[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube


Bookmark and Share
Page 1 of 17 1 2 3 11 ... Last
Results 1 to 10 of 166
  1. #1
    Mr. Microscope - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Evanson, IL
    Posts
    256
    Awards Tank of the Month - August 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

    Hello All,

    This tank has been in my head since at least 2009 while I was doing my first SW tank (3 gallon pico) back in NYC. I've got more space now that I moved back to the Midwest. So, it's upgrade time!!! It's going to be a Mr. Aqua 25 gallon cube with a Mr. Aqua 7 gallon cube for sump/fuge, a stand being built by my father-in-law, an MP10 (I have controller and wet side, I still need to get the dry side), and I finally finished the LED's today. So, I decided to start the thread.

    LED04 - Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

    LED03 - Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

    LED02 - Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

    LEDs01 - Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

    There are 28 LED's in all being driven by two Mean Well ELN60-48P's controlled by the BoostLED Typhon LED Controller. 8RB, 4CB, 4TV, 2 660 Red, 4CW, and 6 NW. I also installed a 1 watt 450nm moonlight in the middle. I have it over my frag tub right now until I get the tank up and running.


    Livestock plans
    Instead of softies like in John Ciotti's tank, the plan is to do a bunch of SPS on top. The bottom will consist of zoas/palys, and some LPS like acans. Maybe I'll have a green toadstool in there somewhere. I also have a clam that will go on the sandbed and I'd like to add a couple plates as well. Later in the project, I may attempt some sun corals or dendros in the dark parts of the pillar. Fish will consist of a clown pair, a tailspot blenny, and maybe a cardinal.


    I have the following projects to finish:
    Build Sump/Fuge

    This project is coming along well. I have all the pieces sealed together with Aquarium Sealant. All that's left is to cut slots for the overflow from the fuge to the return and drill a hole for the locline flare. Then, it just has to be sealed in place. I haven't decided whether or not to paint it yet. That'll depend on how accessible the rear is from the stand. Here's is the design so far:

    Sump03SideB01 - Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

    Sump03sideA01 - Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

    Build Rock Pillar

    Rather than getting a bunch of LR and stacking it up, I've decided to build a rock pillar out of dry rock. Once that's finished, I'll put it into my frag tub and let it build up the goodies in there. I still have to do all the work on this one. That includes purchasing all the rock, acrylic rod and acrylic base. I'm planning to get my rock from John Maloney at Reef Cleaners. So, far I've purchased shells, and snails from him and have been extremely satisfied each time. I'd like to achieve a tank similar to John Ciotti's Upside Down Reef. I really like a lot of sand showing. So, I'd like to keep most of the rock in the top middle to top of the tank if possible.

    7 - Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

    Plumbing
    I've been kinda dreading this aspect of the project not so much for the skill involved as the cost. I'm finding that plumbing parts are WAY pricier that I anticipated. Of course, there's always the fear of destroying my tank while drilling, but I still have my old JBJ Picotope. So, I'm planning to drill a practice hole or two on that first before attempting the cube. I think I have most of it planned out, but still have to finalize on a few decisions before taking the plunge and making the big purchase.


    That's all for now. Updates coming!
    Attached Images Attached Images  
    Last edited by Mr. Microscope; 06-04-2012 at 09:29 PM.
    Likes johnco1972 liked this post

  2. #2
    Sir Patrick - Reefkeeper A2 Club Coordinator
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    UofM territory
    Posts
    7,838
    First Name
    Chris
    Awards Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    This will be a cool one to watch!

  3. #3
    Mr. Microscope - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Evanson, IL
    Posts
    256
    Awards Tank of the Month - August 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    Thanks Sir P! 'Hoping for TOTM status in a year or two.
    Likes jimsflies liked this post

  4. #4
    Sun357 - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Rantoul, IL
    Posts
    59
    First Name
    Fred
    Awards Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    Interesting LED setup. I'd like to see how it works out. Good luck! =)

    ~Fred

  5. #5
    larryandlaura - Reefkeeper
    Team CR

    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Houghton Lake
    Posts
    5,338
    First Name
    Larry
    Awards Monthly Giveaway Winner Fantasy Football Champion Referral Award Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    Very nice cant wait to see more!
    Hi my name is Larry and I'm a coral addict!

  6. #6
    2pairs - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Posts
    361
    First Name
    Jim

    Default

    I am glad to see this build start, and I will be following along.

  7. #7
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    U.P. of Michigan.
    Posts
    8,444
    First Name
    Jamie
    Awards Photo of the Month - October 2012 Photo of the Month Post and Reply Award - Winner of the first PAR Contest. Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    Sweet sweet sweet!
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  8. #8
    whitetiger61 - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Clio, Michigan
    Posts
    1,059
    First Name
    Rick

    Default

    this is going to look great..im planning on something similar to the right side of a 50 breeder when i scape it..not as elaberate but something different..keep up the great work..it will be something you can enjoy for several years.

    Rick

  9. #9
    Mr. Microscope - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Evanson, IL
    Posts
    256
    Awards Tank of the Month - August 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    Thank you everyone for the support and kind words!
    futurama good news everyone - Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

    My father-in-law brought the stand over today. I gotta say, he did an amazing job! It's covered with white acrylic to match the light I built. The front door has a lock on it and the side doors open as well. Maintenance will be a breeze with this puppy! It was extremely satisfying to get the tanks out of their boxes. I don't know if it'll be finished by the time the baby comes, but here's hoping!

    FTS20111127 - Mr. Microscope's 25 Gallon Cube

  10. #10
    2pairs - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Posts
    361
    First Name
    Jim

    Default

    That is a great start, I am looking forward to the rest of the build.

Page 1 of 17 1 2 3 11 ... Last

Similar Topics

  1. Mini Reef Aquarium
    (35g-90g)
    Geohawk's 60 gallon cube
    By Geohawk in forum Member's Reefs
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-08-2013, 06:03 PM
  2. 60 Gallon Cube Complete
    By Tomm in forum Equipment Sales & Trades
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 11-21-2012, 09:45 AM
  3. Aquarium Equipment want to buy 60 gallon cube aquarium
    By handln1 in forum Want to Buy
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 06-21-2012, 11:56 PM
  4. 70 gallon cube
    By Slim Jim in forum Equipment Sales & Trades
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 08-09-2011, 01:24 PM
  5. 12 gallon Nano Cube complete
    By holly in forum Equipment Sales & Trades
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 05-23-2010, 04:57 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us