Here we go. 108G Cube Build

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 14, 2020

So it begins.

I've taken the last 5 years off of reefing due to work and a crazy ex wife that hated fish tanks. Life happens, things change, and you never know what's going to happen.

For 5 years, I've been lurking this forum trying to stay up to date on everything that's happening. 5 years of planning my ultimate tank.

3 months ago my wife (new one, loves fish) and I moved into our 4th house together. We finally got back to where we wanted to be (SoCal) and we both retired. When we were buying the house, she said, "wow, that corner would be awesome to have a cube tank. Think you could do a reef setup there?"

I about died.

So now that we are about to gut another house, we're putting a 108 gallon cube tank into that remodel.

While I may have had a 5 year break, I still have a lot of friends in the industry. With a couple of calls, I landed a 31x31x26 cube.

I'm going to be documenting the whole build. I'm going to be leaning on you for some advice because I can't do this on my own.

Who's ready?

Auquanut · Jan 14, 2020

Welcome to the family! Man you came to the right place! Keep us up to date on your progress. Congrats on the new build.

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 14, 2020

Auquanut said:
Welcome to the family! Man you came to the right place! Keep us up to date on your progress. Congrats on the new build.

Thank you so much. This is a much better place than the "site" I was at before. Seems like a fun and friendly group.

Let's get some photos going here.

This is the corner that the tank will be going in. Pardon the crude outline in electric tape, and the holes in the wall by the TV. We're about to get our shiplap on as we literally gut this space. I was originally going to go with a 36x36 cube, but we're likely going to be replacing that slider with French doors, so I need a bit more room there.

Auquanut · Jan 14, 2020

Looks like the perfect spot.

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 14, 2020

Made a few more calls and got the following on order.

Trigger Systems Sapphire CUBE Sump
Bubble Magus Curve 7 In Sump Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer w/ Bubble Plate
EcoTech Marine Vectra M2 return pump
(2X) EcoTech Marine VorTech MP40wQD
(2X) EcoTech Marine Radion XR30w G4 Pro LED Light Fixture
Trigger Systems Sapphire ATO Reservoir Tank - 5 Gallon

Next up, tank retrieval.

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 14, 2020

Tank retrieved. Stand will find a trash can on the way home.

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 15, 2020

Well, started this morning out right. Got the tank out of the truck and took a pressure washer to it. 6 months worth of dirt and old paint came flying off. Now it's time to get it re-painted and get the stand built.

Hemmdog · Jan 15, 2020

Cool build! Are you going to keep that overflow or remove the box, plug the hole, and drill the back for a ghost overflow with herbie/bean drains?

Forshurley · Jan 15, 2020

I love the shape of cubes! will be following, make sure to add lots of pictures!

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 15, 2020

Stand time.

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 15, 2020

Hemmdog said:
Cool build! Are you going to keep that overflow or remove the box, plug the hole, and drill the back for a ghost overflow with herbie/bean drains?

Keeping it as-is.

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 15, 2020

Back has been re-painted

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 15, 2020

framework is done

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 15, 2020

Got the first part of the stand done today before I had to go tend to my other hobby...

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 15, 2020

Before anyone panics, this is how the stand will be accessed. I've recessed 4 magnets to hold the panel to the stand, along with using some jointing to ensure a perfect fit. It looks like this when it's off. I still have a long way to go, but it's coming along

AlaskaReefGuy · Jan 28, 2020

Been a bit quiet on the thread lately... Had to get the kitchen mostly done (full re-wire, re-plumb, and re-drywall) then the other "hobby" needed to get gutted for a glass panel (avionics)... so we're finally back to getting the tank done.