Incredible Corals September 1, 2010 Share September 1, 2010 (edited) After a little over a week my Solana 60 gallon cube arrived today via freight! The ecoxotic panorama led fixture arrived last week. The build officially started tonight. Tank: 60 Gallon Solana XL Cube Lighting: Ecoxotic Panorama LED Fixture 24" Sump: Solana Sump Skimmer and Fuge: CPR Large Combo ATO: AGA w/ 10gal reservoir Livestock: Everything from my established 55gal Today consisted mostly of unpacking and inspecting all the parts. I was able to setup the stand and get the cube in place. I also installed the sump, plumbing, return pump, and return line. Tomorrow I will install the return flex outlets and possibly install the light fixture over the tank. I plan on completing the entire build/move by the end of the weekend. Here are a few quick shots of the tank and where it's going to sit in the living room. This is my new view from the couch. If you have no plans this weekend, I've got a lot to do! Edited September 1, 2010 by forrealb50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roni September 1, 2010 Share September 1, 2010 looking pretty awesome! i'll have to see it once you get everything up... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 3, 2010 Author Share September 3, 2010 (edited) More progress over the last two days.... Made sure the tank was level before installing the lighting and adding water Lots of random stuff all waiting to be installed I even got the wife to help. I couldn't believe it! Finishing up the overflow Bulkheads tightened up Hooked up the sump and finished all the basic plumbing! Ready for water! We have water and Lights! I ran out of water and waiting for my brute trash can to fill back up. I'm hoping to have the tank full over freshwater, running by the end of tomorrow and letting it run for 12 hours before mixing in salt. Edited September 3, 2010 by forrealb50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 3, 2010 Author Share September 3, 2010 Also made a big decision. I'm going bare bottom! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowieReefer84 September 3, 2010 Share September 3, 2010 Also made a big decision. I'm going bare bottom! That's what she said. Seriously, that's cool though. I want my next tank to be like that. Once it has coralline it will be nice and colorful, no dirty sand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 3, 2010 Author Share September 3, 2010 That's what she said. Seriously, that's cool though. I want my next tank to be like that. Once it has coralline it will be nice and colorful, no dirty sand. I knew that was coming. The bare bottoms do look a little weird at first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowieReefer84 September 3, 2010 Share September 3, 2010 I knew that was coming. The bare bottoms do look a little weird at first. Are you going to take steps to keep the rocks from sliding on the glass? I was thinking when I go bb that I would use superglue gel on the bottom of the rocks that touch the glass. You won't be able to reaquascape them that easily, but if you take your time the first time it shouldn't be a problem. Anything you can do to prevent falling rock, and to have peace of mind (which is most important to me above all else). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 3, 2010 Author Share September 3, 2010 Are you going to take steps to keep the rocks from sliding on the glass? I was thinking when I go bb that I would use superglue gel on the bottom of the rocks that touch the glass. You won't be able to reaquascape them that easily, but if you take your time the first time it shouldn't be a problem. Anything you can do to prevent falling rock, and to have peace of mind (which is most important to me above all else). I'm building one large tower with multiple branches sticking out from it. Everything is going to be supported by a large base rock that has flat bottom. It's about the size of a basket ball cut in half. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad September 3, 2010 Share September 3, 2010 It looks nice! I love the potential that I see in every tank at this stage! Mind running through an equipment list? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 3, 2010 Author Share September 3, 2010 It looks nice! I love the potential that I see in every tank at this stage! Mind running through an equipment list? Tank: 60 Gallon Solana XL Cube Lighting: Ecoxotic Panorama LED Fixture 24" Sump: Solana Sump w/ media tray Skimmer/Fuge: CPR HOB Large Combo ATO: AGA w/ 10gal reservoir Livestock: Everything from my established 55gal Controller: AC Jr. w/ DC8 I think that is everything. I might be missing one or two small things but that's the meat of the project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind September 3, 2010 Share September 3, 2010 That is a nice looking setup. I like bare bottom tanks as the viewing glass seems to get scratched less easily. It is great that the wife is helping. Now you just need to get her to clean the skimmer cup and you will have it made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trockafella September 3, 2010 Share September 3, 2010 What are you doing for flow.? Do I hear vortech calling your name..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 3, 2010 Author Share September 3, 2010 What are you doing for flow.? Do I hear vortech calling your name..? I was going to try to stick with the 1000gph return pump with the 4 return lines. If it's not enough, I'll end up using a K4 and maybe a MJ1200 as a temp solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowieReefer84 September 3, 2010 Share September 3, 2010 (edited) I was going to try to stick with the 1000gph return pump with the 4 return lines. If it's not enough, I'll end up using a K4 and maybe a MJ1200 as a temp solution. It is my understanding you want like 10x to 15x an hour (guesstimated of course) through your sump with a total of 50x +/- in tank. Any additional flow in the tank should be through the use of a wavemaker/powerhead. Do some google/forum searches, as their are many opinions. However, most agree that not all flow should be coming from the return from the sump. Food for thought. Edited September 3, 2010 by BowieReefer84 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 3, 2010 Author Share September 3, 2010 It is my understanding you want like 10x to 15x an hour (guesstimated of course) through your sump with a total of 50x +/- in tank. Any additional flow in the tank should be through the use of a wavemaker/powerhead. Do some google/forum searches, as their are many opinions. However, most agree that not all flow should be coming from the return from the sump. Food for thought. If it's not enought I'm pretty sure I can hide a K4 before the rockwork. Right now with the return pump I would be looking at 14X/hr per gallon (1000gph / 70gallons) If I add the K4 that would bump me up around 30X/hr per gallon (2200gph / 70gallons) Either way I should be good I just don't want the K4 powerhead visible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowieReefer84 September 3, 2010 Share September 3, 2010 If it's not enought I'm pretty sure I can hide a K4 before the rockwork. Right now with the return pump I would be looking at 14X/hr per gallon (1000gph / 70gallons) If I add the K4 that would bump me up around 30X/hr per gallon (2200gph / 70gallons) Either way I should be good I just don't want the K4 powerhead visible. Yea, you have this really well planned it seems. Have you thought about the tunze rock? http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Turbelle_Stream_Deco_Rock_Accessories_for_Aquarium_Powerheads-Tunze-TZ1551-FIPHAC-vi.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 4, 2010 Author Share September 4, 2010 Tank is pretty much done now. Might need to tweak a few thinkg but enjoy the pics! Tank full over water and ready to go... Pulled all the corals out of the old tank Last FTS of the old tank Rocks waiting for aquascapping Last corals going in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 4, 2010 Author Share September 4, 2010 I'll take some better pictures when the tank cleared up some. Still a little foggy with everything being moved around. I love the bare bottom look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surf&turf September 5, 2010 Share September 5, 2010 Looks awesome!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 5, 2010 Author Share September 5, 2010 Looks awesome!! Thanks. The pictures kinda suck. It looks a gajillion times better in person. It's hard in the picture to see all the bridges and the depth of the over-hangs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surf&turf September 5, 2010 Share September 5, 2010 Yea I know, I can never get mine to look as good as it does in person. I realy like the single pillar look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 5, 2010 Author Share September 5, 2010 I just realized I'm missing my lawnmower blenny. He was there just the other day and I didn't take him out of the old tank and he wasn't on the floor. Either he found some hole somewhere to hind in and is still hiding or died within the last 24 hours by coincidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan September 5, 2010 Share September 5, 2010 Amazing set up. The last one looked great but this one is gorgeous. You have an for aquascaping Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incredible Corals September 6, 2010 Author Share September 6, 2010 Updated FTS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barebottomcorals_Ed September 7, 2010 Share September 7, 2010 WOW! Last shot is amazing! looks great..cant wait to see how the sps respond Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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