Deep Blue 60 Gallon Frag Tank

[07FocusST]

Hey everyone,

It's been quite some time since I have posted here on RF. Since that time I have purchased my first house and currently settling. Right now I have a 29G Bow Front from Aqueon I got for a decent price. It has a few pieces of coral and a couple fish for now.

Now comes the fun part, I took a trip over to one of the LFS here and found Deep Blue's 60 Gallon Reef Ready Frag Tank w/ series 2 stand for less than $500. I have researched a little about Deep Blue and it seems that they are a little new to the market (well the name is atleast, the parent company isn't). Being built in the USA is a huge plus for me.

Now for the tricky part (Krish, this is where you normally pop in and comment!) ...... I would love to remove the top plastic brace and, if I have to, put on a eur brace. Seeing how the glass height is only 12" I don't see much reason why it would be much of a structural issue. Being tempered glass it should be strong enough.

Let me know what you know or have seen in the past! Thanks alot RF!!! :gh:

 

[Peppie]

If you are going to euro brace it. It should be good to go. But with the plastic trim on the tank you can bet your bottom dollar the the top of the glass under that trim will need lots of TLC with a grinding stone of some sort.
Looking forward to seeing some pic.

 

[07FocusST]

Peppie,

From what I have read 600 grit sandpaper should smooth out the rough edges. Otherwise I am sure that there is a Dremel attachment out there somewhere that will do the job. I hope (keyword is hope here) to go tank shopping today. Wife says that she wants to be more involved with the tank so I will see what she would like for a setup.

 

[Peppie]

A dremel tool is great for that type of work.
That is great that your wife is showing interest in your hobby. It will make it a lot more fun when both of you can benefit from the fruits of your labor and investment.
Keep us updated with some more pics.
Good luck on your shopping spree.

 

[07FocusST]

Hey Peppie, after a little debate with the spouse I ended up with an Aqueon 65G High (36"x18"x24" i think...) All i know is that it is tall and reef ready with a marine land oak stand.... Price was decent and doesn't take up much space. I will be accumulating equipment over the next couple of weeks to couple of months to get it going. Too bad I don't live in Silverdale anymore... would have been real easy to get equipment for a good price

 

[Peppie]

Hey Peppie, after a little debate with the spouse I ended up with an Aqueon 65G High (36"x18"x24" i think...) All i know is that it is tall and reef ready with a marine land oak stand.... Price was decent and doesn't take up much space. I will be accumulating equipment over the next couple of weeks to couple of months to get it going. Too bad I don't live in Silverdale anymore... would have been real easy to get equipment for a good price

Congrats on your new tank.
Take your time and do your research for the equipment you need to purchase. Get the best your wallet will allow. You can get some great used deals here and on CL. Make sure you know what you want and how much it will retail for.
Be sure to get some pics up here so we can ALL enjoy your build!!!!

 

[07FocusST]

Congrats on your new tank.
Take your time and do your research for the equipment you need to purchase. Get the best your wallet will allow. You can get some great used deals here and on CL. Make sure you know what you want and how much it will retail for.
Be sure to get some pics up here so we can ALL enjoy your build!!!!

I was thinking og trying the AE Tech Reef Devil Skimmer and Sump Combo found here. I think one of the bottom two on that page will be good. My stand is a 36"x18" (Not sure on the hieght of the stand).

Any comments on this setup? I like the last choice on the page because I can set it up as a Fuge.

Either that or this setup here.

 

[07FocusST]

 

[Peppie]

They both look like great units. I would pick the last one on the first page. Reef Devil.
How much are those sump/skimmer units?

 

[Spinner]

Hello,

You can take the sump you want get the measurement's and most glass company's will cut and smooth them for you then easy to but together. Check out the SC 180 skimmer on eBay it's $ 129.00 including shipping (lots of reviews). This is a good project for the both of you as an less cost option

Best of luck!

 

[07FocusST]

They both look like great units. I would pick the last one on the first page. Reef Devil.
How much are those sump/skimmer units?

Somewhere around $500.... Looks nice but I think a cheaper product will do just the same with a good skimmer

 

[07FocusST]

Hello,

You can take the sump you want get the measurement's and most glass company's will cut and smooth them for you then easy to but together. Check out the SC 180 skimmer on eBay it's $ 129.00 including shipping (lots of reviews). This is a good project for the both of you as an less cost option

Best of luck!

Spinner,

I have a couple skimmers on my mind: ASM G-1 or G-2, SWC 180 or SWC Cone or E.T.S.S. I love the E.T.S.S. design skimmers as my last skimmer was a beckett style home made skimmer. worked amazingly well on a mild 180 Gallon. All though some of the E.T.S.S. Skimmers are a little expensive and bulky. I plan on being SPS heavy in this tank.

 

[07FocusST]

After a little more information I am leaning towards a SWC skimmer.... not sure of model yet? SWC 120 or 180 cone.

 

[Maxx]

Spinner,

I have a couple skimmers on my mind: ASM G-1 or G-2, SWC 180 or SWC Cone or E.T.S.S. I love the E.T.S.S. design skimmers as my last skimmer was a beckett style home made skimmer. worked amazingly well on a mild 180 Gallon. All though some of the E.T.S.S. Skimmers are a little expensive and bulky. I plan on being SPS heavy in this tank.

Only complaint I have with the ETSS and beckett style skimmers is the power useage. You need a big powerful pump to run them properly and I'm trying to reduce the amount of electricity I use for my system.

FWIW, I'm using an older Reef Octopus Extreme 250 which originally came with dual PSK2500's and is now been upgraded to a SuperReef Octopus 5000 internal by changing to a single BubbleBlaster 5000 pump. Less power used, more water and air mixed, dead nuts reliable. Pulling a ridiculous amount of crud from system.

I would go with the 180 cone as opposed to the 120. If its something your reasonably considering, go with the one you can use if you upgrade later on down the road.

Nick

 

[07FocusST]

The 18 cone has been the skimmer of choice so far.... got to start saving for all the toys!