Ed's 60 G. Cube Set-up

[ravenjred]

Hi everyone,
I am definitely new to the saltwater hobby and have been in the process of making my own stand for a 60 gallon cube tank. I have done research for the past year about saltwater and am ready to take the plunge. I will be doing the plumbing this coming weekend. I'm not sure if I like the aquascaping yet so any ideas, suggestions, help about anything and everything would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help and input.

 

[mfinn]

Welcome ravenjred.
Looks pretty good so far.
Nice work on the stand.

 

[thienan253]

looking nice, is that the brs reef saver dry rock that you are using?

 

[ravenjred]

Yes, that is the BRS Dry Rock. I also have the aragonite sand from them. Any idea how many inches 80 lbs. of sand will make in a 60 gallon cube?

 

[thienan253]

its about over 1 inch thick

 

[mfinn]

Any idea how many inches 80 lbs. of sand will make in a 60 gallon cube?

I'm guessing that your tank has a foot print of 24" x 24". Correct?

80lbs. of sand will give you just over 2-1/2" of sand, using the calculator here.

http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php/sand-bed-calculator

 

[ravenjred]

Yes, it is 24x24. Thank you.

 

[thienan253]

are you using any bacteria additive to cycle your tank?

 

[ravenjred]

are you using any bacteria additive to cycle your tank?

I don't plan on it. I won't be plumbing it till this weekend and then adding water. I am listening to my brothers advise. Heaves in KY. and has a big tank. He told me to put a table shrimp in and let it rot. That should start the cycle. We shall see. I'm excited.

 

[mfinn]

I don't plan on it. I won't be plumbing it till this weekend and then adding water. I am listening to my brothers advise. Heaves in KY. and has a big tank. He told me to put a table shrimp in and let it rot. That should start the cycle. We shall see. I'm excited.

That is one way to do it, but I've seen a lot of people pretty happy with stuff like Dr. Tims bacteria additive.

 

[ravenjred]

Thanks. I'll take a look at that.

 

[tike]

Welcome to RF! I have a 60 gallon cube also.

 

[ravenjred]

Thanks. I would love to see pics of your tank if you can post them or tell me where they are. How many and what fish and corals do you have? I look forward to hearing from you.

 

[1guydude]

Hi raven. Maybe add a lil sand and if u need more add.more...
Havent looked at ur pics yet. But usually I suggest a rock scape like a lagoon. A slope. Or an island. Ull wanna do an island. Bigger rocks and less are better if that makes sense. U can tape out a 24x4 square on the garage floor and play with it. Use drill and large zip ties to really form it up. Hths
d

 

[dailydriven911]

Welcome to the 60 cube club! Looking good so far!

 

[ravenjred]

Thanks everyone. Dailydirven: I love your build so far. I will be plumbing my tank this weekend hopefully. I still have to put the doors on my stand. What type of container is that you are using for your ATO reservoir? I have to find one that I can use still. I have the Tunze ATO controller. Also, how big of a container do I need for ATO? Thanks.

 

[ravenjred]

I will post more photos as I progress.

 

[tike]

Thanks. I would love to see pics of your tank if you can post them or tell me where they are. How many and what fish and corals do you have? I look forward to hearing from you.

I have to get of my lazy butt and get some recent pics up! I am planning on a total redesign of the aquascape in the next month or two. I only have 2 fish in it at the moment, coral beauty and a small blue tang. I have sps, lps zoas in the tank currently.

 

[dailydriven911]

Thanks everyone. Dailydirven: I love your build so far. I will be plumbing my tank this weekend hopefully. I still have to put the doors on my stand. What type of container is that you are using for your ATO reservoir? I have to find one that I can use still. I have the Tunze ATO controller. Also, how big of a container do I need for ATO? Thanks.

Thanks I picked it up in the camping isle at Walmart. Holds 6 gallons and will last me about a week. Wish I had more room for something larger. The Tunze ATO is the best for sure good choice.

 

[mfinn]

What type of container is that you are using for your ATO reservoir Also, how big of a container do I need for ATO? Thanks.

I found a container at Petsmart to use as a ATO container.
It's a pet food storage container made from food grade plastic.
Holds about 15 gallons. 14" x 14" x 20".

http://www.petsmart.com//WFS/PETUS/...-0?green=0299EA7A-61A4-5F60-0348-9C21ED0982E1