60 gal Cube Build (first marine tank)

[Aqua_KRiS]

Hi R2R’ers , here’s the start of my cube build. It’s been going slowly but I’ll start now so I can at least track my progress .
60 Gallon cube - 2x2x2 - 3/8” glass

DIY 2x4 stand frame was fairly easy to assemble and got some help adding 1/2” plywood to cover .
Some hinges and doors can be attached.

Aqueon overflow kit and I’m awaiting custom overflow box made by JaxRacks via eBay.

Sump
Eshopps RS-75 sump which should arrive soon .

Skimmer ( 8” x 9.5” max footprint )
Reef Octopus 110ss or Bubble Magus Curve5
suggestions welcome please.

Return Pump ( 3.5” x 9.5 max footprint )
Undecided on pump as I’m still trying to understand gph required / head height . Stand is 4ft tall .

That’s it for now, not in a rush but really looking fwd to seeing this build turn into a successful tank !

 

[JasonK84]

Hi R2R’ers , here’s the start of my cube build. It’s been going slowly but I’ll start now so I can at least track my progress .
60 Gallon cube - 2x2x2 - 3/8” glass

DIY 2x4 stand frame was fairly easy to assemble and got some help adding 1/2” plywood to cover .
Some hinges and doors can be attached.

Aqueon overflow kit and I’m awaiting custom overflow box made by JaxRacks via eBay.

Sump
Eshopps RS-75 sump which should arrive soon .

Skimmer ( 8” x 9.5” max footprint )
Reef Octopus 110ss or Bubble Magus Curve5
suggestions welcome please.

Return Pump ( 3.5” x 9.5 max footprint )
Undecided on pump as I’m still trying to understand gph required / head height . Stand is 4ft tall .

That’s it for now, not in a rush but really looking fwd to seeing this build turn into a successful tank !

It's the start of proving to your friend that it can be done.

Nice start to the stand!

Glad you decided to go with the larger 60 gallon cube (that I suggested)! What do you think of the tank size?

 

[Aqua_KRiS]

@JasonK84 ! Yep thanks for initial suggestion on going with this size tank, and now I’m definitely a cube fan .

 

[Fudsey]

Great start ! ! !

Following along

 

[Gowyn]

Great job so far.

I have a 60 cube as well, great size.

Couple comments on the stand if I may. On mine I removed the rear panel, a lot of humidity builds up inside of it.

May sure the screws on top are well recessed and or use some sort of yoga mat between the glass of the tank and the wood.

Having three openings even narrow ones is a good idea. On mine I just have the front, not so much fun getting in there.

I’m using the Reef Octopus Regal 150sss, been very happy with it so I think either choice would be good.

On mine for return I’m full Apex so I went with the COR-15. Nice pump but I have it dialed down to about 40% with 350 gph. BRS have a recent showing on flow in tanks, might be worth watching. I like the DC pumps, quiet. Perhaps one of the Reef Octopus ones?

Anyway, have fun with it.

 

[Aqua_KRiS]

Thanks for those tips Gowyn , yep stand will have 3 doors for bit easier access . I’ll add cushion to bottom and check on screws there .
I’ll also look into the bigger 150sss ,may barely fit my RS-75 sump (8 x 9.5 footprint)
How tall is your stand ? I’m at 4ft .
For pumps only the VarioS 2 fits but I’m definitely after a DC option .

 

[Gowyn]

Thanks for those tips Gowyn , yep stand will have 3 doors for bit easier access . I’ll add cushion to bottom and check on screws there .
I’ll also look into the bigger 150sss ,may barely fit my RS-75 sump (8 x 9.5 footprint)
How tall is your stand ? I’m at 4ft .
For pumps only the VarioS 2 fits but I’m definitely after a DC option .

The stand on my 60 is the stock 30” tall. In process of moving everything over to my ne wto me 30x30x30 cube. Because of its height the stand I build for it will probably be 30”. I think 48” is a great height for the 60

Just checked, 150sss is 9x 7.5 so definitely a tight squeeze. I’m just using this one because it came with the tank and stand when I bought it. Been good though.

Not sure about your sump, I have the BashSea cube, it’s great but it’s 16” tall and with the bracing on top it’s pretty “stuffed” inside. Have to be a bit of a contortionist sometimes to get in there

 

[Aqua_KRiS]

Is it practical with increased space inside taller stands to have sumps installed closer to display tanks ? Just thinking of saving on head height with return pump . Ideally if I can get sump and chiller compartments inside of stand that’ll be bonus

 

[Gowyn]

Personally I don’t need a chiller.

Plus centre of gravity with 60 gallons of water plus 10-15 more in a sump raised off the floor may be pushing it.

Plus and I may be wrong but the chiller should be vented I would think.

It’s amazing how quickly you’re stand fills up.

 

[Aqua_KRiS]

Just an update while waiting on parts to arrive and also been working on stand .

So far my obtained parts are

Eshopps RS-75 3rd gen sump
Reef Octopus 110s space saver skimmer
Jebao 4000 DCP return pump
Tunze ATO 3155
Reef Breeders RP-M wave maker


Slowly getting there but enjoying the ride .

 

[JasonK84]

Looking good! Is there a reason you are accounting for a chiller? I haven't needed one. I keep my house temp at 72 year round and don't have issues with high temps.

 

[Aqua_KRiS]

Looking good! Is there a reason you are accounting for a chiller? I haven't needed one. I keep my house temp at 72 year round and don't have issues with high temps.

It’s optional but kinda preferred just to have it as security especially in summer.

 

[JasonK84]

I wouldn't buy a chiller unless it's determined it was needed. They are very expensive and in most cases not needed. Back in the metal halide days they would have been an asset but LED's don't produce much heat. I'd save the money unless it was necessary.

 

[Aqua_KRiS]

I wouldn't buy a chiller unless it's determined it was needed. They are very expensive and in most cases not needed. Back in the metal halide days they would have been an asset but LED's don't produce much heat. I'd save the money unless it was necessary.

Gotcha thanks , I’ll take this approach [emoji1417]

 

[Gonebad395]

Looks great can’t wait to see it later in the stages

 

[Aqua_KRiS]

Received some bits today (Some being great deals via R2R). Getting there !

 

[VB Don]

Looks great. I have the 60 cube with the same Sump and Skimmer.

 

[Aqua_KRiS]

Looks great. I have the 60 cube with the same Sump and Skimmer.

What’s in your tank and how efficient is your sump/skimmer combo ?

 

[VB Don]

I have the following stock:
Rose bubble tip small about 3" size
One cleaner shrimp
one sandshifting star fish
10 Collonista Snails
3 turbo snails
Red dragonet(added live copepods during cycle)
Diamond Goby
coral beauty
Sail fin angel
pair of Ocellaris Clownfish


The Octo 110 works ok, think my tank is still breaking in,
4" filter sock get dirty fast
think I finally twiked in the return pump speed and overflow.
I put some black pre-filter sponge media arounf the hole on the return to quiet it. (tie wrap trick didnt work)

 

[Aqua_KRiS]

Good info and nice stock list ! My next order I’ll include extra filter socks . Post a link for your tank build if you have one .