A 93gal Dream Cube, Well Worth the Wait!

[RandomReefer]

I've always been attracted to cube tanks and have hours viewing hundreds of 93gal tank builds and setups. To me, 93g dimensions seemed to offer the best bang-for-buck as far as aquascaping and future coral growth, as well as being able to stash a decent amount of equipment underneath within the stand.

Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to order my dream cube tank through a local Kansas City LFS, for a bit of store credit and a few bucks. I knew I wanted three viewing sides, so corner overflows were a NO-GO. I also wanted to go rimless because, well come on, its rimless! [emoji23]

After a recent relocation and getting settled, I sought out a stand builder and was happily surprised to learn that @jlanger has had a successful history in that field! (Bonus points for him being a hobbyist with a rock solid understanding of reef aquarium needs. ) [emoji106]

With that... Pictures.


Tank Topdown

Tank Side

 

[RandomReefer]

jLanger and I started our journey for my stand based off of my cherry wood bar's design. I thought it would be neat to copy its layout and He more than surprised me with his attention to detail and his strive to match it perfectly.

Cherry Bar:

After some conversations about dimensions and "wants", jLanger was able to sketch up this.

Tank Sketch:

 

[twilliard]

Nice! When will the stand be done?

 

[RandomReefer]

Nice! When will the stand be done?

Thanks!

It's sort of a late build thread, that I'm finally getting posted. Keep watching, it's GORGEOUS! [emoji4][emoji106]

 

[RandomReefer]

With my excitement at MAX, the build started!

From the very beginning of this project I've been very impressed with his approach and attention to my wishes. Yet, after receiving these initial build pictures I instantly became a Super Fan of jLanger's work! Just amazing workmanship and quality!

Tank Stand Skeleton (raw).

Tank Stand Skeleton (Primed/Painted).

Tank Stand Skinned (Trimmed).

Tank Stand Skinned (Inside corner).

 

[RandomReefer]

A couple of weeks later, and after some more detailed pictures from me, I was sent another set of pictures of the progress.

I couldn't believe how exact he had created the base and top trim in comparison with my bar! I couldn't stop showing this thing off to my friends, who also became instant fans of his work. (And quite jealous of me [emoji12])


Tank Stand Front.

Tank Stand Front.

Tank Stand Front/Side (That panel is one of the side access doors).

Tank Stand Side.

 

[RandomReefer]

With the recent holiday, we've had to wait for the doors to arrive. This allowed for some extra time to draw up ideas for equipment placement under the stand.

I wanted a shelf, with side access, in order to mount all the various equipment drivers, dosing pumps, and electricals.

I finally got some time to layout my equipment and make some measurements for the equipment shelf/panel.

This will be accessed from the left side of the stand. An actual shelf will separate the top equipment from the bottom and run the entire depth of the stand.

Equipment Layout.

Above shelf equipment.

Rudimentary drawing of equipment and measurements for holes for cord management.

 

[RandomReefer]

He's so quick!

I'm speechless at this man's work!! It's going to be even better in person!

Ok... PICS!!

Three sides access!

Equipment shelf installed (from the front).

All equipment will be accessed from the left side.

Back of the stand.

Now to find a sump to fit! [emoji12][emoji6]

 

[RandomReefer]

And finally, here we are today. All caught up on the build thread.

I got the stand picked up yesterday and now it's HOME! [emoji322] Some minor adjustments and the tank will be mounted.

After playing the "furniture shuffle" game, we decided to butt the tank up to the stairwell banister. That way you see the tank from almost all four sides! With this in mind... I got to painting the bottom and overflow.

Last night I got the chance to start mounting some of the "mountable" equipment. I will be looking to Santa for some Vortech/Vectra driver mounts this year. [emoji41]

The Tunze ATO will just have to settle for Velcro backing, unless I come up with a bracket..."Hey you acrylic guys!!!"

More updates to come. We should have the tank fitting complete by this Friday so we'll get to see a tank on this bad boy! Woohoo!

 

[reefwiser]

nice stand.

 

[David M.]

Following, that stand is killer. Looks like its going to be very organized down there!

 

[ksr1026]

WOW! What a stand - you're talented. I wish I could build a stand this nice - the stand is why I gave up on my "dream build"...

 

[DunkCityReefer]

I want to see where this goes! Amazing work so far

 

[revhtree]

That's amazing! Beautiful! Send him our love! HA!

 

[revhtree]

@jlanger just reread that you were the builder of this awesome stand!

 

[RandomReefer]

nice stand.

Thanks!

Following, that stand is killer. Looks like its going to be very organized down there!

Thanks! I've always been sort of a neat freak when it comes to cord management. This time though, I got to pre-plan everything to finally scratch that OCD-ish itch.

WOW! What a stand - you're talented. I wish I could build a stand this nice - the stand is why I gave up on my "dream build"...

Thanks. I wish I could make works of wood art like @jlanger , but that's why we have pros like him to do it for us!

I want to see where this goes! Amazing work so far

Thanks for following!

That's amazing! Beautiful! Send him our love! HA!

Ha! Thanks, Rev. I'm sure he'll be lurking around here shortly. @jlanger

 

[Scubafrog]

Love clean builds. Also really like how your stand interior (sump area) is clear and open with no interference from support columns and opens on the side. Looking good so far!

When I saw you mention KC I was hoping your stand builder was in the metro area but I see he is in WI. :-(

 

[shred5]

Nice stand...
One thing is test the 93 and check the seams.. allot of people have had issues with micro bubbles in the 93.. Especially if you decide to drill it.
It looks like they changed the design so maybe they finally addressed the problems.

 

[RandomReefer]

Love clean builds. Also really like how your stand interior (sump area) is clear and open with no interference from support columns and opens on the side. Looking good so far! When I saw you mention KC I was hoping your stand builder was in the metro area but I see he is in WI. :-(

Thanks! All parts of the design that were "musts" for me especially complete access to every nook and cranny!

I recently moved away from Kansas, but the tank came from Aquariums Wholesale. (Good guy, that Pat!)

Nice stand...
One thing is test the 93 and check the seams.. allot of people have had issues with micro bubbles in the 93.. Especially if you decide to drill it.
It looks like they changed the design so maybe they finally addressed the problems.

Thanks! Not sure what aquarium builder your speaking about, but water tests are always a smart idea.

This is an Aquarium Masters tank. Predrilled with a center overflow. I'm VERY impressed with my two other Aquarium Masters tanks and I'm sure this one won't displease either.

 

[shred5]

Thanks! All parts of the design that were "musts" for me especially complete access to every nook and cranny!

I recently moved away from Kansas, but the tank came from Aquariums Wholesale. (Good guy, that Pat!)



Thanks! Not sure what aquarium builder your speaking about, but water tests are always a smart idea.

This is an Aquarium Masters tank. Predrilled with a center overflow. I'm VERY impressed with my two other Aquarium Masters tanks and I'm sure this one won't displease either.

Thought it was a Marinland since they make 93 and they are the most common 93 and it looked like it said Marineland on a box or something behind it. Anyhow most of the 93 by them are defective.

Was this a custom build or off the shelf.. Allot of us who bought Marineland 93's were looking for someone else who made them with out going custom. I should have known it looks like it is made to well to be a Marineland.
Is it 30" x 30"?