Ridsters Marineland 70g Cube Build

Reef Ridster · 12/14/2009, 07:30 PM

This is my first large tank so I thought I would share my build, trials and tribulations and of course invite thoughts and suggestions.

A year ago, I came across crazy4acros bonsai build and without question, it was and remains the inspiration that propelled me into the hobby. After a year of Nanos, I got a great deal on the Marineland 70g 30x30x18 with the Marineland Sump and Stand.

I'll be combining the three tanks: a Biocube 8g, Biocube 29g and a Solana 34g into the 70g Cube and attempt to create a Bonsai inspired open aquascape.

Marineland 70g Cube 30x30x18 Comments:

Stand is very sturdy and well built. Back is open with hinged door in front and two removable panels on both sides. Access is very good.

Tank is well built but shows signs of more affordable cubes when it comes to caulking and seams. Trim around tank is not refined and easy to mar or dent. Tank is not rimless but overall an impressive tank for the price.

Corner Flo and Plumbing was easy to install but I had to re-drill siphon hole on outtake pipe due it being too high and it spraying water.

Sump is Marineland Model 1 with biowheel and filter trays. At first, I thought ‘very cool’. However, as I started researching sumps, I have come to the conclusion I will either need to mod the sump or get a different one.

Tank Specs:

Exterior: 30x30x18

Interior: 28.5x28.5x18

Interior Volume Approx. 55g

Sump Volume Approx 20g

Marineland Stock Pump 700 gallons/hr

Skimmer: TBD as funds become available

Vortex MP20 as funds become available

Tray 1: White debris filter with blue filter pad underneath.
Tray 2: PuraPad (left over from other tanks)
Tray 3: Blue Filter Pad
Tray 4: Empty

Lighting:

Current Sundial 150w with 10k bulb and Actinics. Definitely needs 14k Phoenix and more light bu this will have to do for now.

Current arm hanging system. I would prefer single arm as I think it will look cleaner but will work for now

Future plans are to upgrade to Giesemann or ATI Powermodule.

I started the build on 11-01-09 and today began consolidating notes and pics. Will follow up with summaries and pics to get current.

Comments most welcome!

axia55 · 12/14/2009, 07:48 PM

This is my next tank for sure, love those dims! Keep the posts coming, I can't wait to see the tank develop.

plyle02 · 12/14/2009, 07:58 PM

I have the exact same tank, you will love it! GL with the build, keep updating

Reef Ridster · 12/15/2009, 08:18 AM

The dimensions are great although with one drawback being light choices which could be an issue for some.

plyle02, What light setup you running?

Reef Ridster · 12/15/2009, 08:38 AM

Here some pics of the Tank back and of the Sump

Tank and Stand:

Sump Front:

Sump Side Door:

Sump w/ Trays

ZC · 12/15/2009, 09:36 PM

Can I ask how much you paid for the RR tank? I'm really thinking of getting the same one or maybe the 90ish cube

d2mini · 12/15/2009, 10:23 PM

Looks great.
How are you getting power to the tank? Running under the carpet?

Reef Ridster · 12/16/2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZC

Can I ask how much you paid for the RR tank?

I got the tank due to being in the right place at the right time, it wouldn't even correlate with what they are going for...

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

Looks great.
How are you getting power to the tank? Running under the carpet?

It's actually run behind the stand along the office table...looks fancy but more due to angle of photography than anything else.....

BTW: I checked out your tank build and with the look and feel fitting in with your home...it looks absolutely beautiful! Definitely be tagging along your build to see the progress.

Reef Ridster · 12/16/2009, 04:02 PM

Setup tank:

• Fiji Pink Sand 30lbs (will be adding another 30lbs soon)
• Live Rock 70lbs
• Two Trumpet Corals due to other tank having no room

I underestimated combining tanks and cherry picking rock to aquascape all the while trying to get everything setup.

eaglesrx · 12/16/2009, 07:20 PM

Finally, I found someone with the marineland cube, that's either the 93g or the 70g!!

Love the dimensions on this tank!! What are you planning on with fish stocking?

Looks good so far!

Reef Ridster · 12/16/2009, 07:53 PM

I am definitely liking the dimensions

As far as fish I am leaning to staying light. For now, I have a pair of Gold Striped Maroons and a pair of Ocellaris clowns. I just need to decide which ones to keep. I would really like to get a Kole Tang or Red Sea Sailfin Tang but the tank is borderline big enough so not sure there. I have just begun looking into it so still deciding. Any suggestions?

bluetang_2000 · 12/16/2009, 08:07 PM

seems like a very good start. Would you mind pm me how much you pay for the tank? Thanks

Reef Ridster · 12/16/2009, 08:56 PM

bluetang, another member ZC asked the same question....essentially i got it through a vendor at a trade show...right place, right time, a bit of horse trading (actually a lot...lol) and voila....

Tank and Monterey stand at Saltwater Critters or Elmers Aquarium online are running about 800.00. I have actually had a hard time finding vendors online that sell them. Here in Florida, there are a few LFS's that have them but I haven't checked prices.

Hope that helps

plyle02 · 12/16/2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Ridster

The dimensions are great although with one drawback being light choices which could be an issue for some.

plyle02, What light setup you running?

Sorry,
I have not been around a few days, many tank projects...LOL...
I am running a Aquatinics suspended 250watt SE (Radium 20k) and 2 t5s, and another 250watt hqi coralvue pendant and ballast on the back of the tank with a coralvue 20k bulb. Here are a couple of recent pics to give you an idea...
GL with the build!

[IMG]

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[/IMG]

RokleM · 12/17/2009, 07:28 AM

Great thread so far. I'm working on a 70 or 93 right now as well (breaking down a large 200 deep dimension SPS and 58 LPS... twins, no time to manage SPS and a big tank).

I'm somewhat torn on lights too. I have a few LumenMax2's I might re-use, but I've been thinking about the LumenMax Elite as well for a little more coverage at the edges.

Must have more nanosteams!

Quote:

Originally Posted by plyle02

Sorry,
[IMG]

[/IMG]

Reef Ridster · 12/19/2009, 11:41 AM

Notes over the last month:

Issue 1: Noticed water does not flow through trays evenly. It flows mostly to the far left of trays. Solution: I added 8x 10 Purapad in Tray 2 which helped a lot by distributing flow evenly into the third tray. Also, added Chemi-Pure Elite in Tray 3. Intuitively, I am not getting the design…am I missing something here…

Issue 2: Noticed a lot Flat Worm in the tank…ugh! Must have come from rock moved over from my Solana although I thought I had treated it and got it all. Solution: Treated Cube with Flat Worm Exit and followed directions to the T!

11-07-09: Fair amount of worms survived, so I dosed again. Followed up with taking our Chemi-Pure and added a bunch of carbon

Nitrate 0
Alkalinity 8.5

11-09-09: Even after second dose, worms remain; unreal… these things are like cockroaches. Treated tank again with nuclear dose and then followed up with a lot of carbon. Problem is now I am getting Diatom blooms on sand and rock and probably need cleanup crew.

11-10, thru 12-19: Decided the Flat Worm Exit was not working and will be getting a Velvet Nudibranch when I get all my aquascaping complete. Budget is precluding me from moving at the pace I wanted but I am in no hurry.

Tank has been experiencing a lot of gas bubbles from the sand and rock. What are they….nitrogen?

Sold the Biocube29g and moved a lot of rock that I wanted to keep not only from the Biocube but the Solana as well.

Added another 30lbs of Fiji Pink Sand

Added small clean up crew (2) Mexico Turbo Snail, (4) Astrea Snails, (10) Hermit Crabs, (5) Nassarius Snails

My Rods, Reef Epoxy and Vortech MP20 will arrive just before Christmas…Stoked!

I am looking forward to finalizing my rock choice and completing aquasacpe. I then can sell my Solana and the remaining rock thus affording to get a new skimmer! Whoo..hoo!

Rock Transfer

Placing rock to get idea of space

bkoo29 · 12/19/2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plyle02

Sorry,
I have not been around a few days, many tank projects...LOL...
I am running a Aquatinics suspended 250watt SE (Radium 20k) and 2 t5s, and another 250watt hqi coralvue pendant and ballast on the back of the tank with a coralvue 20k bulb. Here are a couple of recent pics to give you an idea...
GL with the build!

[IMG]

[/IMG]

[IMG]

[/IMG]

How high do you have your pendant light set at?

Reef Ridster · 12/19/2009, 12:17 PM

Looks like approx. 10" from one his pics

plyle02 · 12/19/2009, 06:24 PM

One pendant sits on top of the tank, maybe 2" above the water, that is a 250watt halide with a 20k bulb, in the back.
The other pendant suspends about 5" above water line, mucho light on top of this sps reef, no ill effects yet, but thinking my X-mas present to myself will be an ATI Powermodule 8 bulb 24" t5 fixture... Currently 2x250watt halides and 2xt5's....
Lots of light and lots of flow, my approach to the sps hobby

Reef Ridster · 12/19/2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plyle02

thinking my X-mas present to myself will be an ATI Powermodule 8 bulb 24" t5 fixture...Lots of light and lots of flow, my approach to the sps hobby

Your power heads lined up on the back look ominous.

The ATI Powermodule 8 bulb 24" is exactly what I am been thinking is the ideal light for the tank...low heat, lots of light and easy on the electric bill. Not too mention, it will look sweet over the open cube.

eaglesrx · 12/19/2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Ridster

I am definitely liking the dimensions

As far as fish I am leaning to staying light. For now, I have a pair of Gold Striped Maroons and a pair of Ocellaris clowns. I just need to decide which ones to keep. I would really like to get a Kole Tang or Red Sea Sailfin Tang but the tank is borderline big enough so not sure there. I have just begun looking into it so still deciding. Any suggestions?

tang's are probably too big. how about a sunburst anthia (of course, not with the maroon's)? maybe a wrasse of some sort (leopard, maybe a flame??).

I'm sure whatever you choose, it will look great!

plyle02 · 12/20/2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Ridster

Your power heads lined up on the back look ominous.

The ATI Powermodule 8 bulb 24" is exactly what I am been thinking is the ideal light for the tank...low heat, lots of light and easy on the electric bill. Not too mention, it will look sweet over the open cube.

I have actually moved and placed the powerheads in different locations, due to a recent re-scaping...lol.. but yes, flow is certainly abundant

I wish the price would come down on the ATI fixures, but $919 @ reefgeek is a great price with bulbs. Just have to come up with a grand...

I do think it will pay off in time with less chiller cycles, less electricity, and the colors will pop giving more bulb choices. We will have to see... These tanks are hard to light if you want good coverage from side to side back to front. Keep the pics coming, it will be exciting to see your tank come to life

bkoo29 · 12/20/2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Ridster

Looks like approx. 10" from one his pics

I just ordered the same deminsion tank but rimless. I am likely how your tank looks. Are you running 250W or 400W?

I am thinking about 400W and radium 20K, if you are running 250W I probably need to raise my pendant to like 18 or 20 inches. What do you think???

eaglesrx · 12/20/2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plyle02

I have actually moved and placed the powerheads in different locations, due to a recent re-scaping...lol.. but yes, flow is certainly abundant

I wish the price would come down on the ATI fixures, but $919 @ reefgeek is a great price with bulbs. Just have to come up with a grand...

I do think it will pay off in time with less chiller cycles, less electricity, and the colors will pop giving more bulb choices. We will have to see... These tanks are hard to light if you want good coverage from side to side back to front. Keep the pics coming, it will be exciting to see your tank come to life

I agree. It's not easy to find an all in one easy light fixture to provide complete coverage.

The tanks below have used the lumenmax elite reflectors with the actinic supplementation. But, their's was custom:

Stagcrazy's:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...1706873&page=6

DT_Reef's:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...1530025&page=5

Crazy4acros's (not custom, but sweet tank): He uses the lumenmax stealth reflector on a 36"x36"x24" tank:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...288059&page=30

Qube's: 36"x36"x27" 150g deep dimension lit by the lumenmax large:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1518335

For this tank, if I was going to go topless, I would use the Lumenarc III reflector to get the best spread. Then, just use a 400W 20k Radium. If I could find someone who could build me a custom fixture where I could fit in some actinic supplementation (like stagcrazy's), that would be perfect. Has anyone thought about putting a custom hood over it??

I think sfiligoi makes a single gorgeous 400W w/actinic fixture that is supposed to give at least 30"x30" spread. http://www.aquariumobsessed.com/ used to sell it.

HTH

Reef Ridster · 12/21/2009, 10:43 AM

Wow, that Sfiligoi light looks really nice...Good links to builds! As far as Crazy4acros tank, my initial build post says it all...I blame him for everyhting...

The whole setup from top to bottom is so well done.

For me, the open top is big part of the tanks allure. With the 70g only 18" deep, my question would be that 400w makes more sense for the deeper dimension tanks. No?

12/14/2009, 07:30 PM	#1
Reef Ridster Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 109	Ridsters Marineland 70g Cube Build This is my first large tank so I thought I would share my build, trials and tribulations and of course invite thoughts and suggestions. A year ago, I came across crazy4acros bonsai build and without question, it was and remains the inspiration that propelled me into the hobby. After a year of Nanos, I got a great deal on the Marineland 70g 30x30x18 with the Marineland Sump and Stand. I'll be combining the three tanks: a Biocube 8g, Biocube 29g and a Solana 34g into the 70g Cube and attempt to create a Bonsai inspired open aquascape. Marineland 70g Cube 30x30x18 Comments: Stand is very sturdy and well built. Back is open with hinged door in front and two removable panels on both sides. Access is very good. Tank is well built but shows signs of more affordable cubes when it comes to caulking and seams. Trim around tank is not refined and easy to mar or dent. Tank is not rimless but overall an impressive tank for the price. Corner Flo and Plumbing was easy to install but I had to re-drill siphon hole on outtake pipe due it being too high and it spraying water. Sump is Marineland Model 1 with biowheel and filter trays. At first, I thought ‘very cool’. However, as I started researching sumps, I have come to the conclusion I will either need to mod the sump or get a different one. Tank Specs: Exterior: 30x30x18 Interior: 28.5x28.5x18 Interior Volume Approx. 55g Sump Volume Approx 20g Marineland Stock Pump 700 gallons/hr Skimmer: TBD as funds become available Vortex MP20 as funds become available Tray 1: White debris filter with blue filter pad underneath. Tray 2: PuraPad (left over from other tanks) Tray 3: Blue Filter Pad Tray 4: Empty Lighting: Current Sundial 150w with 10k bulb and Actinics. Definitely needs 14k Phoenix and more light bu this will have to do for now. Current arm hanging system. I would prefer single arm as I think it will look cleaner but will work for now Future plans are to upgrade to Giesemann or ATI Powermodule. I started the build on 11-01-09 and today began consolidating notes and pics. Will follow up with summaries and pics to get current. Comments most welcome! __________________ Current Tank Info: 30x30x18" 70 gallon Cube......Bonsai Inspired Open Aquascape _________________ Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

12/14/2009, 07:58 PM	#3
plyle02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake Helen, FL Posts: 5,526	I have the exact same tank, you will love it! GL with the build, keep updating __________________ Perry "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" ~Buddha~ Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon AIO Cube, Aquamaxx WS-1 Skimmer, LED/ Hybrid 4x24 watt t5

12/15/2009, 08:18 AM	#4
Reef Ridster Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 109	The dimensions are great although with one drawback being light choices which could be an issue for some. plyle02, What light setup you running? __________________ Current Tank Info: 30x30x18" 70 gallon Cube......Bonsai Inspired Open Aquascape _________________ Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

12/15/2009, 08:38 AM	#5
Reef Ridster Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 109	Here some pics of the Tank back and of the Sump Tank and Stand: Sump Front: Sump Side Door: Sump w/ Trays __________________ Current Tank Info: 30x30x18" 70 gallon Cube......Bonsai Inspired Open Aquascape _________________ Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Last edited by Reef Ridster; 12/15/2009 at 08:49 AM.

12/15/2009, 09:36 PM	#6
ZC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 1,132	Can I ask how much you paid for the RR tank? I'm really thinking of getting the same one or maybe the 90ish cube __________________ "Friends don't let friends put xenia in their tanks" Current Tank Info: 2 yr old 160g: mixed reef

12/14/2009, 07:48 PM	#2
axia55 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: North Canton, OH Posts: 993	This is my next tank for sure, love those dims! Keep the posts coming, I can't wait to see the tank develop.

12/15/2009, 10:23 PM	#7
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	Looks great. How are you getting power to the tank? Running under the carpet?

12/16/2009, 04:02 PM	#9
Reef Ridster Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 109	Setup tank: • Fiji Pink Sand 30lbs (will be adding another 30lbs soon) • Live Rock 70lbs • Two Trumpet Corals due to other tank having no room I underestimated combining tanks and cherry picking rock to aquascape all the while trying to get everything setup. __________________ Current Tank Info: 30x30x18" 70 gallon Cube......Bonsai Inspired Open Aquascape _________________ Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Last edited by Reef Ridster; 12/16/2009 at 04:15 PM.

12/16/2009, 07:20 PM	#10
eaglesrx Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,292	Finally, I found someone with the marineland cube, that's either the 93g or the 70g!! Love the dimensions on this tank!! What are you planning on with fish stocking? Looks good so far!

12/16/2009, 07:53 PM	#11
Reef Ridster Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 109	I am definitely liking the dimensions As far as fish I am leaning to staying light. For now, I have a pair of Gold Striped Maroons and a pair of Ocellaris clowns. I just need to decide which ones to keep. I would really like to get a Kole Tang or Red Sea Sailfin Tang but the tank is borderline big enough so not sure there. I have just begun looking into it so still deciding. Any suggestions? __________________ Current Tank Info: 30x30x18" 70 gallon Cube......Bonsai Inspired Open Aquascape _________________ Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

12/16/2009, 08:07 PM	#12
bluetang_2000 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bayarea Posts: 469	seems like a very good start. Would you mind pm me how much you pay for the tank? Thanks

12/16/2009, 08:56 PM	#13
Reef Ridster Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 109	bluetang, another member ZC asked the same question....essentially i got it through a vendor at a trade show...right place, right time, a bit of horse trading (actually a lot...lol) and voila.... Tank and Monterey stand at Saltwater Critters or Elmers Aquarium online are running about 800.00. I have actually had a hard time finding vendors online that sell them. Here in Florida, there are a few LFS's that have them but I haven't checked prices. Hope that helps __________________ Current Tank Info: 30x30x18" 70 gallon Cube......Bonsai Inspired Open Aquascape _________________ Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Last edited by Reef Ridster; 12/16/2009 at 09:02 PM.

12/19/2009, 11:41 AM	#16
Reef Ridster Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 109	Notes over the last month: Issue 1: Noticed water does not flow through trays evenly. It flows mostly to the far left of trays. Solution: I added 8x 10 Purapad in Tray 2 which helped a lot by distributing flow evenly into the third tray. Also, added Chemi-Pure Elite in Tray 3. Intuitively, I am not getting the design…am I missing something here… Issue 2: Noticed a lot Flat Worm in the tank…ugh! Must have come from rock moved over from my Solana although I thought I had treated it and got it all. Solution: Treated Cube with Flat Worm Exit and followed directions to the T! 11-07-09: Fair amount of worms survived, so I dosed again. Followed up with taking our Chemi-Pure and added a bunch of carbon Nitrate 0 Alkalinity 8.5 11-09-09: Even after second dose, worms remain; unreal… these things are like cockroaches. Treated tank again with nuclear dose and then followed up with a lot of carbon. Problem is now I am getting Diatom blooms on sand and rock and probably need cleanup crew. 11-10, thru 12-19: Decided the Flat Worm Exit was not working and will be getting a Velvet Nudibranch when I get all my aquascaping complete. Budget is precluding me from moving at the pace I wanted but I am in no hurry. Tank has been experiencing a lot of gas bubbles from the sand and rock. What are they….nitrogen? Sold the Biocube29g and moved a lot of rock that I wanted to keep not only from the Biocube but the Solana as well. Added another 30lbs of Fiji Pink Sand Added small clean up crew (2) Mexico Turbo Snail, (4) Astrea Snails, (10) Hermit Crabs, (5) Nassarius Snails My Rods, Reef Epoxy and Vortech MP20 will arrive just before Christmas…Stoked! I am looking forward to finalizing my rock choice and completing aquasacpe. I then can sell my Solana and the remaining rock thus affording to get a new skimmer! Whoo..hoo! Rock Transfer Placing rock to get idea of space __________________ Current Tank Info: 30x30x18" 70 gallon Cube......Bonsai Inspired Open Aquascape _________________ Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

12/19/2009, 12:17 PM	#18
Reef Ridster Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 109	Looks like approx. 10" from one his pics __________________ Current Tank Info: 30x30x18" 70 gallon Cube......Bonsai Inspired Open Aquascape _________________ Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

12/19/2009, 06:24 PM	#19
plyle02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake Helen, FL Posts: 5,526	One pendant sits on top of the tank, maybe 2" above the water, that is a 250watt halide with a 20k bulb, in the back. The other pendant suspends about 5" above water line, mucho light on top of this sps reef, no ill effects yet, but thinking my X-mas present to myself will be an ATI Powermodule 8 bulb 24" t5 fixture... Currently 2x250watt halides and 2xt5's.... Lots of light and lots of flow, my approach to the sps hobby __________________ Perry "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" ~Buddha~ Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon AIO Cube, Aquamaxx WS-1 Skimmer, LED/ Hybrid 4x24 watt t5

12/21/2009, 10:43 AM	#25
Reef Ridster Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 109	Wow, that Sfiligoi light looks really nice...Good links to builds! As far as Crazy4acros tank, my initial build post says it all...I blame him for everyhting... The whole setup from top to bottom is so well done. For me, the open top is big part of the tanks allure. With the 70g only 18" deep, my question would be that 400w makes more sense for the deeper dimension tanks. No? __________________ Current Tank Info: 30x30x18" 70 gallon Cube......Bonsai Inspired Open Aquascape _________________ Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."