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View Full Version : Whats Under Your Cube (filtration)


MHG
03/17/2011, 08:21 AM
I am building a stand for my new 60 Gallon cube. The stock stands (if you can find them) are 24"x24" on the outside. I wanted to get a sump/fuge that was at least 24" long under my cube so I am making my own stand. I want to leave room for a chiller so I can use 1/2 of the stand. I can fit a 20 high tank in there so I figure that would work. I would love to see some of your photos or diagrams of everything you have jamed under there...

goofball310
03/17/2011, 08:48 AM
Here's a sump under a 24x24" stand. A chiller is purely a pipe dream if you plan on fitting it in there with a sump/fuge.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/MalawiCichlids/ReefCube2.jpg

King_Richard
03/17/2011, 01:25 PM
A mess, that's what's under my 60g cube currently, lol. I'm slowly working on cleaning it up, the only thing left now is to tidy up my cables, come up with some better fixtures for my lights on the algae scrubber and to finish painting/polyuerethane the canopy and door.

We bought two tanks, a 60g cube and a 50-55g cube. Both tanks are 24x24 and our sump was 22" high I believe. I made a couple threads for our canopy and stand design. So, just an algae scrubber, fan, and sump is down there. The door has a shelf and little rack with holes to hold test tubes and other odds and ends.
Link for the Stand (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1973831)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=142460&stc=1&d=1300389441

Link for the Canopy (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1974646)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=142459&stc=1&d=1300389377
If you look at the draw up for the stand, then the only thing I'd possibly do different is take out the front brace that's just above the sump. I don't think the stand really needs it as long as the rest of the stand is skinned/glued/screwed with plywood or similar. Or, perhaps make the front brace removeable, just keeping screws or bolts holding it in incase you need to remove it for some reason. There's been plenty of times where I've gone to put something in the sump and find out that it wont fit through the hole unless I take it apart, kind of a pain at times.

Is the chiller absolutely necessary? Never used one so I'm not sure how big they are. Only reason I ask is because I've never needed one and I've lived in Vegas and Florida, granted I'm in the pan handle of Florida now but we still get some warm days during the summer. In Vegas the tank would hit 80-82 sometimes but I used power compacts and T5's there. The house here in Florida never goes above 80F and since were using LED's we actually need a heater in the tank now, where as I never used one in Vegas.

freezetyle
03/17/2011, 02:12 PM
24"X24"X20" 50 gallon
FTS
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/freezetyle/DSCN0642.jpg
Underneath
Since been updated with a profilux 3 and three head dosing pump.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/freezetyle/DSCN0628.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/freezetyle/DSCN0627.jpg

trmiv
03/17/2011, 02:48 PM
freezetyle is that a standard 20 high you're using as a sump? How much does that little top off area on the left hold?

craftyfish
03/17/2011, 02:48 PM
24"X24"X20" 50 gallon
FTS
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/freezetyle/DSCN0642.jpg
Underneath
Since been updated with a profilux 3 and three head dosing pump.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/freezetyle/DSCN0628.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/freezetyle/DSCN0627.jpg

where's your CO2 tank? what size is that CA reactor?

freezetyle
03/17/2011, 07:41 PM
freezetyle is that a standard 20 high you're using as a sump? How much does that little top off area on the left hold?

where's your CO2 tank? what size is that CA reactor?

Yea its a 20 high. the top off area is about 4.5 gallons. the previous owner of this set up had the return pump external to save room for more water.

I am not using a Ca reactor, I am using the balling method from fauna marin. in that picture i was using b-ionic two part. but since then i have switched to the three headed dosing pump and have added another container.

autodave
03/17/2011, 09:23 PM
Under my 30x30x24 cube I have a 30x24 sump,SWC 160 skimmer,Phosban reactor,and soon gonna make a small frag area(10x12)


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/003-6.jpg

trivan
03/17/2011, 09:32 PM
I have a 45 gallon 24x24x18. Custom sump, swc 120, reactors, ato, and some other bells and whistles. I'll be adding dosing pumps soon.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/miclee15/P1000778.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/miclee15/P1000777.jpg
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/miclee15/P1000781Comments.jpg

ctmgardea
03/17/2011, 09:34 PM
Under my 30x30x24 cube I have a 30x24 sump,SWC 160 skimmer,Phosban reactor,and soon gonna make a small frag area(10x12)


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/003-6.jpg

Wow! Nice work!

freezetyle
03/17/2011, 10:15 PM
Under my 30x30x24 cube I have a 30x24 sump,SWC 160 skimmer,Phosban reactor,and soon gonna make a small frag area(10x12)


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/003-6.jpg

yea very clean. Great work!

autodave
03/17/2011, 10:25 PM
Thanks ctmgardea,freezetyle,here is the rest:

Chiller and topoff water resevoir-

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/006-3.jpg
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/005-5.jpg

Ballast,Tunze gear,PC4'S,and stuff-


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/007-3.jpghttp://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/008-4.jpg


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/001-6.jpg

trmiv
03/18/2011, 06:59 AM
Awesome setup autodave. I'm planning something similar, although I don't know that it will look that nice!

autodave
03/18/2011, 07:50 AM
Awesome setup autodave. I'm planning something similar, although I don't know that it will look that nice!
Sure you can! My advice-take your time and think it out.I rushed my aquascaping and it did not turn out good.And don't forget the details:):

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/006-4.jpg

MHG
03/18/2011, 08:29 AM
Sure you can! My advice-take your time and think it out.I rushed my aquascaping and it did not turn out good.And don't forget the details:):

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/006-4.jpg

Nice cabinetry. What is the height of that stand? The off the shelf ones are typically 30 but I did my framing 36 so I can have some room for mayme a reseviour or a shelf, perhaps a taller skimmer. I am working on the canopy nw so my wife can see the overall height. I can still cut the stand down but I would rather not...

trmiv
03/18/2011, 11:32 AM
Sure you can! My advice-take your time and think it out.I rushed my aquascaping and it did not turn out good.And don't forget the details:):

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/006-4.jpg

Very nice! Yea I can pretty much guarantee mine won't look that good. :lolspin:

King_Richard
03/18/2011, 11:58 AM
autoDave,

Can I see how you hooked up your power box contraption. I've been thinking of something similar and really like how organised yours is, that would clean up alot of our junk in the sump.

I also had a similar thought of hiding the ATO reservoir whenever I set one up in a cabinet, yours just convinced me that it'll work.

Nice woodworking by the way, everything looks excellent, clean and uniform.

autodave
03/18/2011, 01:55 PM
MHG-I went 36 inches tall on my stand.It's a good height for viewing sitting and standing.I will be looking forward to seeing yours done.

King_Richard-I will get a pic up tonite of my contraption :)

MHG
03/18/2011, 02:00 PM
Thanks. I am doing ebonized maple...I have a tome of maple and my wife wants black but not painted. So I am sure I can pull off ebonized maple...

autodave
03/18/2011, 09:36 PM
autoDave,

Can I see how you hooked up your power box contraption. I've been thinking of something similar and really like how organised yours is, that would clean up alot of our junk in the sump.

I also had a similar thought of hiding the ATO reservoir whenever I set one up in a cabinet, yours just convinced me that it'll work.

Nice woodworking by the way, everything looks excellent, clean and uniform.
Here is my power center,all I did was cut out 2 holes in a piece of acrylic with a router,and installed a American DJ power strip(http://www.amazon.com/American-DJ-Channel-Lighted-Switches/dp/B0002DNUY8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1300505665&sr=8-4) and my Reefkeeper head unit.Then I screwed that into my stand.I tucked any extra cords behind the acrylic.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/002-10.jpg

MHG
03/19/2011, 06:43 AM
Here is my power center,all I did was cut out 2 holes in a piece of acrylic with a router,and installed a American DJ power strip(http://www.amazon.com/American-DJ-Channel-Lighted-Switches/dp/B0002DNUY8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1300505665&sr=8-4) and my Reefkeeper head unit.Then I screwed that into my stand.I tucked any extra cords behind the acrylic.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/autodave/002-10.jpg

Sweet. So your not using the reefkeeper to control those items?

autodave
03/19/2011, 08:05 AM
Correct-I have 8 available for my reefkeeper-7 are used-man ,they go fast.But I like using the reefkeeper.

MHG
03/22/2011, 05:29 AM
Great Photos... Bump

RokleM
03/22/2011, 09:29 AM
I am building a stand for my new 60 Gallon cube. The stock stands (if you can find them) are 24"x24" on the outside. I wanted to get a sump/fuge that was at least 24" long under my cube so I am making my own stand. I want to leave room for a chiller so I can use 1/2 of the stand. I can fit a 20 high tank in there so I figure that would work. I would love to see some of your photos or diagrams of everything you have jamed under there...

Another thing to remember is you can always oversize your stand if you have space. I need to take updated pictures, but everything I need (including topoff, controllers, 4 reactors, co2, etc) are all under there. My tank is 30 wide, but the stand is 36.

http://mad-skillz.com/aquarium/12.03.2010-6.jpg

reeftivo
03/22/2011, 09:40 AM
simple zeo setup w/ tunze 9410

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=2160&pictureid=15075

trmiv
03/22/2011, 09:50 AM
Is that some kind of sound deadening material on the inside of your stand?

reeftivo
03/22/2011, 10:20 AM
yes! skimmer splash was slightly audible so I picked some up cheap and it works very well. Can't hear anything from the cabinet now when the doors are shut.

reeftivo
03/22/2011, 10:26 AM
here's a link to where I got it if interested
just a few dabs of super glue and its up-super easy, no problems, no mess.

I didn't even have to remove any gear.

http://www.foambymail.com/soundproofing.html

Allmost
03/22/2011, 10:30 AM
here's a link to where I got it if interested
just a few dabs of super glue and its up-super easy, no problems, no mess.

I didn't even have to remove any gear.

http://www.foambymail.com/soundproofing.html

thank you for the Great Idea !!

reeftivo
03/22/2011, 01:40 PM
NP

You may want to make sure your cabinet has good ventilation if using this so there won't be any moisture build up on the foam. Mine is always dry to the touch but I have a cabinet fan running on low with an adjustable transformer block. If there is poor ventilation then it may collect moisture.

Although mine has never felt damp even with the fans off.

MHG
03/25/2011, 11:10 AM
[QUOTE=reeftivo;18527837]simple zeo setup w/ tunze 9410

QUOTE]

So you have no Fuge area in your sump?

goofball310
03/25/2011, 01:58 PM
So you have no Fuge area in your sump?


Fuges don't do well in ULNS (Ultra Low Nutrient Systems ex: Zeo & bio-pellet) and die from lack of nutrients to feed off of.

blkg35
03/25/2011, 02:00 PM
Awesome job on the stands everyone!
Autodave, excellent attention to detail on your work.....:D
Wish I had found this thread before i went and built my stand for my 45gal cube.

MHG
03/25/2011, 04:43 PM
Fuges don't do well in ULNS (Ultra Low Nutrient Systems ex: Zeo & bio-pellet) and die from lack of nutrients to feed off of.gonna need to look that up>>>

reeftivo
03/25/2011, 05:31 PM
gonna need to look that up>>>

good read:

Not for everyone though
http://www.zeovit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10354

MHG
03/27/2011, 06:31 AM
I was hping some guy had a full sump room under his 60g cube... Overkill perhaps but cool none the less.

SWINGRRRR
04/27/2011, 07:28 AM
Heres under mine. Pretty simple. 15 gallon sump with SWC 150 BMK, heater, ATO switches, and return pump, no baffles at the moment. In front of that is a 10 gallon Kalk ATO tank. Next to that is a MR5 with 250ml of EcoBaks pellets. Ive still got a few small things to add for my food reactor.
The stand is 30X30X43 outside.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/SWINGRRRR/Cube/2011-03-20182944.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/SWINGRRRR/2011-02-26092441.jpg

MHG
04/27/2011, 12:44 PM
Heres under mine. Pretty simple. 15 gallon sump with SWC 150 BMK, heater, ATO switches, and return pump, no baffles at the moment. In front of that is a 10 gallon Kalk ATO tank. Next to that is a MR5 with 250ml of EcoBaks pellets. Ive still got a few small things to add for my food reactor.
The stand is 30X30X43 outside.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/SWINGRRRR/Cube/2011-03-20182944.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/SWINGRRRR/2011-02-26092441.jpg

Sweet. How are you getting your RO water into your sump? are you using that little pump?

SWINGRRRR
04/27/2011, 12:52 PM
Sweet. How are you getting your RO water into your sump? are you using that little pump?

Yes sir. Toms Aqualifter on autotopoff.com floatswitch, the pic does not show the tubing at all. Ive used this same set-up for about 3 years on 2 different tanks. Runs like a champ.

MHG
06/28/2011, 06:49 PM
bump

mordibv
06/29/2011, 07:04 AM
Sometimes you have to make the stand a little bigger to put in equipment .
I was going the chiller route but will try fans .
A chiller in a cube stand is asking for trouble imho. Not only are you cooling your tank but ur heating the tank making the chiller work harder .
I have a 20 x 20 x 10 cube . I still want to clean some wires up .
I ran out of room and had to buy a stand to set the dosing equipment on .

This is today ..


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff4/mordibv/Nano%20Build/DSCF1382.jpg

05f150fx4
06/29/2011, 09:20 AM
Just purchased a 60g cube and the person before me built the stand 30x30 to allow for sump and equipment and used trim to cover what the tank does not. Allows for good amount of equipment under the tank.

Just make sure you measure the area where the tank is planning to go so you don't get it home and its too big..... (doh!!!)

mordibv
06/29/2011, 09:26 AM
Just purchased a 60g cube and the person before me built the stand 30x30 to allow for sump and equipment and used trim to cover what the tank does not. Allows for good amount of equipment under the tank.

Just make sure you measure the area where the tank is planning to go so you don't get it home and its too big..... (doh!!!)

Congrats . So ur the one that ended up with the cube . I saw it on BRS .

mordibv
06/29/2011, 09:29 AM
Heres under mine. Pretty simple. 15 gallon sump with SWC 150 BMK, heater, ATO switches, and return pump, no baffles at the moment. In front of that is a 10 gallon Kalk ATO tank. Next to that is a MR5 with 250ml of EcoBaks pellets. Ive still got a few small things to add for my food reactor.
The stand is 30X30X43 outside.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/SWINGRRRR/Cube/2011-03-20182944.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/SWINGRRRR/2011-02-26092441.jpg

Clean look .. I like it . I'd love to see under that canopy . I am trying to figure out how you got away with one pole . LOL

MHG
07/09/2011, 07:56 AM
bump

MHG
10/30/2011, 10:09 AM
Well as the guy who started this thread I can finally post whats under my cube. I am still installing the TLF PRB converted to a Biopellet reactor. I wonder why they did not have some sort of a disconnect on the tubing. cleaning and replenishing the pellets is gonna be a pain. I think I will add some of those disconnects that come with canister filters.

d0ughb0y
10/30/2011, 02:40 PM
very nice setup.
there is really not much space under 24"x24". you got > 30" to fit the 20long right?
at least two doors really helps. I've seen one's with 3 doors.
what size is your top off reservoir?

MHG
10/30/2011, 04:29 PM
I need to fix my autosignature... its a 20 high... But on the outside I am about 30 wide... Yes. 2 doors is the way to go...

happysak
10/30/2011, 10:33 PM
24x24x20 CadLights 50

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q220/happysak/oct2011fs.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q220/happysak/sump-1.jpg

mrsmithers
11/02/2011, 11:03 PM
Some great "under the hood" pictures. I'll cant wait to post mine once it's up and running.