Critique: 30 gallon Oceanic cube conversion

[Red Leader]

Hi all,

I have a spare 30 gallon Oceanic "cube" (20"L x 18"W x 21"H), a SCWD and a CAD 150W MH w/ 24W T5 lights so I thought I would start a nano. :D I thought I would give the tank a false back and partition it like this:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/RedLeader12x/30gallonOceanic.jpg


Whaddya guys think? The left chamber will have a Tunze nano skimmer and a 150W heater. The middle chamber will have an OceanRunner 1200 teed off with one output going into the tank and the other attached to a ball valve going into the right chamber. The right chamber will be a refugium with a 6-8" DSB, live rock rubble and cheato. A 13W PC light (from AH Supply) will be on top of the fuge. I'll also install a closed loop similar to Melev's that's aimed at the back of the tank:

http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

The pump for the CL will most likely be another OR 1200. Stocking, in terms of corals, will be Rics, Shrooms, Zoos and a few LPS. I want no equipment to be visible in the tank.

What are your thoughts on my plan?

[CletusKlump]

I would say keep it simple as possible. If you are going to a CL system simular to Melv then use a smaller pump on the fuge to reduce the amout of water flow in there (fuge flow). Use the largest amout of pump you can with the SCWD due to the amout of water flow that it knocks down. I have the same type CL running on my 37g cube and it is not as strong as without the SCWD. You will loose 30-40% easy. I made mine up with a SEIO 620 and the return pump (Fluval 405 canister filter). Of course water flow should be determined by the type of corals you want to keep. If you have commited to this design and really like it, then I say time will tell and keep an open mind to ideas that may help in the future. If you have only just started playing with ideas, then do some research on tanks that are already up and running. There is a guy tha builds the section to fit the Oceanics 30 and 37, he also builds custom sumps. Your design looks good, just keep an open mind and be willing to change things if they dont work as you wish. Keep us posted.

JM

[zma21]

I love the closed back idea!

[Red Leader]

Thanks Cletus! Any idea who the guy is who makes the sections for the Oceanic 30's? I can't seem to find him using the search function.

[CletusKlump]

http://acrylicsumps.com/

[racksteris]

Looks good..

[Red Leader]

Thanks Cletus! I'm getting Keith Grandt to make the compartments for me. I'll take a pix when I get the tank back.

[scottydo]

Cool, looks good.