27 Gallon Cube Build

[bluegrass_reef12]

Starting a 27 gallon cube build because you can never have enough reef tanks. Goal of the build is to be as simple as possible.

Built a diy wood stand out of 2 x 4s. Saved a bunch of money compared to buying the stand with the tank.

Looking for opinions on filtration and ATO.
- Would like to avoid having a sump, for simplicity
- Also do not want the glass top due to the annoying black hinge

Leaning towards the Tunze Comline 3162 because it has the space for the optical ATO sensor of the tunze 3155.

Or running an aquaclear 50/70 with the XP sumpless ATO.

Would it be possible to mount the tunze ATO directly into the tank?

 

[Peace River]

Not sure about the Tunze ATO, but congratulations on the new adventure!

@vetteguy53081 - any thoughts?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Starting a 27 gallon cube build because you can never have enough reef tanks. Goal of the build is to be as simple as possible.

Built a diy wood stand out of 2 x 4s. Saved a bunch of money compared to buying the stand with the tank.

Looking for opinions on filtration and ATO.
- Would like to avoid having a sump, for simplicity
- Also do not want the glass top due to the annoying black hinge

Leaning towards the Tunze Comline 3162 because it has the space for the optical ATO sensor of the tunze 3155.

Or running an aquaclear 50/70 with the XP sumpless ATO.

Would it be possible to mount the tunze ATO directly into the tank?

for this tank, the one i recommend due to small space requirements and performance is Duetto ATO

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

for this tank, the one i recommend due to small space requirements and performance is Duetto ATO

Does it have the ability to be mounted in the tank and maintain water level above trim?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Does it have the ability to be mounted in the tank and maintain water level above trim?

Yes

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Finished the stand. First time building one, think I did an alright job. Now to paint back of tank black.

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Made a DIY screen top and got the tank on the stand

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Noticed this small chip on tank once I got it onto the stand. Not sure how it got there, thinking it was there when I bought it. Looks superficial, so not too concerned about it. Still got some glass epoxy and filled the spot in.

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Got the light set up. XR15 Pro G5 with tank mount off Facebook marketplace. Got a great deal on it.

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Keeping it simple stupid with the classic AquaClear 50 and an Eheim 75W heater.

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Radion mount did not have spacer that is required for rimmed tanks. Couldn’t stand the sagging from the XR15 on the RMS. OCD took over and needed it level. So took some rubber gym flooring and cut a piece to fit in between spacer. Now light mount is level!

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Add water and sand! Also got a MP10 off Fb marketplace, doesn’t have mobius, but still works great. Thinking about moving it down another inch or two.

Added some bacteria to get the cycle started. Still have to pick up some live rock. Going to go with roughly 20lbs.

Used zip ties to wrangle the cords together better than just letting them hang there. Also need to keep them out of the way for the future ATO.

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Vortech running on reefcrest max speed around 70%

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Picked up some live rock from a local person. Got the scape set up. Tried to elevate larger pieces to make sure water flow got under to prevent detritus buildup. Got a leftover shelf piece, not sure if to incorporate or crush into smaller pieces to use as future frag attachments.

 

[Mr. Papita Frita]

Can’t wait to see more

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Proposed stocking list thus far…

- 2 Black Ocellaris Clowns
- 1 Royal Gramma
- 1 McCoskers Flasher Wrasse
- 1 Biota Angel (Unsure which one)

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

No black and white ocellaris clowns at the LFS. Picked up 2 regular ocellaris. Got different sizes to avoid any possible agression.

Just turned Radion on at 10%, hoping to avoid excessive algae growth but give the clowns some light.

 

[Project]

Proposed stocking list thus far…

- 2 Black Ocellaris Clowns
- 1 Royal Gramma
- 1 McCoskers Flasher Wrasse
- 1 Biota Angel (Unsure which one)

Five fishes should be pretty good for tank taht size.
But, Flasher wrasse and biota angel (Coral Beauty) are suggested for larger tanks. For replacement, you can get six-line wrasse and pigmy angel aka cherub angel. Both are suitable for nano tanks and awesome fishes with so much personalities. I am planning on getting six line once i get the top ready.

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Five fishes should be pretty good for tank taht size.
But, Flasher wrasse and biota angel (Coral Beauty) are suggested for larger tanks. For replacement, you can get six-line wrasse and pigmy angel aka cherub angel. Both are suitable for nano tanks and awesome fishes with so much personalities. I am planning on getting six line once i get the top ready.

I was thinking possibly the multi bar angel from biota. Not really a fish I need to have so I can live without any angel. That list above is sure to change lol.
If I was was to get an angel, my plan is to let it grow for a year then sell it. I’m sure a conditioned fish would sell quick and it’d be fun to watch it grow.

Six lines are great! Have had them in previous tanks and loved the activity.

 

[bluegrass_reef12]

Clowns swimming under moonlight