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Post by scoobnoob on Nov 4, 2013 19:06:45 GMT -5
Okay so I pulled the trigger I'm tired of making 2-3 frags at a time and having no grow out space. This thread will feature my build of a Rubbermaid brute tote into an all out over the top frag tank. I've been piecing together my 154 gallon build and had enough awesome stuff just sitting idle. I decided to get a jump on things.
Tank: 28 gallon Rubbermaid brute square tote.
Lighting 1 kessil a150w 10000k , 1 a150w 20000k
The flow: 1 vortech mp10
The brains: Apex Jr.
The filtration: coralife 65 superskimmer HOB style, 1 gallon bio ceramic media, 3 inch sand bed.
The corals. Primarily my sps. I have my tank at my office and I love being able to look up at it from my desk all day, but it'd be much easier to take care of if it were a softy system and that is now its goal. Ill also be able to get a nem again fory clownfish.
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Post by scoobnoob on Nov 4, 2013 23:13:36 GMT -5
Its wet salt is mixing!!!
Played around with my apex and despite all the reviews I read about it being a PITA to setup I found it to be pretty easy....it probably helps I bought it used and just had to modify a few settings. Wonder how long the cycle is going to take.......
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Post by gotareef on Nov 5, 2013 8:34:14 GMT -5
sounds great! only problem is with totes they dont hold there shape long, they bow and stretch. with a vortec in there I think the wave motion could cause even more stress on the tote....
I had a tote for a sump on a 125 years ago it lasted about a year and a half before it got a stress crack and it was only 1/2 full
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Post by Lance on Nov 5, 2013 8:39:08 GMT -5
I was using a large tote as a sump. I doubled up to reinforce it for the reason Rob gives. Also for better insulation.
Another option is a 2x4 frame or even duct tape...
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Post by jasonandsarah on Nov 5, 2013 10:03:21 GMT -5
They have some that are built for water long term don't they? I've seen systems with very large totes like this.ones that are made for like horse trofts?
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Post by gotareef on Nov 5, 2013 10:12:56 GMT -5
They have some that are built for water long term don't they? I've seen systems with very large totes like this.ones that are made for like horse trofts? they are 1/4" thick poly.... |
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Post by scoobnoob on Nov 9, 2013 8:58:53 GMT -5
So here it is.  The material isn't flexing, it's the same as the rubbermaide brute trash cans I use for my RO water, I will keep an eye out for any creases and cracks. I'm hoping this will be more of a jumpstart to getting the corals I want for my dual 40 build and being able to grow stuff out. My goal is to run it no more than 10 months. I started it 11/4 and the water is already crystal clear. I'm dropping in some pellets and Microbacter 7 daily to get the cycle going, hoping to test cycled and put some hardy softies in it the first week of December. |
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Post by Lance on Nov 9, 2013 12:24:18 GMT -5
Sweet!
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Post by ReefJunkie on Nov 9, 2013 14:21:02 GMT -5
Looks pretty cool
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Post by jmerr86 on Nov 9, 2013 20:35:11 GMT -5
I'm a year and a half into my rubber made sump/fuge and no cracks yet but its defanetley swelling that's why I'm moving to a glass one
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Post by Cowdogz on Nov 9, 2013 21:04:42 GMT -5
Very cool. One of the advantages with that is you don't lose any light out the sides.
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Post by scoobnoob on Nov 21, 2013 19:38:08 GMT -5
19 days in
.12 ammonia
.1 nitrate
0 nitrite
Been dosing 5 ml of microbacter7 only 1 5 gallon water change skimmer is pulling and all the brown film algae has disappeared.... hopefully 1-2 weeks and it'll be cycled.
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Post by scoobnoob on Jan 6, 2014 20:40:47 GMT -5
Well I started stocking it mid December with some zoas from my cube I have had some LPs and easier spa frags in it all seem to be doing well. Some of my zoas have just exploded in it. Recently I've been struggling with microbubbles from my skimmer and made a media basket/bubble trap out of a spaghetti Tupperware container from mardens the stock bubble trap fits right in I drilled holes in the bottom and added a PVC/eggcrate shelf so I can run carbon best $3 I've spent reefing thus far. Hopefully I'll add pics of livestock soon.
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Post by scoobnoob on Apr 7, 2014 8:42:00 GMT -5
The setup is still going strong. I need some pics up soon. I have an electrician coming over later today to get the office ready for my dual 40 build so look for updates on that one soon
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