Atticu's Rimless 7.5gal Cube-X

[Atticus27]

Hello fellow reefers! I've been doing freshwater aquariums for years and have decided to head on over towards reefing. I've been doing quite some research on this hobby and I feel like it has dragged me deeper in the hole. What I've listed are just some of the ideas and stocks I'm planning to use. As my first time reefing, please feel free to interrupt me and suggest what you think will work best for me. Since I'm currently going through school at this moment as a nursing student, gathering equipment and supplies has been a slow journey due to financial issues so bear with me as my Cubical begin it's growing journey. With what new equipment I get, I'll be uploading pictures and updates as to where my project is going.

Tank: DBP Rimless 12x12x12 7.5 gallon cube
Light: Par38 LED w. Ikea lamp fixture
Biological Filter: 1-1 1/2 inch live sand, 7-8lb live rock
Mechanical Filter: AC50 mod with fuge, carbon?, filter floss, chaeto
Heater: 50W
Circulation Pump: Koralia Nano 240 gph
Test Kit: API Saltwater Master Test Kit
SG/salinity: Refractometer
Corals: Zoas/palys/mushrooms
Fauna: 1 clown, snails as CuC


Beginner's steps: Once I begin the cycling process, I'll be leaving my Par38 light for a maximum of 3-4 hours per day. I'm currently still unsure about how long to leave the light on for for my modded AC50, input would be great! Meanwhile, I'll be keeping you guys updated on my ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and pH fluctuations. As for water change, I'll stick with topping off after I read somewhere water changes aren't recommended during the cycling process. If someone can confirm this, that would be nice!

 

[lowbudget]

hope your house is pretty cool or chiller or fans cause 7 gallon with ambient temp over 80-90 your tank might not fair well but welcome

 

[trippinsting]

what light fixture are you using for the ac50?

 

[Atticus27]

what light fixture are you using for the ac50?

Planning to use a 13watt compact

 

[magik626]

:21: alan, cant wait to see it up and running!!

 

[Atticus27]

:21: alan, cant wait to see it up and running!!

Thanks! Me too!! I'm excited!

 

[Atticus27]

My API Test kit just came in today and I went to my LFS to get myself a AC50! I'm ready to mod it! What would you suggest me put in the filter as I'm cycling the tank? Filter floss with chaeto only or filter floss with carbon?

 

[Atticus27]

I took a trip to Ikea to grab a cheap light fixture ($10) for my par38! What do you guys think, with the hood or without the hood? The fixture will be 10-12inches above the tank level. I clamped the lamp on the side of my stand but I'm also deciding if I should screw it on the headboard of my bed beside the wall so it doesn't look so tacky. FYI, the light is just a CFL stock bulb that came with the package. I haven't receive my par38 LED yet.

 

[giantmidget]

wow. this is seriously almost identical to the build i was planning on doing. we even have the same bed frame and shelf lol. i'm looking forward to seeing your progress. what par38s did you end up going with? i personally think it looks better with the hood.

 

[Atticus27]

wow. this is seriously almost identical to the build i was planning on doing. we even have the same bed frame and shelf lol. i'm looking forward to seeing your progress. what par38s did you end up going with? i personally think it looks better with the hood.

Hey! not only do we have the same bed frame but our name's are the same too! wow, my lost brother?!
I decided to ditch this 7.5gal and go with a mr.aqua 12gallon long. it's too long for the table so I had to add an extra 2 inches on the end. I'll be posting up a picture soon. The light is a par38 full spec with 60 degrees.

 

[Digitalfreq]

cool, another SGV reefer.. we need more around here.