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magik's 29 oceanic Biocube
Thought I would start my own Journal since there are already big improvement to the used tank I bought.
I got the tank and the little table it is sitting on for $200. and boy was it filthy! There were snail eggs covering everything, algea, some really funky debris under the false bottoms, including some fair size dead bristleworms. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/006-1.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/003.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/007.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/008.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/004.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/002.jpg |
Several hours later and almost 8 L of Vinegar and countless gallons of water.....
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/017.jpg Is it worth painting the back? it is faded and pretty scratched up or just leave it because it will end up that way anyway? http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/011.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/013.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/014.jpg now once I had soaked this in Vinegar and warm water I got it apart.... there were tube worms all inside it, some bristle worms lots of snail shells and eggs. took a lot of soaking and scrubbing but I got it like new and it works. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/015-1.jpg The light cover is yellowed, the bulbs are no good. but the moonlights are fine and work. I'm not sure what I am going to do about the lights. more research is needed. :) http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/016.jpg Going to buy a stand tomorrow. May get one a bit larger than the tank so I have some room in the cabinet to play with. I will be ordering the RO/DI unit tomorrow (75 gpd 5 stage Plus). Possibly the Tunze nano 9002 DOC and the media basket. I'd like to use a HOB fuge if I can get one to fit. I will be buying an MP10 from a fellow reefer as well. I threw out the 100 w jager heater, it had moisure inside and was also looking corroded inside. for what they cost. I'll get a new one. :D I really don't want to put the false Floors back in the debris was crazy under them. Not sure what to do with the first chamber there is no vents in the bottom to allow detrius to enter the second chamber at the bottom. |
Busy girl!! Looks a lot better! Regarding painting the back, I think if you filled it with water for a leak test you'll be able to tell how noticeable it actually is and whether you are bothered by it.
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Thanks for your input! I must say even my fingernails are sore after today lol.
once the rock is in I won't be looking at the back. :D lockrookie , I had gone through youre 180 thread it is fantastic! |
Wow you did an awesome job! That's really going to be a nice tank. I agree, leave the back alone.. You won't even see it after awhile.
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Looks great;
I'll drop you a pm with the link for a light system I've used on a few biocubes successfully. |
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Wow what a difference. Looks like a nice little tank now.
I'll pm you Monday with details For mp10 |
holy cow nice work! waana come clean my sump? :lol:
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Lockrookie - that was a good movie :) thought my family was the only ones that quoted movies lol.
I have tons of moisturizer. Calgary is rated dryer than a desert, its a constant battle with dry skin. :) I didn't even think about dealing with salt. I bet your wife wouldn't enjoy cracked and rough sailor's hands ;) Thanks everyone. I can hardly wait to see it Salty. Ill get a vacuume hose today (someone threw mine away!) and do a water leak test. Sorry Nano you are on your own for your sump! although I can't imagine it is as nasty as this tank was. What brand/s are good for water test kits? |
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API if your looking for cheap and accurate-ish. |
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yup same here api for amonia and nitrate cause its cheap and i have like 10 of them lol , everything else is elos:) |
Well I ordered a few things today. I didn't get a stand, it looks like Im going to have to build one.
Media Basket, Tunze nano skimmer, RO/DI unit and clear plastic mesh (since I am upgrading lights and wont be using the canopy) I wanted to Order more but must show restraint since I'm new! I don't need all those toys right away. :cool: There was a Vertex refractometer for almost half price at the LFS, are they any good? $99.99 down to $56-59. I want something reliable I think the plastic float ones for me are going to be a pain. |
I think the vertex is fine. The plastic floaty ones float great in the garbage. 60 ain't bad. It's worth having
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WOW! Got my Skimmer today! J&L are FAST! I will definately be trying to order what I can through them! :D (I placed my order Sunday)
another peice of equipment to taunt me lol. I have drawn up a design for my stand to accomodate a gravity fed 10 gal fuge. I might try to find a granite shop and see if they have some scrap granite that would fit for the tops. Tank passed the leak test. :) It crossed my mind that maybe it was leaking, got torn down and thrown in the garage quick with how filthy it was. I should have more faith in people. :) |
Your in the right frame of mind to think it may leak. I bought a 180 that collapsed the day after I filled it. Upon inspection I found a old crack that was hidden buy edging. I have trouble buying m t tanks
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I got my Ro/Di unit today! So excited lol.
I got the Media basket, skimmer cup and fish saver. last couple of weeks have been like xmas! I'm hoping to have the Stand built and Saltwater ready by Monday. I have been unimpressed with any liverock I have seen while touring the LFS' so I am not sure what to do, Having it shipped is looking like it's the way to go. I wish there was word on RedCoral if they had planned to re-open soon I'd wait. I bought a Vertex Refractometer the other day. I still have to grab test kits and get a larger return pump. I am still not sure what to do about lights. I was leaning towards a Radion. It would be nice if I could keep my hood. I have a big hairy Giant dog and 5 other small dogs. Staying on top of the Dog hair is a constant battle I would like it to stay out of my tank TYVM! :D Can a Radion be Mounted in the canopy if I Mod it? |
Right on. Let's get some water going.
Either a AI sol or radion could fit if you moded a canopy. There is a fan in both so that is a consideration. The radions guts are seperate so it's smaller profile. I have both and they hang 10" above water so that's another thought. As for rock put a ad on here looking for. Somebody will sell some |
radions are not supposed to be mounted inside a canopy.... doing so will void the warranty......not sure about the Sols.....I suppose you could mod the canopy with fans so it is ventilated......might be worth doing, Radions are the shiz:wink:
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Thanks fishy! I don't want to do anything to void the warranty. that's a lot of money to throw out the window if something goes wrong. I have seen the Sol in a modded canopy. they Cut the size out of the hood but Im not sure what they used to secure it.
Tank stand has become a big project. My Hubby is a little OCD when it comes to this kinda stuff. :) I found a fantastic web site with 18 pages of Nautical door pulls and knobs! now I can't decide which ones to order. Luckily there are several doors on my stand so I can have a couple different ones. :D So tomorrow we pick up wood, stain and, I am hoping I can find a couple bins or smaller garbage cans for Ro and Saltwater. Here is the design he has come up with. The gravity return fuge is back on the table. no pun intended. :D http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/090.jpg |
Hubby got the frame done for my stand, should be able to Skin it tomorrow. Have to decide on a stain and sealant for the inside of the stand.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/006-2.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/005-2.jpg |
So how's it coming along
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Great progress! This is definitely worth tagging along!
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I am really enjoying following this thread, thanks for sharing! I have the same tank in storage at my shop (hair studio) that I am considering doing seahorses in.. Just focussing on my 120 at home for now :)
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Things are finally coming together. My Dad and I have been rebuilding his Jet boat and it has taken up most of my summer so far.
My Hubby is now covering the stand, and I am finally making water! Im going to start the cycle on my qt tank so I at least have something to "play with" until the stand is done. The stand is going to be super heavy. We are using half inch sanded Pine plywood to cover it, with a giant breed dog (x2 next summer) He didn't feel the thinner stuff would last long. I still need 2 ATO systems. I also need to go over to Concept and get a Refugium ordered. Ill have pics later today of the stand :) Here is the reason I have not gotten as far as I'd like. We gutted it. Dad and his brothers built this boat a little over 20 years ago and the upholstry and floor was in bad need of replacing. Today the Engine goes back in, (460 big block) finish some last minute stuff and test it in the water hopefully on Sunday. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/017-1.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/011-1.jpg |
ok!
I ordered the Reef Keeper L3 plus and an Auto shut off for the Ro/DI Unit. I picked up a Hydor pump rated at 300 GPH for the biocube. The stock pump is noisy and only rated for 245 gph. (so Im using that in my Saltmix container) I picked up an Aqua clear 30 and a maxi jet 400 for my QT tank. Im going to fill that tonight and throw in some flakes. Tomorrow I am going to go and order a Herbie overflow style tank for my gravity fed refugium. I have 12x24 dimensions to work with. I will also pick up my main test kits I need. (already have all the ones I didn't need till later lol) Here are pics of my Stand so far! Hoping to get the trim, stain and, have the doors built by the end of the weekend. Front View. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../frontview.jpg This will have 2 doors and probably a push panel for the top tier. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...7/sideview.jpg Other side. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../sideview2.jpg Back view. this will have 2 doors as well. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...7/Untitled.jpg |
Looks good
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This is going so frustratingly slow! If I had known how slow I think I would have bought a premade stand. It is coming along however. I have all of the equipment for the tank now. except some extra toys that I dont really Have to have. :)
By Monday I should be able to Pick up a radion from Dave at concept, He did my 10 gal refugium for me, I am now trying to figure out plumbing :D my Kitchen is driving me crazy! everything is piled around my sewing area and turtle. it makes it hard to get to. Behind the tank is another garbage bin filled with Ro water. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/018.jpg Here is the second coat of red Oak stain on the stand. it takes a whole day for each coat to dry. My kitty left his paw prints in the first coat, Hubby insisted we do 2 coats of the prep stain as well. I'm going to nag the skin off his bones today to get the trim cut so I can prep and stain it. :) Top tier http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/011-2.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/013-1.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/012.jpg Bottom main cabinet. The first pic doesn't show the red as well. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/017-2.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/014-1.jpg Trim and there is also corner trim as well. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/003-1.jpg |
about ready to fill it up!
Hubby is going to put the doors on when they are finished, in the mean time I can get it salty. I am rethinking the Refugium. I should have gone with what Dave suggested and drill the bottom. this way I can hide all the plumbing and it wont interfere with the back cabinet doors....DUH! :) Im very happy with how it looks, if I would change anything I would have dropped the refugium height a bit so it isn't taking away from the display but there is lots of room on the tabletop to upgrade to a bigger cube ;) Now to re-arrange furniture and find a spot for it! http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/001-1.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/006-3.jpg |
It's Finally Salty!!!! Woot!
Went to Oceans today and picked up 23 lbs of liverock. and some Aragonite live sand. I think I need one or 2 more small pieces to get it how I want it. I had to go ahead without the Refugium, I will be adding that ASAP. The 10 gallon twisted on me and I don't trust it. I think I am going to have one custom made and a little bigger than a 10 gal. I need to figure out how I am going to set up my Radion. I am still trying to figure out my reefkeeper. I wish they would spend the money and include the manual on paper! Its not hard but I don't have a laptop. :) It may be so cloudy you cant see a thing but it is a beautiful sight to me!! :D http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/007-1.jpg |
Right on. You got Alot more patience than I. Lol
If your looking for a light hanger talk to the grizz he builds hangers and I just got mine and live it. Here's a crappy pic It's adjustable for height and under 100 bucks http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/...259AC4E57D.jpg |
I am not a patient person lol this has been a real test for me but, now that I have the tank up and running Im ok with going slow and taking my time.
Thanks for the pic! I will have to keep that in mind. I would prefer to keep the hood. but I think I can live without it if I can make a set of covers for the overflow chamber. My Issue is always dog hair and dander. I want to keep as much out as I can. I am mostly happy with my rock arrangement. I worked on it for 3 days! I would move it around and it would cloud so bad I had to wait until it cleared again. I pulled out my test kits today and found my nitrite kit expired in 2010! lol I phoned Golds and they said they will exchange it for me. Ammonia is at 0.1 Nitrate are at 25. I have not seen much for hitchhikers, a few Asterina starfish, a tiny snail or 2 and a small brittlestar (I saw him once while scaping). Lots of Coraline especially purple, the camera doesn't pick it up well. I have some ok pics, I used my Daughters camera as mine is missing both the charger and the battery! so I am going to do some research and get a good camera. any suggestions are most welcome! The cave in the center goes right through to the back of the tank. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/009-1.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/007-2.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/006-4.jpg The rock on the bottom left I like and don't like. it is rather solid but it has a great surface for placing corals and creates another cave area, I am going to bury it a bit more and hopefully it would make a good watchman/shrimp cave. (if I don't bust it up and/or get a different piece) http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/magikof7/010.jpg If anyone has suggestions thoughts or Opinions. Please speak up. :) |
I like the scape. Lots of caves. Have u been testing water since filling. Just wondering if no3 is on the rise or going down
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thank you.
no I haven't. I was messing with it so much and it was so cloudy. The trates are maxed on the test. I will test it again tomorrow and see what it reads. I am going to pick up a new nitrite test tomorrow as well. |
I went to trade in my Trite test kit and ended up having to take an API he was out of the Elos and salifert was expired in 09! lol
Im going to Order an Elos test kit online. for now the API will have to do. tested at 8 pm tonight. Day 6 Ammonia - 0 Nitrate is falling. It measures between 10 - 25 ppm. It is a lot lighter than yesterday. Nitrite is between 0 - 0.25 The blue is about the color of a blue freezie lol. |
I found a little muscle or clam. it appeared out of nowhere on the sandbed.
and something else I don't know what it is its hairy so I am guessing it is a filter feeder. I thought it was dead when I saw it but in the last week it has increased in size. I am seeing Brown algea and maybe the start of green hair algea. Lots of little tube worms and macro algeas. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...psa17f677e.jpg I can not get a good pic of this thing. the camera just wont take a good close up. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...psfb922346.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ps8e5a488c.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ps07bee1bf.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ps4459f290.jpg |
LOVE this tank! Great job on the scaping! Looks like its coming to life, very exciting!
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I found what I believe are aptasia. both hard to spot and even harder to get pics of.
Ammo and Trites are at Zero, Trates are at about 10 Green hair algea is growing fast. I managed to get this shot of the one at the back under the rock. The one on the opposite corner inside a hole retreated even further when I put a light on it to get a pic. it looks a bit different but has the brown and lighter colored banding on the tentacles. I don't know how Im going to get at either of them. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...Untitled-1.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/004-2.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...kof7/005-4.jpg |
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