the shower and then it should be ready to get on the market....

 

Not much to update, other than to reassure you that it is still in the works! I have been buying one major component for my tanks about once a month. I recently got an AI Nano for the QT tank, and besides a few lock-line fittings for the bulkhead and the dry rock, this will be ready to go. I'm not sure if I mentioned it in my previous posts, but for my QT I plan to QT EVERYTHING. Fish for two to three weeks, and corals for up to 3 months. I am going with the philosophy that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

So no I am transitioning to buy equipment I need for the DT. I just purchased a Warner Marine Research skimmer for that bad boy. I'm looking at lots of stuff for my next purchase--anywhere from a Bashea sump to some vortech pumps or an osmulator top off. I will see what tickles my fancy when it is time to slap down some more cash.

On that note, there has been a significant change in plans in regards to the stand. It's not quite ready for public consumption, but I hope to do some google sketchup of the new plan, but in short it will be a fully built in cabinet, complete with an upper cabinet to house the RODI and RODI storage tank. It's gonna be sweet!

I'm hoping to get my hands dirty in the May to June range. I'm getting super excited, but some real life stuff needs to get wrapped up first.

 

Long time no post

It has been a very long time since I posted, because there hasn't been anything to post about. Just been busy with life stuff, but the build has always been on my mind. I think life is turning a corner whereby I may actually have time to work on this this summer.

Good news, I may have a hot tip on a brand new Miracles 36"X36"x18" tank and custom stand that I can get a good deal on from a guy I met at the LFS today. He isn't planning on using it and may be willing to cut me a deal. Plus he has all the equipment I might ever think of putting on the thing. We will see how that turns out during the next few weeks. I'm pretty excited, but I don't want to count my chickens just yet.

I'll post again once I know more.