30 cube end table build..

Saltydrip · 01/15/2015, 03:36 PM

So I picked up a 30 cube for $30 off a local Facebook yard-sale page. I've recently downsized apartments and need to downsize from my 75G. This week I started to build an end table/stand that will very tightly aconidate a 40B in the bottom and the 30 cube up top. If I want too down the road I can run a 40B up top as well. But for now I like the idea of the cube and having a 19"x24" table top that will stick out past the tank and that will be used as my end table next to my couch... The other thought is that I can easily replicate the build and have one on either side of our bed... Just a thought... There isn't much to look at now other than a pile of wood and an empty cube so as things progress I'll get pics posted. LOTS more to come!!!

adamv · 01/15/2015, 05:09 PM

Very interesting idea, I can't wait to see some pictures.

goby12345 · 01/15/2015, 05:10 PM

Same here

Saltydrip · 01/15/2015, 05:57 PM

This is the tank and location.. The stand will be about 7" taller and the 19"x24" table surface will be on the front side of the tank. I should have the stand built by the end of next week. I'm building it in my brakes at work.

Saltydrip · 01/15/2015, 06:51 PM

This thing of beauty is my inspiration!!

I'm a fan of this as well

adamv · 01/15/2015, 09:29 PM

That first tank is stunning. I like all the all the free space down on the sand.

Saltydrip · 01/16/2015, 08:22 PM

I hate not having a shop at home now.... I'm slowly getting the stand together. Taking my time making sure it's built right. I hate seeing all these beautiful builds and having a crappy 2x6 stand under my 75. This will be worthy of posting.

Socalreef60 · 01/17/2015, 11:40 AM

Cool idea with the cabinet extension w the table, nice looking tank, that was a great deal. Are you planning a PVC skeleton for the potential rock scaping? Or egg crate like your last build?

Saltydrip · 01/20/2015, 04:10 PM

I would like to use all dry rock with a pvc sceleton but I'm starting to thing I might want to build it all artificial. Not sure how I'll do it. I learned a lot doing the foam wall and if I go with foam it should turn out looking a lot more natural second time around.

Here is progress on the stand

The top 4 sides are just sitting there. I ran out of time on brake and I'll glue and screw it all tomorrow.

Saltydrip · 01/20/2015, 08:13 PM

So basically I'll be adding some cross members and then the 40B will slide down inside. There will be 1/16" 3M foam padding lining the lower inside ledge (where the 40B sits) to help damper any vibrations as well as make a nice tight fit to close out the gaps. The structure you see here will be satin black and the top will be red/brown stained red oak. I would like to find some old barn boards to mill down but I'm not sure I'll find anything before I need the top done.

Saltydrip · 01/23/2015, 12:49 PM

Basic structure is finished being assembled.

I also found a really good example of the aquascape im looking to creat.

I'll be getting ahold of marcorocks this weekend and placing an order. I have no idea the poundage I'll be needing. I was thinking 20 of the premium would be plenty and I'll just use some of my live rock as filler.

Saltydrip · 01/24/2015, 01:55 PM

So this is the basic setup so far..

Now that the sump is test fitted I'll be pulling it out to paint everything. The stand will be satin black and I'll be painting the replacing the base trim on the tank with something that matches the stand a little better and the canopy. The top of the stand will be red oak with a dark stain in 2 pieces. The open bit in front of the tank will be removable for extra sump access. Even though I have 7" between the top rail and the top of the sump I figured that the removable table top would be nice.

I'm still yet to figure out where to put all the electronics.. Didn't plan that bit out very well.

sam.basye · 02/11/2015, 09:29 PM

Clean setup! Looking forward to completion! How's the rock island going??

Hoopz87 · 02/15/2015, 02:24 AM

sam.basye · 02/24/2015, 05:20 PM

Any updates??

Saltydrip · 10/27/2015, 06:24 AM

IM BACK!!!!

Fudge say like this for the better part of 6 months with some algae and a lawnmower in it.

Then I let it sit with RODI foR a week and it's getting salt at some point this week

Saltydrip · 10/27/2015, 06:30 AM

Saltydrip · 10/27/2015, 08:09 AM

Everything got put on hold trying to get life back in line. Then summer rolled around and I didn't have much time for a new build. Winter is coming close and this is my favorite winter time hobby. I can't wait to add the salt mix and tie it into the fuge.

My big question is...

Do I just flip the valves open and add it to the fuge or should I cycle the dead rock in the display. The fuge is very healthy and full of life. I'm afraid that adding the display will start a bad cycle and nuke the fuge.

sam.basye · 10/27/2015, 09:25 AM

Glad to see you back!

What do you think about doing a large water change from the fuge (~40-50%) and placing the discarded water in the display to try and speed up the cycle process?
You would be adding a lot of beneficial bacteria to the display at a quicker rate than staying from nothing.
That way they still aren't connected, but when you do open the valves to tie them together, the water difference won't be so drastic.

anbosu · 10/27/2015, 09:29 AM

Since you used dry rock you should just be able to open the valve. It shouldn't cause a cycle, especially since you're not adding livestock to the display right away.

Saltydrip · 10/27/2015, 09:30 AM

I was figuring I would kick it off by adding some of the live rock from the fuge. Doing a water swap would be a good idea. I'm set up to support a 125 gal system so with my RODI and mixing station I can make water changes pretty quick. If I take the water from the fuge. Replace it with clean salt mix and add the fuge water to the display that should help...

Saltydrip · 10/27/2015, 11:58 AM

It's dry rock but all my old rock that just dried out. I have a good fresh water test kit so I think I'll test the RODI water that's in it now to see if there is any ammonia. If there is maybe I'll try to cycle it. If it's clean and clear i gues I'll just open the taps.

Saltydrip · 10/29/2015, 03:14 AM

This is pretty exciting! RODI tested really clean after soaking for a week. I made salt mix but don't quite have enough salt. Time to go grab a bucket of Reef Crystals. I set it up with IO. Figured I wasn't adding corals yet and was going to do plenty of changes before corals. Not totally sure saving that $5 was necessary. Time to debate the drive to ThatPetPlace where they have EVERYTHING a reefer could dream of or petco where I'll will only ever buy salt. Might be a good idea to fight temptation and stick with petco.

Saltydrip · 10/29/2015, 03:41 AM

We were scanning the forum last night looking for ideas but havnt found any much help with stock options for a tank of this size. I'm very limited I know with such a small tank. I'm thinking that we will be going with quality over quantity this time around. I'm a big fan of tangs and anthias but I know they are out of the picture. With my fuge the size it is I I'm confident that I'll be able to keep Mandarin no problem. My scape offered lots of room to swim entirely around the tank and offeres up many good hiding spots.

So how would you stock it???

upthehill · 10/29/2015, 12:28 PM

Love the build..
Question, I may be doing something similar, as far as Sump access goes in the near future.. Do you find it a pain in the rear not being able to fully access the Sump? are you able to just lift the table and top tank out of the way? Would be really cool if you had the slack in hoses and wires to just slide the table and top tank out into the room and have complete access to the sump..

01/15/2015, 03:36 PM	#1
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	30 cube end table build.. So I picked up a 30 cube for $30 off a local Facebook yard-sale page. I've recently downsized apartments and need to downsize from my 75G. This week I started to build an end table/stand that will very tightly aconidate a 40B in the bottom and the 30 cube up top. If I want too down the road I can run a 40B up top as well. But for now I like the idea of the cube and having a 19"x24" table top that will stick out past the tank and that will be used as my end table next to my couch... The other thought is that I can easily replicate the build and have one on either side of our bed... Just a thought... There isn't much to look at now other than a pile of wood and an empty cube so as things progress I'll get pics posted. LOTS more to come!!! __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

01/15/2015, 05:57 PM	#4
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	This is the tank and location.. The stand will be about 7" taller and the 19"x24" table surface will be on the front side of the tank. I should have the stand built by the end of next week. I'm building it in my brakes at work. __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

01/15/2015, 06:51 PM	#5
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	This thing of beauty is my inspiration!! I'm a fan of this as well __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

01/16/2015, 08:22 PM	#7
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	I hate not having a shop at home now.... I'm slowly getting the stand together. Taking my time making sure it's built right. I hate seeing all these beautiful builds and having a crappy 2x6 stand under my 75. This will be worthy of posting. __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

01/20/2015, 04:10 PM	#9
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	I would like to use all dry rock with a pvc sceleton but I'm starting to thing I might want to build it all artificial. Not sure how I'll do it. I learned a lot doing the foam wall and if I go with foam it should turn out looking a lot more natural second time around. Here is progress on the stand The top 4 sides are just sitting there. I ran out of time on brake and I'll glue and screw it all tomorrow. __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

01/15/2015, 05:09 PM	#2
adamv Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 56	Very interesting idea, I can't wait to see some pictures.

01/15/2015, 05:10 PM	#3
goby12345 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Pittsfield NH Posts: 77	Same here

01/15/2015, 09:29 PM	#6
adamv Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 56	That first tank is stunning. I like all the all the free space down on the sand.

01/17/2015, 11:40 AM	#8
Socalreef60 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Rancho Santa margarita, california Posts: 94	Cool idea with the cabinet extension w the table, nice looking tank, that was a great deal. Are you planning a PVC skeleton for the potential rock scaping? Or egg crate like your last build?

01/20/2015, 08:13 PM	#10
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	So basically I'll be adding some cross members and then the 40B will slide down inside. There will be 1/16" 3M foam padding lining the lower inside ledge (where the 40B sits) to help damper any vibrations as well as make a nice tight fit to close out the gaps. The structure you see here will be satin black and the top will be red/brown stained red oak. I would like to find some old barn boards to mill down but I'm not sure I'll find anything before I need the top done. __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

01/23/2015, 12:49 PM	#11
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	Basic structure is finished being assembled. I also found a really good example of the aquascape im looking to creat. I'll be getting ahold of marcorocks this weekend and placing an order. I have no idea the poundage I'll be needing. I was thinking 20 of the premium would be plenty and I'll just use some of my live rock as filler. __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

01/24/2015, 01:55 PM	#12
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	So this is the basic setup so far.. Now that the sump is test fitted I'll be pulling it out to paint everything. The stand will be satin black and I'll be painting the replacing the base trim on the tank with something that matches the stand a little better and the canopy. The top of the stand will be red oak with a dark stain in 2 pieces. The open bit in front of the tank will be removable for extra sump access. Even though I have 7" between the top rail and the top of the sump I figured that the removable table top would be nice. I'm still yet to figure out where to put all the electronics.. Didn't plan that bit out very well. __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

02/11/2015, 09:29 PM	#13
sam.basye Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 1,227	Clean setup! Looking forward to completion! How's the rock island going?? __________________ }<`SAM`;{°< Current Tank: 30 Cube build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2661418 26g Foam Rockwall build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2457621 Foam Wall

02/15/2015, 02:24 AM	#14
Hoopz87 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 414

02/24/2015, 05:20 PM	#15
sam.basye Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 1,227	Any updates??

10/27/2015, 06:24 AM	#16
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	IM BACK!!!! Fudge say like this for the better part of 6 months with some algae and a lawnmower in it. Then I let it sit with RODI foR a week and it's getting salt at some point this week __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

10/27/2015, 06:30 AM	#17
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	__________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

10/27/2015, 08:09 AM	#18
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	Everything got put on hold trying to get life back in line. Then summer rolled around and I didn't have much time for a new build. Winter is coming close and this is my favorite winter time hobby. I can't wait to add the salt mix and tie it into the fuge. My big question is... Do I just flip the valves open and add it to the fuge or should I cycle the dead rock in the display. The fuge is very healthy and full of life. I'm afraid that adding the display will start a bad cycle and nuke the fuge. __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

10/27/2015, 09:25 AM	#19
sam.basye Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 1,227	Glad to see you back! What do you think about doing a large water change from the fuge (~40-50%) and placing the discarded water in the display to try and speed up the cycle process? You would be adding a lot of beneficial bacteria to the display at a quicker rate than staying from nothing. That way they still aren't connected, but when you do open the valves to tie them together, the water difference won't be so drastic. __________________ }<`SAM`;{°< Current Tank: 30 Cube build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2661418 26g Foam Rockwall build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2457621 Foam Wall

10/27/2015, 09:29 AM	#20
anbosu Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 4,528	Since you used dry rock you should just be able to open the valve. It shouldn't cause a cycle, especially since you're not adding livestock to the display right away.

10/27/2015, 09:30 AM	#21
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	I was figuring I would kick it off by adding some of the live rock from the fuge. Doing a water swap would be a good idea. I'm set up to support a 125 gal system so with my RODI and mixing station I can make water changes pretty quick. If I take the water from the fuge. Replace it with clean salt mix and add the fuge water to the display that should help... __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

10/27/2015, 11:58 AM	#22
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	It's dry rock but all my old rock that just dried out. I have a good fresh water test kit so I think I'll test the RODI water that's in it now to see if there is any ammonia. If there is maybe I'll try to cycle it. If it's clean and clear i gues I'll just open the taps. __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

10/29/2015, 03:14 AM	#23
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	This is pretty exciting! RODI tested really clean after soaking for a week. I made salt mix but don't quite have enough salt. Time to go grab a bucket of Reef Crystals. I set it up with IO. Figured I wasn't adding corals yet and was going to do plenty of changes before corals. Not totally sure saving that $5 was necessary. Time to debate the drive to ThatPetPlace where they have EVERYTHING a reefer could dream of or petco where I'll will only ever buy salt. Might be a good idea to fight temptation and stick with petco. __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge.

10/29/2015, 03:41 AM	#24
Saltydrip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,826	We were scanning the forum last night looking for ideas but havnt found any much help with stock options for a tank of this size. I'm very limited I know with such a small tank. I'm thinking that we will be going with quality over quantity this time around. I'm a big fan of tangs and anthias but I know they are out of the picture. With my fuge the size it is I I'm confident that I'll be able to keep Mandarin no problem. My scape offered lots of room to swim entirely around the tank and offeres up many good hiding spots. So how would you stock it??? __________________ Current tank 48" 75g DT w/ 55g sump/fuge. Last edited by Saltydrip; 10/29/2015 at 03:50 AM.

10/29/2015, 12:28 PM	#25
upthehill Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: "Da Burg" Posts: 13	Love the build.. Question, I may be doing something similar, as far as Sump access goes in the near future.. Do you find it a pain in the rear not being able to fully access the Sump? are you able to just lift the table and top tank out of the way? Would be really cool if you had the slack in hoses and wires to just slide the table and top tank out into the room and have complete access to the sump..