My first cube tank

Thereefdoc · Dec 26, 2020

I also set acquired two 55 gallon blue barrels for future use as a saltwater mixing station. I filled one with rodi for now so it’s ready when needed.

stylolvr · Dec 26, 2020

What waterproof primer are you using? I went with a couple thick coats of Killz inspire and will be using interior trim paint on the outside of mine. Never used Killz on a stand, but love it for bathrooms and under kitchen sinks!

LBReefer · Dec 26, 2020

Following along. I've definitely learned the hard way about triple checking. I would also recommend do everything you can to level the top perfectly. I had a bit of warping it took a lot of work go get it worked out.

You may also want to invest in a mat to make up for any imperfections.

Thereefdoc · Dec 26, 2020

stylolvr said:
What waterproof primer are you using? I went with a couple thick coats of Killz inspire and will be using interior trim paint on the outside of mine. Never used Killz on a stand, but love it for bathrooms and under kitchen sinks!

I’m using killz also, the 3 premium outdoor primer. I’m also going to add something else to make it more water proof. I haven’t figured out what that something is yet. I’ve never used it before on a stand either but have some from when I used it in my house.

Thereefdoc · Dec 26, 2020

LBReefer said:
Following along. I've definitely learned the hard way about triple checking. I would also recommend do everything you can to level the top perfectly. I had a bit of warping it took a lot of work go get it worked out.

You may also want to invest in a mat to make up for any imperfections

What did you do for the warping? What caused it?

I was actually planning on it. Any specific type you recommend?

LBReefer · Dec 30, 2020

Thereefdoc said:
What did you do for the warping? What caused it?

I was actually planning on it. Any specific type you recommend?

My inexact measuring and using imperfect wood caused the warping. I had to recur some of the support braces.

For the mat, I went to a local specialty store that my LFS pointed me to.

Thereefdoc · Dec 30, 2020

LBReefer said:
My inexact measuring and using imperfect wood caused the warping. I had to recur some of the support braces.

For the mat, I went to a local specialty store that my LFS pointed me to.

I tried to measure everything exact but I’m certain some of the stand is off.

revhtree · Dec 30, 2020

Nice build so far!

Thereefdoc · Dec 30, 2020

revhtree said:
Nice build so far!

Thanks. It means a lot coming from you! I will make sure to keep this one updated.

KevPool · Jan 7, 2021

Nice job it is looking great.

Thereefdoc · Jan 7, 2021

KevPool said:
Nice job it is looking great.

Thanks! I’ll keep you updated!

Thereefdoc · Apr 14, 2021

Everything is in place. The white yoga mat is going to be cut so none of it is showing. I’m working on the plumbing and can’t decide where the back up drain should drain into. The return pump chamber or the filter sock chamber? Any suggestions?

I’ve also committed to raising an octopus in this tank. I sourced a very young, small bimac octopus from California. The tank will also house some soft corals, mushrooms and maybe a kelp forest...I’m still thinking about that part.