30 Gallon reef cube build 100% DIY

[Tigweldpro]

So my tank is built and looks great.
Working on the stand currently 32 x 24, 29" tall.

-Now yes or no for egg crate in the bottom of the tank?
-I went with the Sicce 1.5 instead of 2.0 will the flow from this pump be enough or should I be adding power heads?
-1 or 2 bubble traps in the sump? haven't added baffles yet but have lots of glass.
-1" of sand is good enough in tank?
-Sand, rock, rubble, bare bottom in refuge?

Little help would be nice from the senior reefers.....

Thanks

[Frogger]

Why do you want egg crate in bottom of tank?

[Tigweldpro]

Originally Posted by Frogger

Why do you want egg crate in bottom of tank?

I don't...... or do I? are there benefits/disadvantages?

[Frogger]

Not sure what the benefits are.

We used to put egg crate at the bottom of the tank to create an airspace and have gravel on top, ie: undergravel filter, or to create an anaerobic space in the case of a plenum. But there are way better methods of filtration and nitrogen reducing methods than these. I am not sure what other uses there are. Maybe supporting your rock.

The question you may want to ask is if you want a bare bottom or coral sand or gravel. I prefer a thin layer of coral sand or gravel.

[Tyfighter]

I used to put egg crate on the bottom of my Africans cichlid tanks which was pretty common practise back then. The idea was the the rocks would sit on the egg crate instead of just on the sand or totally buried and sitting on the glass. It also provided a stable base since the cichlids really liked to dig in the sand which could cause the rocks to move/collapse.
As long as your rock structures are stable I wouldn't really worry about adding egg crate.

[dino]

don't do any egg crate it will just be a pain. as far as sand in the tank that depends on what you want to keep but that's also debatable although some fish definitely enjoy the sand. my knew 120 will be BB.

[Tigweldpro]

Ok, eggcrate is off the list I will just use a piece for a lid to keep the fish from jumping out.
Any other input on my other questions?

[Tigweldpro]

Not sure if you have seen this vid as its quite old but holy $#!&

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq08mk7zzb0

[Tigweldpro]

The only thing holding me up on my tank build is 2x 3/4 bulkhead fittings slip x thread,(thread on flange or inside) im in edmonton for the weekend, anyone have some or know where would?

[Tigweldpro]

Filled up the new system for the first time just RO so far. Salt tomorrow
Attachment 15852

Sump plumbing pic
Attachment 15853

not sure why the pics were rotated....