BriGuy31+ Cadlights 50G Artisan Series Cube

[BriGuy31+]

I just figured I would start a thread on this site of my new tank that has been up for about 6 weeks. Mostly same info that is on other sites so nothing different yet.

Well, this is my first upgrade. This thread will start slowly and baby-step through my change over from my 24g JBJ Nano cube. I love the cube look and I'll limited on space in my living room, so I decided on another cube. After looking at several manufacturers, I went with the Cadlights 50G Artisan Series.

Tank:
24X24X20 rimless starphire glass on three sides
Black silicone
Polished edges
1000g center overflow
1" drilled drain hole
1/2" drilled return hole

Stand:
24X24X30
Cadlights Dark Walnut cabinet
I am thinking of putting 4" legs to raise the height

Sump:
Cadlights 16 gallon glass sump
9w fuge light. I might upgrade this.

Skimmer:
Bubble-Magus NAC-6
I'm really impressed with the build on this skimmer. A very reasonable price. Although, it is still dry and I will hold judgment for now.

Pumps:

Mag 9.5 return pump
Vortech MP20

Substrate:
CaribSea Aragonite Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand

Lights:
Icecap 250w doulbe end MH
14K Phoenix bulb
Will have to due for now. I want more flexibility down the road.

Top-off
Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155
Best upgrade that I've made so far with my old tank

Fish:
2-Picasso clownfish grade B from Donni's Reef
1-Orange spotted shrimp goby

Inverts:
Tiger pistol shrimp
Blood shrimp
Fighting conch
5-6 scarlet hermit crabs
20-30 various snails
I know I will need more soon.

I will need to make a list of my corals sooner or later. Although, my list will be half as long as it used to be because I sold a lot to fund this upgrade.

A few pictures of the unwrapping.

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080281.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080282.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080286.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080289.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080293.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080296.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080288.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080287.jpg

[BriGuy31+]

I had to move a baffle in order to fit my new skimmer. I also formed a piece of acrylic to hold a filter sock instead of the bio-balls and filter pads. I cut out the circle for the neck after this picture. I am learning how to plumb an overflow by reading several articles online. This will be my first plumb job and I would very much like to get it right the first time. Any suggestions on your past mistakes to avoid and/or your good outcomes? I plan on using a DIY Durso standpipe.

Exploded Parts List - Page 4 (http://www.dursostandpipes.com/make-your-own-diy?start=3)-Durso Standpipe part list

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080297.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080298.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080334.jpg

[BriGuy31+]

Here is the tank as of 5/8/10

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080413_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080415_edited-1.jpg

[Invert]

Thanks for sharing the eye candy.

I am really liking the Cubes.
Picked up a 37 cube, can not wait to get it up and running.

[ReeferRob]

Very nice tank. Welcome to CR. Did you see in the Reef Tools section on the menu bar you can start a "Showcase Reef!"

Looking forward to watching your reef grow here on CR!

[kgood1]

Sweet cube!

[BriGuy31+]

Very nice tank. Welcome to CR. Did you see in the Reef Tools section on the menu bar you can start a "Showcase Reef!"

Looking forward to watching your reef grow here on CR!

I see the Reef Tools button, but not the "showcase reef" under that tab. What does the showcase reef entail?

[BriGuy31+]

Here is a mostly complete list of my Corals:.

SPS

Tyree Pink lemonade
Sunset tabling Mille
ORA Marshall Island Blue Bottlebrush
ORA Red Planet
Lemonade glowstick (Deepwater Lokani)
ATL Red Table
Green Slimmer
ATL Strawberry Fields Acro(died after the swap:() Need to find a replacement
Rainbow Encrusting Monti
Some others that I forgot the names of. I'll try to post pictures to help with an ID. This list is as much for everyone else as it is for me to recall what I have.

Zoas:

Red Hornet
Blue Hornet
Rastas
Nightmares
Speckled Reds
Sunflowers
and some other nice no-namer from Paradise Corals

LPS:

Duncan
multi-colored acan

[ReeferRob]

I see the Reef Tools button, but not the "showcase reef" under that tab. What does the showcase reef entail?

It is a searchable database for every to post info on there tanks. You can also update it as you update or make improvement to your tank.

[jimsflies]

Sweet tank!

To use start a reef showcase, select "Add/Edit Reef" on the Reef Tools menu item.

[Manoj's Reef]

Nice collection of zoas....Pics of zoas would be great....

[Sir Patrick]

Sounds/looks like a sweet build!!!

Love the coral list! Very nice!

[BriGuy31+]

My wife went away for the weekend with the camera for a wedding. I'll post pictures of my zoas soon.

[jimsflies]

What is the curved cover thing?

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080298.jpg

[BriGuy31+]

I thought I had put this in the description but I guess not. This is a DIY filter sock holder. I drilled the opening out after this picture was taken.
Once I complete the showcase tank info will this thread be deleted? What is the difference between this thread and the showcase thread? Sorry, I'm new to these features:thumbsup:

[jimsflies]

No, this thread won't be deleted...they both are similar but allow us to share our reefs in different ways. The showcase is a bit more static and the thread is more about discussion. The showcase will be a quick way for others to see what your tank because it shows up under your username when you post (helpful if you are having a problem and someone wants to know more about your system before answering). Showcase ultimately creates a database of all of our tanks which provides a way to really narrow down who is using what equipment and reefkeeping methodologies/additives/etc.

Someone asked the question a while back "who has a tunze osmolator for top off". Showcase will really let you narrow down that type of information if you go to the search page (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/dto_showcase_search.php?mode=search&showcaseTypeIDList=1000)and select osmolator from the top off list, you will instantly know who to look to for help setting it up or how they like it.

[BriGuy31+]

Just some shots of my zoas and a couple of SPS that I need IDs on. If it helps they came from Sonny, I just forgot their names.

ID#1
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080717_edited-1.jpg
ID#2
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080716_edited-1.jpg
Nightmares
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080715.jpg
Speckled reds
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080714_edited-1.jpg
Rastas
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080712_edited-1.jpg
No namers from Paradise Corals
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080711_edited-1.jpg
PPE
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080709.jpg
Sunflowers
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080706_edited-1.jpg

[MizTanks]

This tank is sweeeeeeet!

[Bella127]

That helmet on the clown is sweet.

[BriGuy31+]

This tank is sweeeeeeet!

Thank you, I'm trying to improve it a little everyday. I started to dose with vodka(0.2ml/day), then after about 10 day my SPS polyp extension went downhill. So I stopped dosing and did a few water changes and things are looking better. My problem is that I don't test my water other than specific gravity. I always find that the test kits that use drops are too inaccurate. I would like to get some instant meter probes. If I were to buy 1-3 probes which ones should I buy? Or for the price of three probes, would I be better off buying a aquarium controller that has the most important probes already? Water chemistry is one area that I am interested in learning more about in order to take my tank to the next level.


That helmet on the clown is sweet.

Thank you. I really like my clownfish. I feel that they have been the best purchase for my tank.

[ReeferRob]

Could you explain how you bent that piece of acrylic so nicely, and how you cut a hole for the sock? I've tried before by holding the acrylic over a candle to soften it but then it just snapped on me!

[BriGuy31+]

Could you explain how you bent that piece of acrylic so nicely, and how you cut a hole for the sock? I've tried before by holding the acrylic over a candle to soften it but then it just snapped on me!

I put it in the oven @ 300-350 deg. for about 10-12min. I flipped a pan over and laid the acrylic half hanging off to start the first bend. This also helps by letting you see when it is flexible enough to take out and form the rest with two pairs of pliers. After it was formed, I traced out a circle for the sock neck and started to drill holes around the mark. A jig saw would have been better but I don't have one. It ended up breaking about 3/4 of the way done, so it looks like a C pattern. But it actually works out better that way because it is easy to slip in and out. I can take a picture of the finished product later tonight and post it.

[ReeferRob]

Thanks for the tip! I did a modified version of this, which I hate. I have to disconnect my drain line every time I wan to change the sock. PITA! And I can't justify spending $40 on a pre made one from a vendor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqCfvz7ByHo


Man, i feel like an idiot. Ive spent countless time holding acrylic over a candle stinking up the house trying to bend acrylic for a DIY sock holder and a probe holder. Never thought of using the oven.

Five minutes later with scrape lying around, Im done with my probe holder and sock holder!!
Thanks for the great idea!!

[BriGuy31+]

I decided to custom make a screen top in order to keep jumping fish in the tank. This was my first time trying this idea but the main focus was for the top to be as "low profile" as possible. I did not want to take my rimless tank and add something which was too ugly or took away from the look too much. Hopefully I did that. What do you guys think?

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080951.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080950.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080949.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080948_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080946.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080945_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1080943.jpg

[ReeferRob]

Nice work, looks really good.

[BriGuy31+]

Nice work, looks really good.

Thank you!!

[Sir Patrick]

Wow! Tank is really coming along! Very nice- great colors ya got in there!

[BriGuy31+]

Wow! Tank is really coming along! Very nice- great colors ya got in there!

Thanks. I'll do an update on the tank later. I just took a few quick shot to show off the top.

[BriGuy31+]

Quick updated shots. Nothing major but............

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090660_0317_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090670_0327_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090668_0325_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090664_0321_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090663_0320_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090662_0319_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090661_0318_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090659_0316_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090658_0315_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1090657_0314_edited-1.jpg

[XSiVE]

I like the U-shape you've put into the rockwork and the multiple levels! Look forward to trying to take some pics of things tomorrow :)

[cg5071]

Are the round bubble type caves barnacles? Looks cool, I have seen them advertized before. I didnt know how big they would be.

I really like the cube and the rockwork. corals too of course.

[BriGuy31+]

I like the U-shape you've put into the rockwork and the multiple levels! Look forward to trying to take some pics of things tomorrow :)

Thanks for stopping over and testing PAR and taking some pictures. Also, thanks for the Acans. :)


Are the round bubble type caves barnacles? Looks cool, I have seen them advertized before. I didnt know how big they would be.

I really like the cube and the rockwork. corals too of course.

Thank you. Yes, those are barnacles. I have some blue cloves on them and hopefully will encrust it soon.

[ReeferRob]

Looking good man.

[BriGuy31+]

Looking good man.

Thank you. Ryan (XSIVE) came over today and took some more shots. Thanks a ton Ryan.

Tyree Pinklemonade
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/pinklemonade.jpg

Picasso clownfish in my Duncan
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/IMG_8257.jpg

Greg Carroll
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/gregcarrol.jpg

20,000 leagues Lokani
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/20K.jpg

Greg Carroll
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/IMG_8255.jpg

Rainbow Monti
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/IMG_8258.jpg

ORA Red Planet
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/redplanet.jpg

Red Table
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/redtable.jpg

Sunset Milli
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/sunset.jpg

Blue Hornets
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/bluehornets.jpg

Desalwii(lost some color from CoralRX)
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/deswelli.jpg

Purple Monster
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/purplemonster.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

Updates? I want to see more!

[ReeferRob]

Seriously bro, didn't just update to the AI LED? I wanna see some nog shots of that skimmer too, thinking of picking one up.

[BriGuy31+]

Alright guys, here are some updated shoots. I have been very busy with school lately so as a result you can see a bit of algae growth. I am working on replacing some of my clean-up crew and getting back on track with my water changes.

I upgraded my lights to a single AquaIllumination Sol Blue LED system. It took me a week or so to get used to the light as it appears a bit dim compared to my old 250w. I am quite sure it is putting out similar PAR values and I am currently only running the light at 40%white/37%blue.

FTS, be nice. LED are a bit harder to photograph for me and the algae is embarrassing:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100032_0665_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100031_0664_edited-1.jpg

My picasso clown fish:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100025_0658_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100022_0655_edited-1.jpg

Few shots of the new light. I plan on cleaning up the wires. I forgot a controller shot:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100030_0663_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100032_0665_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100031_0664_edited-1.jpg

Misc. corals:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100029_0662_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100019_0652_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100017_0651_edited-1.jpg

Few shoots of my Tyree Pink Lemonade(My favorite coral):
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100037_0670_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100036_0669_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100035_0668_edited-1.jpg

Some sump shots with some nog for Rob:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100015_0649_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100014_0648_edited-1.jpg
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/50%20gallon/P1100013_0647_edited-1.jpg

[BriGuy31+]

One more shot of the Lemonade showing good polyp extension:

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100038_0671_edited-1.jpg

[stunreefer]

Looks like your getting some good growth!

I'm looking at picking up one of these from CAD lights, how do you like the overall quality of the tank? Did you get the plumbing from them as well or purchase your own? Apparently they want $65 for the "plumbing option" but it doesn't say what that entails on their website...

[BriGuy31+]

Looks like your getting some good growth!

I'm looking at picking up one of these from CAD lights, how do you like the overall quality of the tank? Did you get the plumbing from them as well or purchase your own? Apparently they want $65 for the "plumbing option" but it doesn't say what that entails on their website...

I did have some quality issues. First tank was broken. And the replacement tank (this one) has the seams of glass are off on the front panel of glass(about 1.5mm) They were helpful with this issue and refunded me 30%. They offered to send out another tank at half off and keep this tank for a frag system but I opted to just take the 30% refund. I'm not really sure on if I would order another tank from them, honestly. I think tank only ended up costing about $200, so the price was right!! I beats the cost of an elos.......:piggy-bank: I don't regret it but it was a headache for sure. I bought my own plumbing.

[stunreefer]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I've heard the same thing from a few other people that purchased this aquarium from them.

[BriGuy31+]

Yeah, I know one other guy that had seam issues with them. I gave every change to fully correct the issue(send me a perfect tank) but I ended up just sticking with a discounted tank and openly talking about the quality issues they have. Good luck on your new tank.

[ReeferRob]

Brian the tank is looking out standing! I am so jealous of the AI light fixture. How do you like your skimmer? I've been considering one because, well yes Im thinking of redoing my sump yet again and that one fits the foot print. Any issue with quality, tune-ability or pump start up etc? Have you modded it in anyway?

[BriGuy31+]

Brian the tank is looking out standing! I am so jealous of the AI light fixture. How do you like your skimmer? I've been considering one because, well yes Im thinking of redoing my sump yet again and that one fits the foot print. Any issue with quality, tune-ability or pump start up etc? Have you modded it in anyway?

Thank you. The AI rocks!! Next firmware update will allow me to have thunderstorms and moving cloud cover. Skimmer is good. I'm running it in 10" of water. This was my first real skimmer. It is a bit tough to fine tune it, but that might be more my fault. No quality issues at all with the skimmer. No mods and no start up issue either. You should be happy with this skimmer.

[ReeferRob]

Sounds good. Only hesitant cause Ill be down grading from an SWC 160 extreme.
Guess I didn't realize that there are firmware updates required to run the AI, is it a pain? How often must it be done? My have to have you swing by one day with that light and see how she looks over my box of water!!

By the way how's the battle going we discussed via PM a few weeks ago?

[BriGuy31+]

Firmware updates aren't mandatory. Just as they come out with new features you must upgrade firmware if you want them. It was good to go out of the box. Feel free to stop by any time. Why would you be downgrading skimmers, want to trade? What's the footprint of the 160? Issues are 100% taken care of. I just posted a picture of your 20K if you still want it. Purple monster is still slowly coloring back up. Now I know why they cost so much= slow growers!!

[Sir Patrick]

Any Updates on this tank?

[BriGuy31+]

Any Updates on this tank?

Here is an update. I know I am slightly over excited by what has happened but my picasso clownfish just laid their first set of eggs. I have raised these guys from what I remember as 1/2" or at the very most 3/4". I bought a pair of grade B picasso's from Doni'sreef with the goal of raising the fry. I read the book Clownfishes by Joyce Wilkerson for fun but I never got around to setting up a separate breeding tank. So for now, I will just share some pictures and maybe a video. How long will these spawn eggs for. I think I remember reading every two weeks but will they just give up at some point? I guess what I am wondering is a two part question. What is the typical age that clowns will stop spawning due to "old age"? Also, If every clutch is a failure, will they just keep spawning? Aside from decreased water quality or stress, will they just keep plugging away with new batches? Enjoy the pictures!!

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100465_1058_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100494_1088.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100493_1087_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100489_1083_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100481_1075_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100479_1073_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100472_1066_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100455_1048_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100452_1045_edited-1.jpg

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/BriGuy31p/P1100450_1043_edited-1.jpg

[BriGuy31+]

Some ear and eye candy!!

YouTube - Picasso Clownfish eggs

[MarvinsReef]

awesome man! thanks for sharing. :)

[BriGuy31+]

Your Welcome. I hope to learn more on breeding now. This seems like more fun than growing corals, so maybe this is just what the doctor ordered because corals have somewhat took a backseat lately.

Is there some way that I could make some mods to my Sump area in order to raise the fry within my display system. I would pull the tile out and put it into the protection of my modded Sump. Any info would be great.

[Sir Patrick]

Sweet!!!