25x25x12 Cube Build

[bluwc]

So I had a cube custom built (25x25x12/approx 33g) with built in over flows and drilled at the bottom (1" drain 3/4"return). This will have a custom 20g tall sump, probably oak stand and then a 24 inch 14000K Solaris LED Lighting Fixture (probably hung from the ceiling), tunze silence 739gph return pump and a Reef Octopus160 skimmer.

Here is the first part of this build. THE SUMP

I picked up a 20g tall (24x12x15) for $10 from a fellow reefer. I chose the 20 tall because I want the stand to be 26" square and it would fit perfectly. The tank was really dirty, so that's why I probably got it so cheap.

But after some time, a razor blade and vinegar water, it cleaned up pretty well. Some scratches, no biggie it's a sump
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/sumpba.jpg

So I got on the phone with the glass company to see if they had 1/4" approximately 5'x1' so I could make the baffles. While I was on the phone, I took the tank out to the back of the van and sat it down because I was going to load it after I got around. Key word "WAS". So I came back inside and let the dogs in, got around and headed out about 10 minutes later. I went out to the van, got in, and threw it in reverse. The backup camera takes a few seconds to kick on, so I just threw it in reverse and backed up as I typically do. I heard a thud, thought it was weird but still hit the gas....then I heard another noise. Thought I ran something over, so I got out and this is what I saw lol.

Sorry but it's a cell phone pic
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/tank.jpg

Here is the damage to the van
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/bumper.jpg

So piece of advise, if you take something out to your vehicle, even if you're only going to be 5-10 mins, make sure you put whatever it was first before you go back inside. So needless to say, in that short time, I forgot to put the tank in the hatch lol. Well the LFS had one in stock, so $40 dollars later, I had my tank and drove up to get the sheet of glass.

more to come....

[BikerBret]

Doh!

[bluwc]

So now that I got my new 20g tank, I took the top rim off, set the sump in and it's footprint is about 7 1/2" wide. I decided to make the sump chamber around 10" wide, to give me about an inch or so on each side.

I had the glass shop actually cut the width of the glass to 11 15/16" wide because the tank was 12" wide. They left it in a long sheet for me because I wasn't sure the height I was going to make each baffle. I picked up a glass cutter and the aquarium silicone for $5 each at Ace Hardware. I used a T square to make my cuts and the glass broke pretty easy (I have never did this before but it cut clean and was easy to do). I then took 100 grit sand paper to the edges of the cut glass to make it smooth because I didn't want to cut my when I put the silicone on. I would have used 80grit but they were out.
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/p2.jpg

In these pics, I didn't have any masking tape, so I used painter's tape which is basically the same thing. I must say I'm impressed with the silicone, it was very easy to work with (much better than when I used the stuff for the bathroom). The freshly cut glass fit in very nicely and snug. The tank is 15" tall so I made the first baffle 12" high. Also, I was trying to figure out how to clean the end of the silicone cap and learned that a Qtip works pefectly!
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/p3.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

Looks good so far!

[jimsflies]

Man that stinks about the first tank! Hopefully you got all of the "crashes" out of the way already.

[bluwc]

Yeah, I hope so....at least it can get much worse than that lol

[jimsflies]

Unfortunately it can...like after you have $1000's in livestock in it and something happens.

[rosebud161616]

Just curious, why did you remove the frame at the top of the sump?

[bluwc]

Because the glass was so cut so tight, I didn't have any wiggle room to tilt the baffles and then turn it to make them straight. I could have left it on if I wanted crooked baffles. So, I took the rim off and they slid down into the tank perfectly but really tight.

[bluwc]

Well it's starting to come together.

Two regular music cd cases and one blank dvd case (that you get from walmart to burn files on) to make the gap 1". The 3 regular cases made it 1 1/4"

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/p4.jpg

[Heidi]

Thank you for all the wonderful pictures on this build. Makes me think I could do this if I ever need too!
Following along,
Heidi

[bluwc]

I've never done this before...but after reading all the diy threads, I figured worse come to worse is that I would have to buy one. You can do it! It's actually quite simple and was easy to figure out. I also used the paint stir thing from like home depot from when you buy paint. I broke it and then used that for the middle baffle. It was just over an inch but I figured that was a lot more square than me trying to cut some cardboard and make shift something out of paper myself.

[bluwc]

CD cases worked great. The middle chamber isn't as big as I would have liked, but what do you expect from only a 20g.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/p5.jpg

And the sump is finished. Also, after every caulking, I used a razor blade to clean up the excess silicone for a cleaner look.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/IMG_8624.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/IMG_8627.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/IMG_8626.jpg

[bluwc]

Here is the tank. Cost $224

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/tank-1.jpg

Here are the materials for the stand
I didn't get the wood for the panels yet, but I picked up
(4) 2x4's $9 total
(2) 8' Base Trim $20 total
(2) 8' corner trim $10 total

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/mat.jpg

Base Trim
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/trim.jpg

Corner Trim
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/trim1.jpg

[jolson10450]

looks good. you should of taken out that very first panel on the left side (closest to the skimmer) and it would of done the same thing and any trapped debris on the bottom of the first chamber would get sucked up and over into the second one under enough flow. now anything heavier will just stay at the bottom of the sump, this would of given you an inch or more to the middle chamber as well.

everything looks great though! cant wait until you are done with the stand!

[rosebud161616]

Very nice! Who built your tank?

[bluwc]

I had origanally contacted Great Lakes Aquariums to build the tank. I was ready to pay that day and continued to call for several days just for a quote. They seemed to be busy and didn't really have time to go over it with me. All i got was "send us an email of what you want", so I did and almost a week later, they still hadn't replied. I got tired of waiting and talked to Andy at Reef Paradise and my tank was ordered in 5 mins and it came in about 2weeks later. The day I ordered my tank, Great Lakes finally got back with me for a quote. I guess it's great for them that they're so busy they don't need additional business, especially in today's economy....but it was frustrating for me.

When I'm ready to buy, I want to buy NOW! lol

[rosebud161616]

I had a very similar experience myself.

So who built the tank? Does Andy do work besides Acrylic?

[bluwc]

No, Andy called his Guy and had him build it. It's the same Guy who is building the store's new display tank. I'd call Andy if you're thinking of having a tank built. Also he was about $50 cheaper than great lakes.

Oh, didn't see you were from Ohio....probably a little far to drive for a tank lol

[Sir Patrick]

Nice tank man!

[mcleodm]

Looks good so far, that sump is super clean. The silicone looks awesome. As for the first sump, I did that with my cell phone before! Thank god for insurance!

[bluwc]

Well I got the frame finished

Since my tank is 25" long, I made the stand 26". I used 2 1/2" deck screws and I predrilled each hole with a 7/64" bit. I probably could of went a bit larger, but it worked and I didn't split any of the boards.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/s1.jpg

I had to go buy (1) 2x4x10 to put the center braces in.
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/s2.jpg

I added a center brace, probably didn't need it but better safe than sorry. I would of hated to not put the brace in there and then have the board get wet over time, warp and crack the tank. I also added another board to each corner so I will have something around the edges to nail the cover to. I haven't picked up the 4x8 sheets yet, but I am leaning towards birch but will decide tomorrow when I go back to the store.
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/s3.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/s4.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/s5.jpg

[bluwc]

I took the top back off so I could get the shelf that the sump is going to sit on. I measured around each 2x4 and started cutting the plywood, which was 1/2". I didn't have to buy any because I already had it.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/s6.jpg

I then started on the panels which I did decide to go with Birch. I personally would of rather had oak but the wife wanted a lighter color wood. When I started to cut the squares for the cabinet doors, I used a dremel to start the cut so I could get my jigsaw in there for nice clean & straight cuts. Also, whenever I made cuts on any of the panels, I laid the t-square on the panels and then used c clamps to attach to the wood. Since I don't have a table saw, I used this as a guide for my saw and it seemed to do the trick.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/s7.jpg

[bluwc]

Finished the trim. I cut each top/bottom piece at a 45 degree angle.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/s8.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/IMG_8732.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/IMG_8733.jpg

Can't get much closer than this
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/s10.jpg

Now it's off to the store to get something to sink the nails with and then I'll start putting on the wood putty and finally the stain/poly.

[Corvette Reefer]

comming alone nicely! :thumbs_up: rimless always look great! and the trim is pretty cool too!

[bluwc]

Got the stain on and added one coat of poly so far (photos before the poly). Hopefully I will have the plumbing tomorrow

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/IMG_8801.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/IMG_8802.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Sump%20Build/IMG_8805.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

Lookin really nice!

[Heidi]

Nice stand blue, man I am liking this tank! Great step by step pictures too, love that.
Heidi

[MizTanks]

Love the trim-did you pick it out yourself ;) very nice looking :)

p.s. You think it's level? Lol

[jolson10450]

lookin good! get some water in that thing!

[bluwc]

Yes Miz, I picked out the trim all by myself. I spent 1 1/2hrs at Home Depot, going back and forth between several pieces.

PS. I did use 3' level across the glass and it was the same reading. I don't have a 18" level for the overflow. The level pictured just happen to fit better in the picture than the bigger one.

[capbbw]

the good stuff!

[SaltCreeps]

it needs something............ o yes WATER :snorkel:

[bluwc]

I actually put water in it last night! I will try to update today

[bluwc]

It's Troy lol and too bad we were both busy. I was in a rush to go pickup my son from gma's house as I was late. I just put the sand in about 30mins ago so it's still pretty cloudy, but will put some pics up tonight.

[bluwc]

Yeah, I got all my rock for it probably a month ago or so.

I bought the plumbing at Gilroy's and spent about 65. I probably could have gotten it for a 1/3 of that had I went to Menards or Home Depot....but Gilroy's was easier.

Here I had to cut two holes for the plumbing/bulkheads. I also had to drill the overflow 1 1/8" for the return. I used your typical wood bit and went very slow. It was a nice clean cut, thankfully because I have never drilled acrylic. I measured about 6 times to make sure I was drilling where I was supposed to be though.
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/p1.jpg

Here's before I glued anything together, I assembled it all to make sure it would fit and all pipe was cut to the correct length. With this being such a small stand, I will need to take my sump out of cabinet in order to work on the skimmer if anything goes wrong. I also used 2 disconnects to make it come apart very easy if need be. I made the durso drain (as in the write up) and also drilled a hole at the top of it.
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/p2.jpg

Here are some pics of the plumbing
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/p3.jpg

After it's all glued
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/p4.jpg

[bluwc]

As stated, I got the water in the tank last night. I added the sand tonight, but the water is still cloudy and will post more pics soon. I still have to make a bracket to hang the lights too. The pumps in there hanging out to mix up the salt. Yes, I added the salt after I added the water

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8845.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8846.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8848.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8847.jpg

Here's the sump
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8843.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8844.jpg

[SaltCreeps]

looking good bluw, what way are you going with it as far as animals

[bluwc]

I will probably put a sixline wrasse and another small fish or two. I haven't really decided that yet. I plan on fragging stuff from my 60g tank and putting it in there as well. Lots of zoas, shrooms, etc. I thought about maybe a small maxima or two. I would like to put a small rbta or something too. I will also use this as my frag tank and since I can view top down, I will probably be able to take some killer pics.

[Sir Patrick]

Nice progress man!

[creefer]

Great build!

[Wy Renegade]

Looks good. On the sump baffles, had you placed the baffles into the tank at an angle, then straightened them out, they should have easily slid into place without going to all the work of taking off the top plastic rim. Dont that a few times myself and its a huge PITA.

[cbau45]

Wow, very nice build. Love the whole setup. The stand turned out great IMO. Keep the updates coming. I'm interested to see how this build comes along. I would love to do a similar setup down the road.

[Corvette Reefer]

Beautiful! great progress!!!

[bluwc]

So this is a DIY bracket that I had to have specially made for my tank. I am not putting a canopy over it and the wife won't let me hang the light from the ceiling, so I had to come up with an alternative. I went to Menards and Home Depot, but could not find anything that I could do myself. The light weighs about 25lbs or so, and the bracket needed to be able to hold that weight without dropping the light into the tank and making a huge mess. Since I don't have a welder or the means to make the bracket, I contacted a metal fab place here in Clio. We brainstormed and came up with this. We decided to make the center bar that goes the length of the light curve down to a 90 so that we could add 4 more screws (vs the 2 at the top) for more support. Also, when setting up the tank, I centered it in the middle of a stud because I knew I would have to do something like this. Although it's not perfect, it will work and I don't think it turned out too bad.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/l1.jpg

The light I have is the PFO 24 inch 14000K Solaris I5 LED Lighting Fixture mounted 18" above the tank.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/l2.jpg

[pjr]

Interesting lights. It's a nice system, and there's a network for support out there for repairing them. Apparently some PC power supplies fit right in when the PS go in these things (although the I5 series is supposed to be more reliable).

What do you plan to keep under these lights?

[bluwc]

Since the DIY build is pretty much over for this tank, we moved the rest of the thread to the Member's Reef forum for all the updates and growth of the tank.

Here is the link to the new thread
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/members-reefs/blus-cube-17384/

[larryandlaura]

Killer tank Troy!