Advise for my 45gal cube build

alvistide · 06/10/2010, 12:28 AM

I've recently relocated to chicago and I already miss my 75 gal. reef back at home. Since I'm in an apartment for the time being, I thought I would go smaller while still allowing for a nice reef build (so I can move it later).

Thus far, I've got a custom rimless 45 (24x24x18) and a slightly oversized stand (tall and wide). Ideally, I aim to put a refugium on the second level and a sump on the base level of the stand. I figure that this will give me optimal volume and opportunity for a solid reef tank. That being said, I haven't picked anything but the tanks and stands. I've budgeted $3.5k for the remaining needs.

My goal is to have a mixed reef slightly favoring SPS.

Question 1: Skimmer
I've been leaning towards the SWC cone skimmer. Mixed reviews but favoring positive. Small footprint would be ideal for this build. Thoughts?

Question 2: Lighting
I'd love to go LED, but who makes a fixture that could really drive SPS growth and give a solid halide like appearance? I'm ok going with a radium based set up, but I'd really like to step up to LED. Any ideas?

Question 3: Water movement
I would love to go with the vorech's (mp10), they look amazing; however, I hear they aren't worth the price. I've had excellent experience with tunze so I could easily go that way, but with limited space vortech would be ideal.

Any advise or suggestions would be very welcome!

Johnny C · 06/10/2010, 12:56 AM

The 45G dimensions are great, and the fact that it's rimless is even better! The SWC 160 would work well, especially with a larger sump and refugium. I really like the idea behind LED lighting, but I have yet to see an LED tank that is SPS-Dominant and thriving, as well as holding the same colors that T5's & MH's do. Are you against T5's? If not, an ATI Powermodule would look awesome over that tank and give you the light you need (and then some). Whoever told you that MP10's aren't worth the price probably hasn't used one. I never understood the craze until I purchased one myself, and now I will never go back.

Hope my rant helps. Keep us posted with pictures and enjoy Chi-Town!

alvistide · 06/10/2010, 01:04 AM

thanks for the advice!
I'm pretty set on the mp10, just sounds so amazing. I'm really not opposed to T5's (I use them on my 75 with very positive results). Aside from the fundamentals (PAR and "pop"), I'm really looking for a fixture that compliments the sleek rimless look. I'll definitely check out the ATI. Also, I'm assuming that the SWC 160 would be sufficient to handle a fairly heavy bio load?

I'm a slow mover, but I'll post pic when everything gets moving along!

bk_market · 06/10/2010, 02:18 AM

I'm setting up a same size tank and I'm also looking into vortech but I'm thinking mp40 instead of mp10. Also how many vortech are u planning to get?

67Duster · 06/10/2010, 07:56 AM

I would consider the MP20.

alvistide · 06/10/2010, 12:37 PM

In reading the reviews I've found online, it sounds like the MP10 is a bit more bang for the buck compared with the mp 20. I'd likely be going with two (with neither on max power) to ensure good complete tank movement.

RokleM · 06/11/2010, 06:54 AM

1) SWC's seem to have a pretty good reputation right now. I have a MSX version (not cone), and it does ok on my live rock cooking tank.

2) DIY LED is a cool way to go, but I'm still on the fence in terms of reliability. Many are looking at 5-10 years for the replacement and cost recovery options, but we're no where near that stage yet to determine exactly how long they'll last. If you have the loot and want to give it a try with the known possible risks, go for it! If not, a smaller MH (175-250) would be sufficient, or possibly a T5 unit (ATI hanging would look solid).

3) Given the fact the OP was discussing SPS, I wouldn't recommend a MP20. I had one on my LPS 58, and while it was ok, I'd list it towards the bottom range of acceptable flow for LPS (let alone SPS). Personally, I'd go with a single MP40 or two MP10's.

Anemonebuff · 06/11/2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67Duster

I would consider the MP20.

Get the MP40 and you can adjust the speed, believe me you WILL upgrade it anyway.

Anemonebuff · 06/11/2010, 09:33 AM

AI(Aqua Illumination) makes quality LED lighting. Or you could use a mix of PAR LED spotlights. I plan on an Octopus Cone skimmer as my next skimmer.

alvistide · 07/01/2010, 03:15 PM

Just a quick update, I've changed the plans! This tends to be my style

As of now, I'm going with a 70 cube (I was worried that the 45 was just too small for me)

I'm going with either the super reef octopus 1000 or external 2000 (might be overkill).

I'll be putting in a single mp40 for flow.

The last standing issue is the lighting. I've decided to go with a 400w radium halide (I love the shimmer too much) supplimented by t5's. However, there in I've found a problem. I can't seem to find a solid hanging fixture that will accomodate this. So I'm seeking some advice on this final piece. Any suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks in advance!

moondoggy4 · 07/02/2010, 05:06 PM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...6&goto=newpost Try here. kind of similar tank.

moondoggy4 · 07/02/2010, 05:07 PM

Sorry go to the first page post there is a equipment list there.

06/10/2010, 12:28 AM	#1
alvistide Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 7	Advise for my 45gal cube build I've recently relocated to chicago and I already miss my 75 gal. reef back at home. Since I'm in an apartment for the time being, I thought I would go smaller while still allowing for a nice reef build (so I can move it later). Thus far, I've got a custom rimless 45 (24x24x18) and a slightly oversized stand (tall and wide). Ideally, I aim to put a refugium on the second level and a sump on the base level of the stand. I figure that this will give me optimal volume and opportunity for a solid reef tank. That being said, I haven't picked anything but the tanks and stands. I've budgeted $3.5k for the remaining needs. My goal is to have a mixed reef slightly favoring SPS. Question 1: Skimmer I've been leaning towards the SWC cone skimmer. Mixed reviews but favoring positive. Small footprint would be ideal for this build. Thoughts? Question 2: Lighting I'd love to go LED, but who makes a fixture that could really drive SPS growth and give a solid halide like appearance? I'm ok going with a radium based set up, but I'd really like to step up to LED. Any ideas? Question 3: Water movement I would love to go with the vorech's (mp10), they look amazing; however, I hear they aren't worth the price. I've had excellent experience with tunze so I could easily go that way, but with limited space vortech would be ideal. Any advise or suggestions would be very welcome!

06/10/2010, 12:56 AM	#2
Johnny C Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 4,140	The 45G dimensions are great, and the fact that it's rimless is even better! The SWC 160 would work well, especially with a larger sump and refugium. I really like the idea behind LED lighting, but I have yet to see an LED tank that is SPS-Dominant and thriving, as well as holding the same colors that T5's & MH's do. Are you against T5's? If not, an ATI Powermodule would look awesome over that tank and give you the light you need (and then some). Whoever told you that MP10's aren't worth the price probably hasn't used one. I never understood the craze until I purchased one myself, and now I will never go back. Hope my rant helps. Keep us posted with pictures and enjoy Chi-Town! __________________ "...the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever" -Jacques Cousteau

06/10/2010, 07:56 AM	#5
67Duster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Cowtown Posts: 62	I would consider the MP20. __________________ "Bad things happen to stupid people." "No man needs help digging his own grave."

06/11/2010, 06:54 AM	#7
RokleM Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,687	1) SWC's seem to have a pretty good reputation right now. I have a MSX version (not cone), and it does ok on my live rock cooking tank. 2) DIY LED is a cool way to go, but I'm still on the fence in terms of reliability. Many are looking at 5-10 years for the replacement and cost recovery options, but we're no where near that stage yet to determine exactly how long they'll last. If you have the loot and want to give it a try with the known possible risks, go for it! If not, a smaller MH (175-250) would be sufficient, or possibly a T5 unit (ATI hanging would look solid). 3) Given the fact the OP was discussing SPS, I wouldn't recommend a MP20. I had one on my LPS 58, and while it was ok, I'd list it towards the bottom range of acceptable flow for LPS (let alone SPS). Personally, I'd go with a single MP40 or two MP10's. __________________ -Eric-

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06/10/2010, 01:04 AM	#3
alvistide Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 7	thanks for the advice! I'm pretty set on the mp10, just sounds so amazing. I'm really not opposed to T5's (I use them on my 75 with very positive results). Aside from the fundamentals (PAR and "pop"), I'm really looking for a fixture that compliments the sleek rimless look. I'll definitely check out the ATI. Also, I'm assuming that the SWC 160 would be sufficient to handle a fairly heavy bio load? I'm a slow mover, but I'll post pic when everything gets moving along!

06/10/2010, 02:18 AM	#4
bk_market Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bethesda MD / Arlington VA Posts: 203	I'm setting up a same size tank and I'm also looking into vortech but I'm thinking mp40 instead of mp10. Also how many vortech are u planning to get?

06/10/2010, 12:37 PM	#6
alvistide Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 7	In reading the reviews I've found online, it sounds like the MP10 is a bit more bang for the buck compared with the mp 20. I'd likely be going with two (with neither on max power) to ensure good complete tank movement.

06/11/2010, 09:33 AM	#9
Anemonebuff Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: LI,NY Posts: 3,877	AI(Aqua Illumination) makes quality LED lighting. Or you could use a mix of PAR LED spotlights. I plan on an Octopus Cone skimmer as my next skimmer.

07/01/2010, 03:15 PM	#10
alvistide Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 7	Just a quick update, I've changed the plans! This tends to be my style As of now, I'm going with a 70 cube (I was worried that the 45 was just too small for me) I'm going with either the super reef octopus 1000 or external 2000 (might be overkill). I'll be putting in a single mp40 for flow. The last standing issue is the lighting. I've decided to go with a 400w radium halide (I love the shimmer too much) supplimented by t5's. However, there in I've found a problem. I can't seem to find a solid hanging fixture that will accomodate this. So I'm seeking some advice on this final piece. Any suggestions would be welcome! Thanks in advance!

07/02/2010, 05:06 PM	#11
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...6&goto=newpost Try here. kind of similar tank.

07/02/2010, 05:07 PM	#12
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Sorry go to the first page post there is a equipment list there.