SCA 50 Cube Build Thread
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Thanks
So far idk if i could recommend it or not with the results I have seen. This is my first attempt at trying to run a Fuge with Chaeto so it could also be user error. I have lost about 75% of the Chaeto I placed in there a few weeks ago.
I also have had an awful time keeping it to stay put so I would say 20% of that ended up getting sucked up through the return pump and into my display. I think the sump could benefit from some sort of plastic add on baffle that you see on some of these aftermarket sumps. A baffle that resembles the front of our SCA overflows. I think that would help catch some of it before it reached the return chamber.
Thanks to help from my wife. Finally got the BRS 5 Stage installed in the laundry room. I added on the gauge but still a few leak drops even with the plumbing tape so have to figure that out.
Also have the dual line TDS meter that needs to be installed. For now I am just testing with my handheld meter until that is done.
I seem to be getting right at 40 PSI on the pressure gauge. Recommended for this unit is 50-80 so not sure what to do about that. It seems to be putting out water at a great rate though. Way faster than the RO Buddie I had.
Also have the dual line TDS meter that needs to be installed. For now I am just testing with my handheld meter until that is done.
I seem to be getting right at 40 PSI on the pressure gauge. Recommended for this unit is 50-80 so not sure what to do about that. It seems to be putting out water at a great rate though. Way faster than the RO Buddie I had.
TheStrangler
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Very nice setup, I've got the 50G SCA and the Hydra 32HD as well, and man was the light a pain. I got the flex arm for it in the first place because I read that it was interchangeable but required a different C bracket to hold the light if you got the model designed for the 26HD by mistake. I found one that was called the "new" flex arm, but it wasn't the right size. I contacted AI and asked where I could purchase the larger bracket, but was told to just buy the HMS single arm mounting kit. Fantastic waste of $70.
How do you like the Jebao DCT4000? I've got the pump that came with the 50 gallon cube setup, and while not terrible it does have a hum that I'd like to cut down on a bit if possible. Does the DCT4000 have enough power for the tank and is it any quieter?
I may have missed it, but if you are still looking for a refugium light, I picked up a really nice deal on the Kessil H350 here https://growershouse.com/kessil-h350-led-grow-light-350-purple I haven't gotten around to setting it up but I've read good things, and for the price I couldn't pass it up. The purple seems to be favorable over the magenta, but I believe they are the same price if that suits your fancy.
How do you like the Jebao DCT4000? I've got the pump that came with the 50 gallon cube setup, and while not terrible it does have a hum that I'd like to cut down on a bit if possible. Does the DCT4000 have enough power for the tank and is it any quieter?
I may have missed it, but if you are still looking for a refugium light, I picked up a really nice deal on the Kessil H350 here https://growershouse.com/kessil-h350-led-grow-light-350-purple I haven't gotten around to setting it up but I've read good things, and for the price I couldn't pass it up. The purple seems to be favorable over the magenta, but I believe they are the same price if that suits your fancy.
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Thanks!
This has def been one of the more frustrating things so far. I tried mounting the correct way, and if you saw earlier in my build thread the light ended up taking a tumble and chipping the corner of the tank. Somehow it avoided falling into the tank. For now I have it mounted in reverse so that the tightening bolt is on the outside of the overflow. It works, but I would rather have it the correct way as I see a lit. On page 3 of my build thread @JC50g has the same tank and light. He was able to cut some of the bolt down to make it fit correctly. I still need to try this myself.
The DCT4000 has been great. I had adapter issues with the PH2500 and never even hooked it up. May use it to mix saltwater with, or have it around as a back up. The 4000 is dead silent and being able to control flow, and pause for feeding is excellent. I have tried turning it up close to max and all it does is cause a big sandstorm. Right now i think i have it at the 18 watts setting. So with that and one Jebao SOW-8 (50%) i think its enough flow. I am still trying to figure out the flow thing though because I have had the SOW-8 mounted everywhere on this tank, and so far I like it on the right side glass.
I have a cheap ACKE grow light from amazon. The reviews were positive, but so far my Chaeto that I put in is almost gone. I am not sure if its the light itself, or the Chaeto not getting enough nutrients.
Keep me updated on your build. I like to see the other builds of this tank. I am def around for questions, and always looking for tips myself on what I can improve.
Been a few months so thought it might be time for a few updates.
- Had issues during a cleaning session and dropped my Jebao wave maker controller in the sump. I had planned to get another SOW-8, but when this happened i scrapped that plan. I ended up buying two of the Jebao SLW 20's instead. These are considered to Nero 5 clones. So far I am liking them, and able to run them in master/slave mode.
- Switched salts from regular IO to Fritz RPM Blue. I have only so far changed out 10 gallons, but so far so good. I plan to do another 10 gallons at some point this weekend.
Two big problems i am facing right now is a big Cyano outbreak and issues with my second skimmer pump.
The cyano i am just trying to cure with some water changes, but may end up having to try a product to get it cleared up
As far as the skimmer. I am still using the SCA 301 which works fine but the pumps on these things are the worst. I am on my second pump and within 1 month it was doing the exact same thing. It gets to a point where it is so loud you can't even run it while you are in the room. Needless to say I am in the market to upgrade this skimmer so if anyone has any thoughts on what skimmer will work with these sumps then let me know. I have been looking at the Bubble Magus 5 and the Reef Octo 110 SSS.
- Had issues during a cleaning session and dropped my Jebao wave maker controller in the sump. I had planned to get another SOW-8, but when this happened i scrapped that plan. I ended up buying two of the Jebao SLW 20's instead. These are considered to Nero 5 clones. So far I am liking them, and able to run them in master/slave mode.
- Switched salts from regular IO to Fritz RPM Blue. I have only so far changed out 10 gallons, but so far so good. I plan to do another 10 gallons at some point this weekend.
Two big problems i am facing right now is a big Cyano outbreak and issues with my second skimmer pump.
The cyano i am just trying to cure with some water changes, but may end up having to try a product to get it cleared up
As far as the skimmer. I am still using the SCA 301 which works fine but the pumps on these things are the worst. I am on my second pump and within 1 month it was doing the exact same thing. It gets to a point where it is so loud you can't even run it while you are in the room. Needless to say I am in the market to upgrade this skimmer so if anyone has any thoughts on what skimmer will work with these sumps then let me know. I have been looking at the Bubble Magus 5 and the Reef Octo 110 SSS.
45ZoaGarden
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Reef octo is better than the BM. I would get a Nyos 120 or a regal 150 ss. The regal is one of the best out there ime.
