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Chemical_Balnce
10/27/2010, 11:36 AM
I started this build almost a year ago. The stand took almost 6 months to build.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/Stand%20Build/IMG00072.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/Stand%20Build/IMG00074.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/Stand%20Build/DSC03927.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/60%20cube/IMG00054-20100517-1821.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/60%20cube/DSC04199.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/60%20cube/DSC04201.jpg
Then after getting water in the tank I had the worst outbreak of bryopsis I've ever seen...
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/60%20cube/DSC04238.jpg
Fun thing is the rocks were bones when I put it in the water. Tech M and Sea Hare took care of that after about a month.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/60%20cube/DSC04116.jpg
Here is a full tank/stand shot before the bryopsis.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/60%20cube/IMAG0113.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/60%20cube/IMAG0102.jpg
Finally about to start stocking this thing.

I'm running a 12k 250w halide and two Current PowerBrite LED strips for some actinic in the morning and afternoon. Under the tank I have a 36" MRC Reef sump with refugium(reason for the custom built stand). I'm running a MAG12 for a return that I have to dial down some. I'm also running the Bubble Magnus NAC7 Cone skimmer.
Chemical_Balnce
10/27/2010, 11:39 AM
I've been thinking about removing some of the rock from the display and put it in the refugium. I just think I don't have a lot of room for coral growth. This is a custom Marineland 60 cube that has the bottom drilled and a larger over flow so I'm already limiting myself on space.
scubasteve06
10/27/2010, 12:14 PM
Yea I'd remove some of the rock to allow more swimming room and placement for corals to grow. I'd also try and make a 'base' of some sorts with caves and some tunnels for fish to swim in. Then try and make some valleys and a peak somewhere. I try to make it look as natural as possible in my tank without stacking and piling the rock up.
Chemical_Balnce
10/27/2010, 12:31 PM
I have a great Tonga Branch on the bottom that looks like one of those plastic root systems you put in fresh water tanks. Since it's bare bottom I have an much space between the rock and the glass on the bottom to allow the power heads to kick up the poo. You can see the piece of rock I'm talking about in the bottom right on the rock layed out on the table.
crvz
10/27/2010, 12:36 PM
looks like a good start, I like the stand. And no shame in taking your time to do things... it's a hobby after all. ;)

I would also suggest minimizing the rock work to some degree. I've always been more in favor of less rock and more open spaces, though that's harder to accomplish on smaller systems (under 100 gallons or so). Play around for a bit and see what you can do.
Chemical_Balnce
10/28/2010, 06:43 AM
So I changed the rock up some last night. What do you guys think?

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/60%20cube/IMAG0206.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/perrythompson/60%20cube/IMAG0204.jpg

Hopefully you can see how this rock has a lot of holes through it. The second picutre you can actually see the other side of the tank through the hole. Also in the first picture you can see my Midas found the best hole for him to hide in. I'll give you a hint... bottom left.