mr9iron's custom 60 cube build

mr9iron · 12/16/2013, 01:52 PM

I have been dreaming of building a cube for the last couple of years, but due to nursing school I was unable to. Well, now it's a different story. School is done, and it's time to get to it.
Tank
Marineland 60 cube drilled in back with 2 1.5 inch holes, and 1x 1 inch hole with my own DIY wier.
HDPE white bottom.

Sump
This is going to be custom built by Synergy Reef Systems. I will be placing my order tomorrow!

Return
Waveline 6000 DC pump that will be plumbed to a custom build manifold. Plumbing will be all pvc with unions, ball valves and such. I am still trying to figure out what color.

Stand
My stand is being crafted by a retired Fire Fighter who is a master craftsman. It will have raceway inside to hide all of the wiring, and will most likely be painted white, or red on the inside. I will also seal it to hold water in case of an emergency. The stand will also have a custom electrical panel recessed on it's side. I pick up the lumber tomorrow and will be heading out to build it.

Controller
Neptune Apex light, EB8 and all the trimmings. I will have to get some sort of wireless adapter to connect to my home network. I am very excited about this piece of equipment

Skimmer
SCA-302 rated at 180 gallons

ATO
I currently have an Avast ATO, but may consider switching to something else. Help needed in this area.

Dosing
Again, I need help in this area, as I am unsure what to purchase as of yet.

Lighting
Reefbreeders Nova A4 with a custom hanging system for the stand. I got in on this on the group buy, and am waiting for it to be shipped.

I am sure I have forgot several things, but this is the beginning. I will be posting pictures later tonight of the tank, and Wier.

mr9iron · 12/17/2013, 06:56 PM

I thought I would start by posting a few pictures of the tank when I purchased it. I had to clean it up, remove the paint, and build my own wier.
Here is the nasty tank.

Here it is after I cleaned it up a bit and removed the paint.

Here are a couple of pics of the Wier build.

Almost done

mr9iron · 12/17/2013, 07:11 PM

These pictures of the begining of the stand.

Some of the lumber

My buddy Lee, who is helping me build the stand. He is laying things out.

Routing the base for the box

Putting the base together

More frame

Cutting Pegs for recessed holes

Looks like a box

False wall for hiding cords, and plumbing

mr9iron · 12/17/2013, 07:18 PM

Oops, here is a pic of the false wall that will hid the cords, and plumbing.

Thinking about making the top and some trim

Trim and top

Tomorrow we will continue to put things together, and possibly do some dental trim as well.

shamus · 12/17/2013, 07:34 PM

Awesome! The 6000 pump will be more than enough for that tank. I have the 4000 and cannot run it full speed.

mr9iron · 12/17/2013, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamus

Awesome! The 6000 pump will be more than enough for that tank. I have the 4000 and cannot run it full speed.

I hope so. I wanted plenty of flow, and the ability to run a couple of reactors as well.

I do need help on the interior color of the stand. On the outside false wall, which will be behind doors, I will paint that some sort of red. Then I will hang my electronics on that. On the other side's false wall I will have some shelving, and the wall will be painted red too. As for the stain, I haven't decided yet, but would like to go with a dark color. I guess we will see what tomorrow brings. On a side note, it's supposed to snow and be nasty this weekend, so maybe I can get some of the painting and staining done.

mr9iron · 12/18/2013, 07:57 AM

Just for fun, my Snowflake clowns must be excited about their new home. This is what I caught them doing Sunday afternoon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui2e...e_gdata_player

MacWilliams · 12/18/2013, 08:09 AM

Wow this looks like its going to turn out great. Every time i see a new 60g build it makes me want to tear mine down and start over. Lol. I started the hobby with a 60g and since i set it up i have learned and seen so many great ideas that i wish i would have found before i started.

mr9iron · 12/19/2013, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacWilliams

Wow this looks like its going to turn out great. Every time i see a new 60g build it makes me want to tear mine down and start over. Lol. I started the hobby with a 60g and since i set it up i have learned and seen so many great ideas that i wish i would have found before i started.

It's a lot of fun. The excitement of the build is so much fun. Especially working with Lee, as he is an amazing woodworker. Every time I think we are close to getting done with the stand he incorporates more ideas into it.

He leaves no detail undone. With that said, here are some more pics. Just so you know, every piece of wood on this stand has been plained, cut, designed, drilled, sanded, and so on in his shop. The only piece of wood that he hasn't made will be the door knobs.

Making feet for the stand.

We glued 2x6 together yesterday and he turned these spindles on the lathe yesterday morning. I think they came out really nice.

Begining the trim/removable top.

This is dental trim that he made and is adding to the stand

mr9iron · 12/19/2013, 05:43 AM

More trim and a little sanding.

Trim work again

Trim installed and of course little 9iron wants to help

Next thing Lee wanted to know was about the plumbing off of the back of the tank. I gave him an idea and the wheels started spinning in his head. He grabbed a square piece of Corian, cut it to shape, split it down the middle, and began this project below. The tape is on there to hold the two pieces together for now.

The proper sized and spaced holes will be drilled into this Corian, which is recessed into the stand, and will go down into the false wall.

Pretty neat idea!

Today, we will be building the doors, and shelving.

mr9iron · 12/19/2013, 05:53 AM

On a side note, look what came via UPS yesterday!!!!

johnike · 12/19/2013, 06:28 AM

Vince, that stand is stunning.

mr9iron · 12/19/2013, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnike

Vince, that stand is stunning.

Thank you sir! She is going to be a beauty!!!

You could also park a bus on it, and the kids most likely won't be able to turn it over either.

shamus · 12/19/2013, 07:09 AM

Beautiful stand. Its going to be an awesome build.

Sugar Magnolia · 12/19/2013, 08:32 AM

Wow, that stand is fabulous!

mr9iron · 12/19/2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamus

Beautiful stand. Its going to be an awesome build.

I am really having fun with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia

Wow, that stand is fabulous!

Thanks, Sugar. It is so much better than I imagined. Lee is a nut, and doesn't believe in meritocracy. My hope is that I can paint, and stain it so that it will compliment it's beauty. I have a huge job ahead of me, as I have never stained before. We built some doors today, and I will try and get some pictures up later tonight.

Sugar Magnolia · 12/19/2013, 01:40 PM

Staining is really easy. Apply, let sit for a moment then wipe off with a rag. It's the final coat of poly that can be tricky. My husband likes to apply a few layers of poly, sanding smooth after each of the first two layers. Last layer is left unsanded.

mr9iron · 12/19/2013, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia

Staining is really easy. Apply, let sit for a moment then wipe off with a rag. It's the final coat of poly that can be tricky. My husband likes to apply a few layers of poly, sanding smooth after each of the first two layers. Last layer is left unsanded.

Thanks, I will give it a shot.

mr9iron · 12/20/2013, 11:13 PM

Allright, here is another quick update. We spent yesterday building the doors for the stand.

We started by making 48 pegs for the 6 doors. These went into the pocket holes we would drill to hide all the screws.

We put the doors together, glued, and inserted the pegs and trimmed them down. Everything was sanded.

We then began routing the doors.

Did a little more routing on both sides.

Here she is, 100% custom built. The only parts that were purchased were the hinges, and door knobs. Everything else was carved/cut, routed, planed, drilled, and glued, screwed, and fabricated in Lee's shop.

Now all I have to do is paint the inside false walls Dragon red and stain the outside with some Red Mahogany. Lee also gave me a switch that I will install to the apex that will turn on interior lights when the door is opened. I will also be placing some rope multicolor Leds around the electrical wall panel on the left, and shelving that will be on the right.

nouveaux · 12/20/2013, 11:16 PM

This looks amazing!

johnike · 12/21/2013, 05:45 AM

Holy Wow, Vince!

mr9iron · 12/21/2013, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnike

Holy Wow, Vince!

I think she came out purdy!!!!

johnike · 12/21/2013, 06:52 AM

'Ya think?

james30ct · 12/21/2013, 08:00 AM

Beautiful stand.

Woznickiaj · 12/21/2013, 09:12 AM

That dude has serious woodworking skills !

12/16/2013, 01:52 PM	#1
mr9iron 15& Over Club Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,552 Blog Entries: 1	mr9iron's custom 60 cube build I have been dreaming of building a cube for the last couple of years, but due to nursing school I was unable to. Well, now it's a different story. School is done, and it's time to get to it. Tank Marineland 60 cube drilled in back with 2 1.5 inch holes, and 1x 1 inch hole with my own DIY wier. HDPE white bottom. Sump This is going to be custom built by Synergy Reef Systems. I will be placing my order tomorrow! Return Waveline 6000 DC pump that will be plumbed to a custom build manifold. Plumbing will be all pvc with unions, ball valves and such. I am still trying to figure out what color. Stand My stand is being crafted by a retired Fire Fighter who is a master craftsman. It will have raceway inside to hide all of the wiring, and will most likely be painted white, or red on the inside. I will also seal it to hold water in case of an emergency. The stand will also have a custom electrical panel recessed on it's side. I pick up the lumber tomorrow and will be heading out to build it. Controller Neptune Apex light, EB8 and all the trimmings. I will have to get some sort of wireless adapter to connect to my home network. I am very excited about this piece of equipment Skimmer SCA-302 rated at 180 gallons ATO I currently have an Avast ATO, but may consider switching to something else. Help needed in this area. Dosing Again, I need help in this area, as I am unsure what to purchase as of yet. Lighting Reefbreeders Nova A4 with a custom hanging system for the stand. I got in on this on the group buy, and am waiting for it to be shipped. I am sure I have forgot several things, but this is the beginning. I will be posting pictures later tonight of the tank, and Wier. __________________ Vince ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Frag tank at the moment, planning another

12/17/2013, 06:56 PM	#2
mr9iron 15& Over Club Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,552 Blog Entries: 1	I thought I would start by posting a few pictures of the tank when I purchased it. I had to clean it up, remove the paint, and build my own wier. Here is the nasty tank. Here it is after I cleaned it up a bit and removed the paint. Here are a couple of pics of the Wier build. Almost done __________________ Vince ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Frag tank at the moment, planning another

12/17/2013, 07:11 PM	#3
mr9iron 15& Over Club Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,552 Blog Entries: 1	These pictures of the begining of the stand. Some of the lumber My buddy Lee, who is helping me build the stand. He is laying things out. Routing the base for the box Putting the base together More frame Cutting Pegs for recessed holes Looks like a box False wall for hiding cords, and plumbing __________________ Vince ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Frag tank at the moment, planning another Last edited by mr9iron; 12/17/2013 at 07:32 PM.

12/17/2013, 07:18 PM	#4
mr9iron 15& Over Club Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,552 Blog Entries: 1	Oops, here is a pic of the false wall that will hid the cords, and plumbing. Thinking about making the top and some trim Trim and top Tomorrow we will continue to put things together, and possibly do some dental trim as well. __________________ Vince ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Frag tank at the moment, planning another Last edited by mr9iron; 12/17/2013 at 07:34 PM.

12/18/2013, 07:57 AM	#7
mr9iron 15& Over Club Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,552 Blog Entries: 1	Just for fun, my Snowflake clowns must be excited about their new home. This is what I caught them doing Sunday afternoon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui2e...e_gdata_player __________________ Vince ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Frag tank at the moment, planning another

12/17/2013, 07:34 PM	#5
shamus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WV Posts: 168	Awesome! The 6000 pump will be more than enough for that tank. I have the 4000 and cannot run it full speed.

12/18/2013, 08:09 AM	#8
MacWilliams Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 410	Wow this looks like its going to turn out great. Every time i see a new 60g build it makes me want to tear mine down and start over. Lol. I started the hobby with a 60g and since i set it up i have learned and seen so many great ideas that i wish i would have found before i started.

12/19/2013, 05:43 AM	#10
mr9iron 15& Over Club Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,552 Blog Entries: 1	More trim and a little sanding. Trim work again Trim installed and of course little 9iron wants to help Next thing Lee wanted to know was about the plumbing off of the back of the tank. I gave him an idea and the wheels started spinning in his head. He grabbed a square piece of Corian, cut it to shape, split it down the middle, and began this project below. The tape is on there to hold the two pieces together for now. The proper sized and spaced holes will be drilled into this Corian, which is recessed into the stand, and will go down into the false wall. Pretty neat idea! Today, we will be building the doors, and shelving. __________________ Vince ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Frag tank at the moment, planning another

12/19/2013, 05:53 AM	#11
mr9iron 15& Over Club Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,552 Blog Entries: 1	On a side note, look what came via UPS yesterday!!!! __________________ Vince ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Frag tank at the moment, planning another

12/19/2013, 06:28 AM	#12
johnike Moved On Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bureau County Illinois Posts: 5,406	Vince, that stand is stunning.

12/19/2013, 07:09 AM	#14
shamus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WV Posts: 168	Beautiful stand. Its going to be an awesome build.

12/19/2013, 08:32 AM	#15
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	Wow, that stand is fabulous! __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

12/19/2013, 01:40 PM	#17
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	Staining is really easy. Apply, let sit for a moment then wipe off with a rag. It's the final coat of poly that can be tricky. My husband likes to apply a few layers of poly, sanding smooth after each of the first two layers. Last layer is left unsanded. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

12/20/2013, 11:13 PM	#19
mr9iron 15& Over Club Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,552 Blog Entries: 1	Allright, here is another quick update. We spent yesterday building the doors for the stand. We started by making 48 pegs for the 6 doors. These went into the pocket holes we would drill to hide all the screws. We put the doors together, glued, and inserted the pegs and trimmed them down. Everything was sanded. We then began routing the doors. Did a little more routing on both sides. Here she is, 100% custom built. The only parts that were purchased were the hinges, and door knobs. Everything else was carved/cut, routed, planed, drilled, and glued, screwed, and fabricated in Lee's shop. Now all I have to do is paint the inside false walls Dragon red and stain the outside with some Red Mahogany. Lee also gave me a switch that I will install to the apex that will turn on interior lights when the door is opened. I will also be placing some rope multicolor Leds around the electrical wall panel on the left, and shelving that will be on the right. __________________ Vince ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Frag tank at the moment, planning another

12/20/2013, 11:16 PM	#20
nouveaux Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 16	This looks amazing!

12/21/2013, 05:45 AM	#21
johnike Moved On Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bureau County Illinois Posts: 5,406	Holy Wow, Vince!

12/21/2013, 06:52 AM	#23
johnike Moved On Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bureau County Illinois Posts: 5,406	'Ya think?

12/21/2013, 08:00 AM	#24
james30ct Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Groton, Ct Posts: 1,218	Beautiful stand.

12/21/2013, 09:12 AM	#25
Woznickiaj Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 227	That dude has serious woodworking skills !