my 30G cube log

[zahner]

Hi all
Since I have finally made some tangible progress on setting this up, here is my 30G cube log! A lot of details have not been finalized as I have been trying to pick up some of the larger components gradually and used where possible in order to save a little $$$. Here are specs as they stand now:

Tank/Stand: Oceanic 30 gallon cube on Oceanic stand
Bottom: bare w/ .50" black Starboard
Hood: will be a DIY project
Sump: 17.5"x15"x16" acrylic from Glasscages
Lighting: 1 x 250W XM 10K on an IceCap ballast
actinic supplementation tba
Skimmer: ASM G1x with gate valve mod
Drain: 1.25" durso into 1" bulkhead
Return: 2 x .75" w/ locline
Return pump: Eheim 1260

 

[zahner]

Tonight's project was drilling the tank. I opted for the dremel method since I don't have convenient access to a handheld drill and it gave me a good reason to buy a dremel. Practiced on some scrap glass a couple of times and then the real thing.

Made a well for cooling water with a plastic cup and some duct tape. This is a pretty crappy method and it leaked a lot, I would use clay or putty if I had to do it again.

Tools of the trade, note eye AND ear protection. It is really loud

 

[zahner]

About 1/4 of the way through, using the spherical bit

Completely through the glass halfway around the plug, after switching to the cylindrical bit

 

[zahner]

We have a hole, no cracks. Whew

The real test; bulkhead fits perfectly.

 

[zahner]

Everything fits

Full view

Next project is trimming down the standpipe's height and siliconing the overflow box in place. That is all for now

 

[jenniebutterfly]

wow, very nice hole. most of the time they are fairly jagged. looks like you are off to a good start and i can't wait to see the finished product/

 

[cali_reef]

Looking good so far!!

You sure you want a 250W over a cube this size? You should also do a search on RC for SCWD flow and reliability issues. I tried one and it stop working after 6 months.

 

[zahner]

thanks guys! you don't want to see the first hole I made... I found that tracing the outline on both sides of the glass made it easier to keep the hole circular.

cali- I am a little concerned about the heat from a 250. I picked 250 mainly to ensure good penetration since the tank is deep. I'll have to run it with the lights and see where the temp peaks. Ultimately I would like to keep SPS. You had had 150 over your cube right? Re the SCWD, I did notice that some people had problems, seems like hit or miss. I am going to plumb it in such that I can replace it if need be. Unfortunately, it seems like the cheapest way to get varied, turbulent (even if reduced) flow. I am resigned to having at least one PH in the tank. When it failed on you did it just stick on one output?

 

[cali_reef]

I had a 20,000K 150W radium on my old cube, it was a bit dim. a 14K phenix 150W DE would be great and you won't need to supplement it with actinics.

How much is a SCWD now days? you should be able to find a used 1/2 or 3/4 Seaswirl on RC for about $100, you will be much happier. The scwd uses water pressure to drive a internal valve, this thing uses up a lot of pressure and reduces the flow. Mine stuck to one side and it was putting out less than 1/2 of the original flow without the scwd.

 

[zahner]

cool, thanks for the seaswirl tip. i picked up an unused SCWD from a guy here, just $20. it should last until i can save cash.

 

[zahner]

today's project was siliconing the overflow box into the tank.

ran a bead of silicone along each edge of the box, then a bead on the inside and outside of the box.

box and tank are masked off to give a clean edge. ended up putting in a smaller bead of silicone than I thought, so this only helped in a few spots.

box clamped into place, silicone smoothed out.

t-minus 48 hours until leak test...

 

[Sean]

nice job

did you make the overflow box?

 

[zahner]

thanks Sean
I got the box from Christian at wetdryfilter.com. He did a nice job on it, though if I had to do it again, I think I would want a few more teeth.

 

[cali_reef]

thanks Sean
I got the box from Christian at wetdryfilter.com. He did a nice job on it, though if I had to do it again, I think I would want a few more teeth.

Or a little larger teeth\slots .

 

[zahner]

Or a little larger teeth\slots .

heheh true! so I have been rethinking the SCWD and I think I am going to take your advice and get a SeaSwirl now rather than redo the plumbing down the road.

 

[jackson6745]

The SCWDS need vinegar baths every few months to work properly. I used to have 2 scwds so I can just change them out while I clean the other one.
Zahner can't wait to see the progress you make with this tank

 

[spykes]

i have a scwd on my tank to, i have two of them like rich changing them in and out and doing winger baths, cutting down half your flow, but you get the random changing thing, i think it's not bad at all.

 

[zahner]

hmmmm, to SCWD or not to SCWD..... so it seems with some maintenance, they will function ok, as long as i didn't get a dud unit. how long do you need to soak them in vinegar? what pumps are you guys using with the SCWD?

 

[Deanos]

I have a mag 7 on my SCWD in my 65g. I've never soaked it, but it's only been a few months. Maybe I should look into that.

 

[jackson6745]

hmmmm, to SCWD or not to SCWD..... so it seems with some maintenance, they will function ok, as long as i didn't get a dud unit. how long do you need to soak them in vinegar? what pumps are you guys using with the SCWD?

I used one with a mag 9.5 but I know guys who used them with 1100GPH pressure pumps. Just make sure you will have enough flow in the tank because IME the SCWD cuts a non pressure pump down by almost 40%