Finally set up my SCA 50 cube!

[jwenzel]

So I did it! After loads of research I set up the tank.

I got:

1. Apex pro
2. Wav
3. 5 gallon res with ATO from Neptune and low level sensor.
4. Triton tester
5. Kissel 360x with wireless dongle (currently acclimating)
6. Carbon mini reactor (off because tank is so new.
7. Skimmer is also off due to new tank
8. For plumbing I put in a check valve on the return, and valve on main intake.

First cycle is done, and added two clowns.

Question to the community, what am I missing?

 

[LiLinka]

You can add a DOS system compatible with the apex. Again it’s totally up to you. The dosing pump allows you to keep more stable parameters and takes away the labor in manually dosing every day. They go for around $330 on BRS. You could also do a Red Sea dosing pump with 2 heads which is essentially the same as the apex DOS system but the apex one allows you to connect and control it directly from the apex app. If you ever have the intention of upgrading you can also purchase a trident to test your water automatically and then you can set it up where the trident will tell the doser to dose automatically, although I do have mixed reviews on the accuracy on the trident if not calibrated regularly. Just my thoughts.

 

[jwenzel]

I do have the triton, it’s factory calibrated, I am thinking of the Dos I would like to do water changes and auto dose, would that be 2 of them or can I reuse one ?

 

[LiLinka]

One DOS pump comes with 2 pumps capable of dosing 2 liquids (Alk,Cal,Mag,nitrate, etc) the DOS is just for dosing not water changes. Even thought the trident comes factory calibrated it is advised to calibrate every so often. Or whenever the reagents run out or else the levels get thrown off. I’ve had a trident testing 10 alk and later manually tested it to be only 8.9 apex also has an ATO system which I do not personally like. I personally like the tunze osmolater.

 

[jwenzel]

I do have the ATO from Neptune, it’s all new and working as expected. I did like how it has 2 sensors and a mechanical float to keep from overflowing the sump. I also have the liquid level sensor shutting off power to the pump if things are crazy.

For water changes I plan on using 2 20 gallon tubs, it’s not like the tank is near any constant source. So setting up something where I put the tubing in and hit a button is preferable.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

So I did it! After loads of research I set up the tank.

I got:

1. Apex pro
2. Wav
3. 5 gallon res with ATO from Neptune and low level sensor.
4. Triton tester
5. Kissel 360x with wireless dongle (currently acclimating)
6. Carbon mini reactor (off because tank is so new.
7. Skimmer is also off due to new tank
8. For plumbing I put in a check valve on the return, and valve on main intake.

First cycle is done, and added two clowns.

Question to the community, what am I missing?

View attachment 3082164 View attachment 3082165 View attachment 3082166 View attachment 3082167 View attachment 3082168

I like the stand the tank is on!!

 

[jwenzel]

I like the stand the tank is on!!

This was the upgraded stand from SCA. Its made of solid wood, can you imagine that?

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

Looks great and I like the way you did the sump. I have a concern though, did you cycle the system before you put those clowns in?

Thanks for posting, cubes were my first love, lol.

 

[Mrtakeoff53]

I had that same take for years! Brings back memories for sure! Have fun with it! Here is what my tank turned into in 2.5 years.

 

[jwenzel]

Looks great and I like the way you did the sump. I have a concern though, did you cycle the system before you put those clowns in?

Thanks for posting, cubes were my first love, lol.

I did, I used Dr Tim's, as well as rock from another tank, and live sand. I then got one of those Seachem Ammonia Alert monitors and watched the cycle. Pretty much took 2 weeks. I am acclimating my lights, did not turn them all all cycle so no algae yet really.

 

[jwenzel]

I had that same take for years! Brings back memories for sure! Have fun with it! Here is what my tank turned into in 2.5 years. View attachment 3084756View attachment 3084757

Wow! I hope to achieve something half as good.

 

[jwenzel]

Makes you wonder who is looking at who

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

Makes you wonder who is looking at who

I love the layout of that sump. It is payed out perfectly for equipment and media/rock. You have a great start there, keep us updated.

 

[jwenzel]

I love the layout of that sump. It is payed out perfectly for equipment and media/rock. You have a great start there, keep us updated.

Thanks. Normally I would not put a heater in the same chamber as the return pump. But I have the apex ready to turn it off if the water gets too low.

 

[jwenzel]

Updates, added more fish and corals. I have found that I am a full reef nerd now.

 

[jwenzel]

I realize there is a tang, I have a 150g lagoon planned. (I am an addict)

 

[RedoubtReef]

looks good!