Solana to 93 Cube

nova65ss · Jul 13, 2013

So I am finally upgrading my Solana and picked up a Marineland 93 cube from a friend that was selling his over the fourth of July weekend. Here is my Solana

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94582

The stand was built custom by the previous owner and stained but we ended up painting it black. Here is a list of the equipment

ATI 8 bulb Sunpower T5
ASM G2 Skimmer
Trigger Systems Ruby Elite Sump

Everything else will be moved over from my Solana

Apex lite
ATI.com topoff
Bubble Magus Doser
2 MP10s for now until I decide on some new powerheads

Some pics of where we are hoping to do the plumbing tomorrow. I had to remove the side panel of the stand to get the sump in and messed up a piece of the trim that is why it is missing. There is enough room in front of the sump to get a 10 gallon tank to use for topoff water although I will probably only use a 5 gallon. I put the sump in backwards with the fuge in the front I am hoping to maybe use the fuge as a frag tank we will see. Excuse the mess took the pic just after finishing up today!

Telefonica007 · Jul 14, 2013

That's sharp!! I'm starting my cube setup soon . ( fingers crossed)

nova65ss · Jul 14, 2013

Thank you!

So I was just under the stand trying to plan my plumbing. This sump has two filter socks and I really don't plan to use them but wonder what your thoughts are on taking the time to plumb the return into both spots? Would it be quieter if I tee and dump into two or the same if I just did the one? Keep in mind I will run a tee on the overflow line to dump into the fuge this line will also have a valve to control how much water enters the fuge (see pic 2)

What about a valve on the overflow line? Do I need a valve? How do you check to know if when the power goes out the sump has enough room to hold the water that drains when the return pump cutoff?

Its been two years since I had a sump and forgot everything about when I plumbed it

thanks!

Telefonica007 · Jul 14, 2013

I have valves on in & return so I can adjust flow on either one. Its a trial and error to see if sump holds the right amount of water if power goes out. I had a PVC overflow setup which is a little different than a drilled tank.

nova65ss · Jul 14, 2013

Thanks so what do you think of my plumbing so far? Anything I need to fix?

I ran out of fittings and need another valve. I will be adding a valve to the end of that pipe on the drain side.

nova65ss · Jul 27, 2013

Getting closer sand is in and almost cleared up! I used 40 lbs of Caribsea Reef Sand the course and 20 lbs of the Fiji Pink. I am considering adding another 20 of the course right now I am at about 1" deep not sure that is enough for the wrasse I have and the others I want to add? I only hesitate because right now the sand is even with trim around the bottom any higher and I will need to deal with cleaning between the glass and sand which I really don't want to do.

Now to plan the transfer....

Still up in the air on adding the new rocks letting it cycle then moving everything from the Solana over. Or???? Would love any suggestions on that!

nova65ss · Jul 27, 2013

Some more got my stupid finger in the pic

kacrocorals581 · Jul 27, 2013

Never been a fan of cubes untell I saw your 34 and now I won't one! Are you keeping the 34? I'm ready to see this new tank set up

Telefonica007 · Jul 27, 2013

Looking good so far!!!! Keep us updated.

underwaterfirefighter · Jul 27, 2013

Very nice looking set up! Really liking the size of the tank.

nova65ss · Jul 27, 2013

Thanks everyone! The Solana is coming down and everything will be transferred over.

nova65ss · Aug 4, 2013

After exactly a week I am getting some brown diatoms on the three new rocks in a few places.

The zoa I put in there last week is doing fine as well

I turned the skimmer on yesterday too really easy to adjust hope it stays that way! It is already pulling brown stuff out if the water this morning.

I also picked up a wp25 was going to get two but glad I didn't. It is blowing the sand in the front of the tank on the lowest setting. I moved it down a bit and pointed it up and it is just barely blowing now. It is really nice and quiet and really moves some water wish the speed was more adjustable though. Right now I am using it on w1 s2.

I am going to use my MP10s also I think the flow is a lot wider with them and I can dial them in a little better.

Telefonica007 · Aug 4, 2013

I know what u mean, I got the larger powerhead and its way to strong in my 90.

nova65ss · Aug 10, 2013

Trying to do a little at a time not making the transfer until after Macna at least that's the plan anyway....we will see? A friend gave me some chromis to add it is nice to at least see something going on in the tank. First night one jumped into the overflow area so I made a cover out if some plexiglass I had laying around. Not sure if that is a good thing or not? Guess it depends on whether they can get themselves back off and into the water....really didn't think that through until I was done???

Painted