My 40g rimless cube

[jcm2m9]

I have not added any new pictures of my tank in a while so I thought I would put a few up. It is a 24" x 24" x16" acrylic cube. It is light by 24" Maristar hood with a 250w Pheonix 14k and actinic t5's. My flow is provided by two modded tunze 6025's.

I jut upgraded my skimmer to an ASM G3.

I also have an attached frag tank. My total water volume is just over 110g.

Let me know what you think.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/Front.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/Right.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/Brain.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/Cap.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/Chalice.jpg

[Ocean In A Box]

Beautiful tank -

[Ocean In A Box]

Pics/specs of whole system?

[MikePowell]

NICE, ALL YOU CORALS AND FISH LOOK REALLY REALLY HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!! but seriously i like the BB tanks. did you paint the bottom to look like coraline or is that real?

[InsaneClownFish]

Beautiful in its simplicity! Scott at ASD does amazing work.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11115582#post11115582 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ocean In A Box
Beautiful tank -
Thank you very much. I am happy to finally see my system coming together.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11115589#post11115589 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ocean In A Box
Pics/specs of whole system?

I will take some more pictures later this evening.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11115619#post11115619 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MikePowell
NICE, ALL YOU CORALS AND FISH LOOK REALLY REALLY HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!! but seriously i like the BB tanks. did you paint the bottom to look like coraline or is that real?

Thank you very much!

That is all coraline. It has taken forever to get going, but it loosk really good now that it has.

[asherah]

What's ASD ? lol
asherah

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11116054#post11116054 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by asherah
What's ASD ? lol
asherah

ASD = Aquatic Systems Design


Check out their website. http://www.aquaticsystemsdesign.com/index.php

[Capt_Cully]

Is that a millie top center? i've got one like that in my tank. It's encrusting surface is HUGE, but it's only extenting short little arms in one or two spots. Should be awesome when it finally takes off! (yours I mean).

Great job!

[jcm2m9]

When I purchased the frag from a fellow reefer it was sold to me as a red/pink acropora hyacinthus. Over the last year all it has done is encrust. I am hoping it finally takes off soon!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11116210#post11116210 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Capt_Cully
Is that a millie top center? i've got one like that in my tank. It's encrusting surface is HUGE, but it's only extenting short little arms in one or two spots. Should be awesome when it finally takes off! (yours I mean).

Great job!

[121a]

now that is how a BB thank should look! great tank

[InsaneClownFish]

How often do you have to siphon detritus in your system?

[jcm2m9]

I siphon every few weeks. It all collects on one spot. You can see it in the second pic behind the mushrooms.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11115589#post11115589 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ocean In A Box
Pics/specs of whole system?

Here are the specs of my equipment.

Tank - Arcylic built by ASD - 24" x 24" x 16" with external overflow
Drilled for closed loop, but I am currently not using
Sump - 40g with liverock
Lighting - 250w Phoenix 14k - (2) UVL SuperActinics
Return Pump - Mag 9.5
Flow - (2) Modded 6025's ~1100 gph each
Calcium - ASD Nano Calcium Reactor
Kalk - Drip out of a 5g bucket
Skimmer - ASM G3
Controller - AC JR.

I do 20g water changes every other week. I do not add any supplements to the tank besides calcium and alkalinity. I try to make every thing up through water changes.

Here are a few more pictures of my setup.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/DSC_0002.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/DSC_0018.jpg

[InsaneClownFish]

I love the setup. I'm wondering about your water change schedule. What's the total water volume in your system? 20g seems like an excessive amount for that tank. However, if your total volume is 109g it does seem alot more reasonable.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11124892#post11124892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by InsaneClownFish
I love the setup. I'm wondering about your water change schedule. What's the total water volume in your system? 20g seems like an excessive amount for that tank. However, if your total volume is 109g it does seem alot more reasonable.

I do about 20%. My cube holds 40g, sump is around 35 g and my frag tank is 20g. It might be a little excessive, but sometimes I go more then 2 weeks. ;)

[InsaneClownFish]

James, very nice. How's that ASM skimmer working for you? I was looking into these when I found such a phenomenal deal on a custom Euroreef CS-6 from a fellow reefer.

[Ocean In A Box]

Thanks for the pics...nice looking tank!!

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11125270#post11125270 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by InsaneClownFish
James, very nice. How's that ASM skimmer working for you? I was looking into these when I found such a phenomenal deal on a custom Euroreef CS-6 from a fellow reefer.

So far I love it and got a heck of a deal on it...$180 shipped to my door from a fellow RC member. I have only had it for about a week. It is a little loud for my room, but I can deal with that for the next 6 months while I look for my own house.

I bought an oversized skimmer becasue I would like to set up a 120 or 180 when I buy a house.

Once again, thanks for the compliments.

[danimal1211]

I'm actually in the planning stages for a cube with these dimmensions. I didn't know they could do a rimless acrylic tank like this , what thickness is the acrylic. I was also wondering if you wouldn't mind saying how much it was to be built.

[InsaneClownFish]

danimal1211:
Check out pages 4 and 5 of my build thread for pictures in progress of my 16g 3/4" cell cast acrylic, with mirror polished edges, 20x20x12 shallow cube from Scott at ASD. PM for cost:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1230920&perpage=25&pagenumber=4

[Timanator]

How much was that tank, it looks great!

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11132422#post11132422 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by danimal1211
I'm actually in the planning stages for a cube with these dimmensions. I didn't know they could do a rimless acrylic tank like this , what thickness is the acrylic. I was also wondering if you wouldn't mind saying how much it was to be built.

The sides of the cube are 3/4" acrylic and the bottom is 1/2".

I do not really want to say what I payed, but if you email scott at the website I posted above he will be more then happy to get a quote together for you. I believe he is out on vacation until Thursday, but he will get back to you as soon as possible.

[danimal1211]

thanks love the tanks

[cerreta]

James, how did you modify the Tunze 6025s? Mine may need a bit more power output.
Cheers

[InsaneClownFish]

I still can't get over the color on that orange cap!

How many lbs. of LR do you have in there?

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11136918#post11136918 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cerreta
James, how did you modify the Tunze 6025s? Mine may need a bit more power output.
Cheers

There is a high flow and a wide flow mod. I have done both to mine.

In order to do the wide flow you just trim down the length of the output tube on the Nanostream.

In order to do the highflow mod you trim back some of the shroud on the inside of the nanostream. There is a thread in the DIY section on how to do it. I will see if I can find it.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11146965#post11146965 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by InsaneClownFish
I still can't get over the color on that orange cap!

How many lbs. of LR do you have in there?

I love my orange cap. It does have some amazing color. I am working on some more pictures now. I played around with my new camera some more today. I am getting much bigger with it.

I will post some more pictures in a few min.

I only have around 25-30 lbs of rock in the display, but the sump has 30-40 lbs more.

Should I post my tank for nTOTM?

[jcm2m9]

Here are the latest pictures.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/FTS.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/RPE.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/Hammer.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/Clam.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/Chalice-1.jpg

Finally, my favorite picture I have taken yet.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y204/jcm2m9/TOTM/Chromis.jpg

[bigtyguyy]

that red brain is awesome looking! keep up the good work!

[cerreta]

James, any luck on finding that thread? I tried searching for it with no avail.
Cheers

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11161653#post11161653 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cerreta
James, any luck on finding that thread? I tried searching for it with no avail.
Cheers

Here you go. Take a look at this thread.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1025361&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[InsaneClownFish]

James, that's what I went for- about 7-10lbs. in my 16g. You should definately submit if for nTOTM, except I'm not sure if they still have the 40g total water volume stipulation.

Awesome pics! The last couple could be a little sharper, but the color is amazing! Keep playing with that camera they're looking sharp. What's your Crocea sitting on?

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11163469#post11163469 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by InsaneClownFish
James, that's what I went for- about 7-10lbs. in my 16g. You should definately submit if for nTOTM, except I'm not sure if they still have the 40g total water volume stipulation.

Awesome pics! The last couple could be a little sharper, but the color is amazing! Keep playing with that camera they're looking sharp. What's your Crocea sitting on?

Thanks for the compliments. The frogspawn and the chalice need to be a little sharper. I really like how the chromis picture came out. The chromis is in focus while the background is not.

As for the nTOTM here is the the only stipulation that I saw.

"* The display volume can not exceed 40 gallons, so picos may enter. "

My display volume is 40g so I should be good.

I received the crocea from ORA. I believe it is kind of a frag plug for clams.

[InsaneClownFish]

Are you going to move it into the rockwork eventually?

This last time around they said 40g for display- but before that I remember them saying something about the entire volume. I'll have to take a look.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11164183#post11164183 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by InsaneClownFish
Are you going to move it into the rockwork eventually?

This last time around they said 40g for display- but before that I remember them saying something about the entire volume. I'll have to take a look.

I have never been able to find a good spot for it. I have tried placing it in different places, but it seems to do best if I place it on the bottom and surround it with zoos and such.

[cerreta]

Never heard of NTOTM, where do you go to view previous tanks? Is this an RC thing?

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11167556#post11167556 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cerreta
Never heard of NTOTM, where do you go to view previous tanks? Is this an RC thing?

The current nTOTM is stickied at the top of this forum, you can also read the rules up there also.

[mbunakeith]

i have been tinkering with the idea of a tank nearly identical to yours and i have a couple questions for you about it. by the way, tank looks great. i have never had an acrylic tank and the idea of scratching it is my biggest dilemna. how do you keep yours clean and not scratch it? what tools do you use to keep the algae and coralline off of the display panels?

[InsaneClownFish]

Believe it or not, a credit card works best, and this is what Scott at ASD actually recommends.

[mbunakeith]

i have used credit cards before, but not on acrylic. is there a magnetic/floating scraper that works too? i dont like the idea of having to put my hand in the tank everytime i want to clean the panels. i guess you could rig a credit card on a rod of some sort.
that brings me to another question...how often do you have to scrape your panels on that tank? i had to scrape my glass every couple days or more when i had a 20g nano.

[uhuru]

mighty magnets work very well but they are pricey

[InsaneClownFish]

I used to be big on not putting my hands in the tank. Now I throw my whole hand in and wipe of the sides with it on my acrylic tank. Soft skin on hard acrylic..;)

I would just make sure your hands are clean, and free of soap and oils.

But if you prefer there are other options as uhuru has stated. I believe Kent makes a scraper with a long arm specifically for acrylic that zero edge uses on their tanks.

[chriis716]

Love the tank and everything inside. Keep up the good work.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11174570#post11174570 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mbunakeith
i have been tinkering with the idea of a tank nearly identical to yours and i have a couple questions for you about it. by the way, tank looks great. i have never had an acrylic tank and the idea of scratching it is my biggest dilemna. how do you keep yours clean and not scratch it? what tools do you use to keep the algae and coralline off of the display panels?

I have conversed with the nTOTM gods and it has been confirmed that my tank meets the contest requirements! WOOT!

Now, back to the subject at hand. I have tried various cleaning devices but have found that an old credit card works best. Also, this is what Scott at ASD recommended to me when I purchased the tank. Also, sometimes I just run my hand along the inside surfaces of the tank to clean off the algae and use the credit card for more stubborn algae such as corraline.

I am glad I went BB in this tank. I believe that is one of the reasons I have very very few scratches in the acrylic.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11176265#post11176265 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by InsaneClownFish
I used to be big on not putting my hands in the tank. Now I throw my whole hand in and wipe of the sides with it on my acrylic tank. Soft skin on hard acrylic..;)

I would just make sure your hands are clean, and free of soap and oils.

But if you prefer there are other options as uhuru has stated. I believe Kent makes a scraper with a long arm specifically for acrylic that zero edge uses on their tanks.

I have a Kent scraper and absolutely hate it. I refuse to use it anymore. Several of the scratches I have in my tank I swear were caused by that scraper. I only use it to clean my glass frag tank.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11176604#post11176604 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chriis716
Love the tank and everything inside. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the compliment!

[cerreta]

I will never own another arylic tank period!

I am bothered by scratches and no matter how careful you are, they will happen. I was diligent and still got scratches.

Most people are not as disturbed as I, so just something to consider.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11164183#post11164183 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by InsaneClownFish
Are you going to move it into the rockwork eventually?

This last time around they said 40g for display- but before that I remember them saying something about the entire volume. I'll have to take a look.

This is really weird, the clam has never moved off the little frag disk that ORA puts them on UNTIL last night. I have had the clam for over 6 months and it does not move until you say something. LOL

[mbunakeith]

thanks for the info and good luck with the tank. i am actually making my mind up to go with glass after all. i am crazy too and cant deal with the scratches. i want it to look perfect. i found someone that can get me a glass cube (or near cube) for less than the basic acrylic would cost to build my own.
as for going bare bottom...i think it still looks a little bare, but if it helps keep the tank healthier and cleaner, then its worth it. i cant do bare bottom. i think with this next tank, i am going to lay a layer of silicone on the bottom and glue in some sort of substrate and keep the sand in the dsb. i glued in gravel on my discus tank and it was awesome. it looked really good and was a breeze to clean. the detritus would collect in the corners and all i had to do was siphon it up once a week when i did my water changes. worked out great. i think something like that would be great for a SW tank too. it would give the benefit of bare bottom without the bare bottom look. just my opinion.

[cerreta]

Kieth, have you investigated spraying black foam on the bottom? I was also thinking of going this route. I have used foam for creating contours on the back glass, it especially after corraline starts to grow on it.

Drs Foster Smith sells it. It's called Handi-Foam
Cheers

[mbunakeith]

my only issue with spraying foam on the bottom is keeping it there. that stuff floats. i mean it really, really wants to float. i am not shure how well you can secure it to the bottom of the tank. i guess you could glue little braces down every few inches and have the foam form around them. that may hold it down..but for how long?
cerreta, have you had any issues with your foam delaminating at all?

[InsaneClownFish]

:lolspin: I swear I'm not using my Jedi mind trick on your clam! Figures though..;)

Definately nTOTM here.

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11185761#post11185761 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by InsaneClownFish
:lolspin: I swear I'm not using my Jedi mind trick on your clam! Figures though..;)

Definately nTOTM here.

I am going to try to get a few different pictures this weekend and then put them up for nTOTM.

When I got home from school last night I tried placing my clam up in the rock work. Well, when I got up this morning the clam had jumped. LOL. I guess he preferred it on the bottom of the tank. I will see where he has moved to this evening.

Thanks!

[cerreta]

Kieth, I never had a problem with it coming off the glass until I drained the tank and wanted to remove it. I thought it would be a huge chore to scrape off. It came off very easily in one solid sheet minus a few stuck on pieces.

I have heard of others complaining of the same issue. I think if you were to vacuum the foam bottom, it would eventually release, so probably not the best idea, although texturing the bottom may be the answer.

[mbunakeith]

cool...i will do some more investigation into the foam

[InsaneClownFish]

I had a similar experience with with my baby crocea today. I was on the phone with a fellow reefer telling him how I think it had put its foot down because it has been in the same spot and kinda angled on the rockwork for a couple days- no rocking at all.

I hang up the phone and grab the camera..as soon as I point the camera at the clam it starts dancing! LOL

[Ocean In A Box]

Cleaning tanks....I highly recommend these!

http://www.nimblenano.com/prices.htm

Nice tank, btw!

- Matt

[jcm2m9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11197234#post11197234 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ocean In A Box
Cleaning tanks....I highly recommend these!

http://www.nimblenano.com/prices.htm

Nice tank, btw!

- Matt

Thanks for the compliments!

I do not think that will work on the 3/4" walls of my cube.

James

[InsaneClownFish]

For those of you who don't realize how thick 3/4" acrylic is, here are my baby clowns:
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd280/insaneclownfish13/100_1091.jpg

[Ocean In A Box]

The ones with the extra mags inside will go thru 3/4 I believe. I have very thick glass (not 3/4) on my Oceanic and it works slick. Good luck no matter what -

[skenny]

i love this tank i am starting one up this size next year
have u got any updates on this tank

and have you got any pictures of your sump,equipment and overflow set up
cheers shane

[gkimble]

Hey GREAT TANK I LOVE IT. Ok I have a lot of questions so sorry in advance. I am about to set up a 40 gallon rimmless tank 36"X18"X13"tall. With a octapus NW 80 and a 75 gallon rated sump. Plenty of flow. And I have an aqua medic 250 watt metal halide pendent. Tank will be topless. I like to be able to look down into a tank as well. Ok here are my questions.
1. Would you recomend doind a bare bottom tank? I have heard bad and good about it. Does it really make a big differnce?
2. How many bubles a second do you have your calcium reator set at?
3. Would you recomend a differnt reactor?
4. Before you had the reactor how many times a day or week did you have to put calcium back into your water?
5. Any heat issues.

Thanks again love your tank
Garrett