Hurgs 80g Cube Build

[Hurgoth]

Quick background. Was active from 2003 - 2011. Had kids, priorities changed.

Been itching to get back in for a while. Always wanted a cube and originally was going for a 60, but like the width of a 90. Bought a used 80g SCA setup a couple years ago and its been in the garage. After a few false starts, finally decided now or never.

Had a custom steel stand made and powder coated. Slightly over sized and 36 tall. Nothing else is too fancy, mainly items from the setup I purchased

Stats:

80g SCA Tank
Apex Classic
2x AI Hydra 26 HD
Tunze ATO
Vertex Omega 130 Skimmer
Generic AA 3 chamber sump

I made a panel to mount all of the controllers and cables and added some led lights.

Once everything is up and running I'll make a skin for the stand. Light should up and runnig this week - waiting for the mount to arrive.

Other projects this week:

1. Add bucket refugium
2. Add ATO
3. Add water, sand and rock

I've had some rock being seeded in the garage for a few weeks.

I also have a calcium reactor though not sure aim going to hook it up.

 

[Hurgoth]

Also been tinkering with some aquascaping ideas. I got a 1" acrylic rod and glued it to a 12" sheet for stability. Still working on the result, this more for testing.

 

[I never finish anythi]

Good luck with the build. Looks good so far

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[kevgib67]

Off to a great start, following!

 

[Hurgoth]

Water in, now we wait.

Looking forward to having these cables cleaned up.

Ran the Skimmer for a few but it's overflowing. Flow is set to wide open so I think I need to raise it.

 

[Hurgoth]

Some additional progress:

Here is the a better view of the aquascape. Still going dark a few more days. Light bracket comes this weekend. I've added a jar of Tiger Pods and have been feeding some phyto.

I need to add a top that stack to cover the remaining acrylic.


I made these clips using magnets and cable ties so I can move them around as needed.

Also made a stand for the skimmer to get the level at exactly 7"

After installing I realized the ugly side of the pipe is facing forward :/

Still working on getting it dialed in.

Finally a view of the sump area as of today. I'll be adding a bucket refugium to the front left area once I find a rectangular black bucket.

 

[Hurgoth]

Light mounts came in early. Added a few things as well as.

 

[Hurgoth]

Found a 5 bucket for the refugium. Made a stand as well. Testing for stability.

Still having skimmer tuning issues. Very inconsistent. Sometimes too low. Then it overflowed this morning out of nowhere.

 

[Hurgoth]

Skimmer update.

Hopefully this is good and stays like this.

 

[Hurgoth]

Found a pic of one of my first tanks from 2007. Wish I still had that carpet and zoas.

 

[Hurgoth]

Weekend update.

Knee deep in the uglies. Believe it or not this is way better than a week ago. Water parameters are all good. Not panicking, just waiting it out. Decided not to go lights out since the kids are excited.

Current status:

Finally have some cheato in the refugium as of today. Also added a few small frags here and there as I experiment with flow and lighting.

Skimmer has been consistent.

First tankmates:

Time to work on the stand soon.