White Biocube 32 (DIY Heavy)

[Sully32]

Hi all! I have been a long time lurker on here, but I have never created a build thread. I just recently downsized, and I decided to make a build thread for my new setup.

I have kept tanks in one form or another for my entire life basically after having a Goldfish tank as a young child. I started keeping corals in a 55 gallon mixed reef when I was 13. I have now been keeping reef tanks for 17+ years.

I just downsized from this 90 gallon to a Biocube 32:

Biocube 32 setup list:
• Aquamaxx NF-1 protein skimmer
• Jebao DCP-2500 return pump
• Inkbird temp controller with 100w Titanium Finnex and 100w Eheim Jager heaters
• Tunze Nano ATO with 20 gallon reservoir
• Tunze Kalkwasser Dispenser
• DIY Chaeto Reactor
• Ecotech MP10MQD with Leafgreen Solutions Nem Guard
• Ecotech Radion XR30

 

[Sully32]

We wanted something to match our decor/color scheme so leaving the Biocube black wasn't an option.

First thing was to prep the stand and tank trim for white paint:

I wanted the return chamber water level to be higher to hold my heaters and to help quiet the water trickling noise. I cut a piece of acrylic to silicone into place. Don't mind the messy silicone job. I didn't take my time as it wouldn't be seen anyway.

 

[Sully32]

I bought a Gen 3 Radion with upgraded Mobius chip. I plastidipped the lens cover white so that it would match the tank. I made an aluminum mount for it with slots so that it can be adjusted up or down. My friend runs a fabrication shop so I had him make me an aluminum shade for the light. I gave it a swirled brushed finish to match some other metal pieces we have in our house.

 

[Sully32]

I made a cover for the tank out of window screen frame, acrylic cut to match the curve of the tank, and clear mesh. I don't have a picture of it alone right now, but you can somewhat see it in this picture:

I also started making an acrylic cover for the rear chambers. I wanted it to be more low profile, but we decided that taller was better than having it shorter with a hole cut for the protein skimmer.

 

[Sully32]

I ended up trimming a bunch of the aio plastic out of the first chamber to get an Aquamaxx NF-1 to fit. It now fits almost perfectly. I am going to drill and add an overflow drain on the collection cup soon.

The middle chamber is completely packed full of rubble from my 90 gallon. I bought a roll of felt and cut it into the right size to use as makeshift filter socks. I also used a couple layers of egg crate to raise the felt up higher.

 

[Sully32]

The Jebao return pump was too big for the return chamber, and it also didn't come with an adapter small enough to run the Chaeto reactor. I did a bit of modifying to get things working correctly.

 

[Sully32]

My 20 gallon ATO reservoir is in the entry way closet behind the tank. I had to move the pipe and hoses/wiring coming through the wall. I still have to sand the mud, texture, and paint the patch.

I also started adding white silicone to hide the black silicone on the tank. I have a bit left to do.

 

[Sully32]

Rear chamber cover is primed:

 

[Sully32]

Rear chamber cover is painted and ready to use. I also added brushed handles to the stand.

 

[Sully32]

I asked Ecotech about adding a thin layer of white plastidip to the MP10 dry side to help it blend in. They couldn't give me an answer since they obviously don't coat and test their products with it.

I am working on selling my corals and going with only anemones. The back wall will have Monti cap on it though.

 

[Sully32]

Temporary holding for my clown pair, anemones, and corals during the build and transfer:

 

[Sully32]

Finally getting the texture fixed up and ready for paint.

ATO hose and wires coming from the closet.

 

[Sully32]

Better picture of the lid.

 

[Sully32]

Added an overflow drain to the protein skimmer collection cup. This is mostly for extended periods away from the tank.

 

[rmorris_14]

Super cool! love the white and wish ours was as well Following!

 

[Salty2021]

Got that same skimmer. Does the cup just pull off?

 

[Bob Weigant]

That is the nicest bio cube Ive seen. Great job

 

[wpeterson]

What a great build so far. Nice work on the paint.

 

[Sully32]

Got that same skimmer. Does the cup just pull off?

Yes, the cup just pulls off. It fits extremely tight. I added some faucet grease to the neck which makes it slide on and off a little easier.

 

[Sully32]

This is slightly over a week after harvesting. I left only a golf ball sized chunk in there. So the reactor is working well, I would say.