schgr.cube Posted July 24, 2015 Share Posted July 24, 2015 schg's "Petco Cubic" 3.7 gallon all in one cube Current full tank shot: More rock, new light, diatoms! (with updated aquascaping)August 2nd, 2015 Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted July 24, 2015 Author Share Posted July 24, 2015 Equipment: Tank: Petco Cubic 3.7 gallon AIO Lighting: Coral Compulsion Par30 18k (ordered) Heater: 50w Aqueon glass heater Flow: Stock pump, Koralia Nano (planned) Filtration: Stock foam sponge Fish: Hi-fin Red Banded Goby (planned)Invertebrates: Blue legged hermits (planned) Dwarf Ceriths (planned) Florida Ceriths (planned) Nassarius (planned) Small Nerites (planned) Porcelain crab (planned) Red striped pistol shrimp (planned) Coral: Unsure, mostly softies (planned) for nowBackstory:I have been on a long hiatus from aquariums, especially reef tanks. Many may not remember, but I had an ADA 30c here back in 2010 / 2011, and then later converted it into a planted tank. It has been a wish of mine to return to the reef scene, but I haven’t really had the funds to do it the way that I would like to. I have plans to eventually recreate my “hidden equipment” style that I began with the 30c, but want to do it on a larger scale, which I just cannot justify the cost of right now.So here I am, planning a small and simple tank, which I hope to have completely built and wet before August 1st, and for under $200. What is the rush? My brother passed away about 9 years ago, and every year on both his birthday and the day of his death, I would buy a small piece of coral. I would grow it out, frag it, and give a piece of it to someone whenever possible. His birthday is October 25th, and I hope to have this tank running and cycled before that day, so that I can begin this journey again.Index:1. The beginning. Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted July 24, 2015 Author Share Posted July 24, 2015 The beginning:I got some supplies, and am off to a great start! I was fortunate enough to have a friend who works at Petco that owed me a big favor, and purchased the aquarium, a big bag of Reef Crystals, an Aqueon 50w heater and a bag of CaribSea sand for me. I still gave him some money because I felt bad, but so far my total is only up to $40.If my budget was bigger, I was going to go with something a little closer to my ADA 30c, but I really wanted to keep the costs down on this up front. Less money up front, means more money for livestock!I have the tank leak testing right now (can’t ever trust an before testing after one bad experience), but tomorrow I will be making a few small modifications before filling it up for real. I will pick up some live rock as well, and can hopefully create a decent aqua scape. Stay tuned for (slow) updates! Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted July 26, 2015 Author Share Posted July 26, 2015 Small update; painted the sides where the filtration is, as I really wanted the display to be fairly subtle looking. I decided not to remove the plastic from the right side of the back chamber where the filters slide into, as I didn't want to have to replace the baffle it would be removing. I have someone making a custom media basket for me, but that will not be here for a little bit. Next, I filled the tank! I used about 5lbs of the Carib Sea sand, and 3lbs of Fiji live rock. I wasn't sure how much I was actually looking to put in here, but after throwing these pieces in it definitely looks like I could use another small piece or two. I will try to pick one up within the next few days as to not mess with the cycle too much. I also ordered a Coral Compulsion Par30 18k bulb, which should be here by Wednesday. (edited the picture, changed up the scape a bit and didn't want to post picture after picture of an almost empty tank. lol) Next will be waiting for the cycle start up, and I will probably add a small cleanup crew fairly soon. Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted July 26, 2015 Author Share Posted July 26, 2015 i like what i see here. Thanks! I am excited to get back into this. It's going to be hard waiting on this since I haven't had a tank in so long. Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted July 31, 2015 Author Share Posted July 31, 2015 After some discussion with the wife, and a few eBay sales that might result in some extra cash, it is possible that I may go a little more into this than I thought. It's possible I may just sell this off and buy an IM Fusion 10 and an AI Prime instead. I still have a custom media basket being made for this, so I'm wondering if anyone would buy the tank, coral compulsion light and media basket for close to full price? Anyone out there who doesn't have access to a Petco tank want to buy this? Link to comment
Justind823 Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 Hey there. I like the new setup but I see you're looking to upgrade already! You had that ADA with the center overflow right? Edit: Nevermind. Just read the first post. Glad to have you back! I always liked that tank. Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted August 1, 2015 Author Share Posted August 1, 2015 Like the scale. Thanks! I'm trying to make it look bigger than it is. Hey there. I like the new setup but I see you're looking to upgrade already! You had that ADA with the center overflow right?Edit: Nevermind. Just read the first post. Glad to have you back! I always liked that tank. Yes that was mine! I really loved that setup, but couldn't get it perfect and lost hope. I am going to try that concept again eventually, but on a bigger scale. And yes, I think I would like to have a larger tank so I can get some clowns again, I really miss having them and feel like a pico would cause me to try things I shouldn't be trying. Who knows. Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted August 1, 2015 Author Share Posted August 1, 2015 Also, got a bit more live rock. Still need to figure out the scape with all the new rock, but I think i got enough Diatoms have started: Put my tank up for sale / feeling things out a bit in the hardware classifieds, if anyone is interested let me know! http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/363898-feelerfs-petco-37-cubic-coral-compulsion-par30-18k/ Link to comment
Break Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 Looks good! Following this one. Rock seems a little high if you plan on putting livestock on the top of it -- evaporation is quick in this size tank with no lid. Speaking of no lid, nerites are awesome cleaners, but like to explore and can carry water in their shell, so they aren't afraid of leaving the water for a stroll. Just keep an eye out for them if you are forgoing a lid. I used to find them on the side of my Solana (and that had a glass lid!) Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share Posted August 2, 2015 Looks good! Following this one. Rock seems a little high if you plan on putting livestock on the top of it -- evaporation is quick in this size tank with no lid. Speaking of no lid, nerites are awesome cleaners, but like to explore and can carry water in their shell, so they aren't afraid of leaving the water for a stroll. Just keep an eye out for them if you are forgoing a lid. I used to find them on the side of my Solana (and that had a glass lid!) Thanks, I appreciate it! Rock has been changed, I had really just thrown the rock in there real quick before my wife and I went out to dinner, but I've had a chance to play with it a bit since. I'm not 100% happy, but I think it looks better. I do have a lit, I just don't have it on in pictures because it's kind of ugly. I'm trying to come up with a better solution to it. Hopefully that will help with evaporation and the snails when I get them. Link to comment
Break Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 In this size tank I highly suggest checking out dwarf planaxis snails. Normally, they are not cost effective cleaners for large tanks due to their size, but they are awesome cleaners in tiny tanks as they go just about everywhere (sand, rock, glass, under sand and rocks). You can order them off of Reef Cleaners Link to comment
neuwave Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 Welcome back. Long time no see. I knew the reefing itch would hit you again sooner or later. I'd say if you had the a little bit of extra funds go with the upgrade even if it was just a tad bigger. I know you like the ADA look with an unique aquascape. Either way looking forward to your new reef. Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted August 3, 2015 Author Share Posted August 3, 2015 In this size tank I highly suggest checking out dwarf planaxis snails. Normally, they are not cost effective cleaners for large tanks due to their size, but they are awesome cleaners in tiny tanks as they go just about everywhere (sand, rock, glass, under sand and rocks). You can order them off of Reef Cleaners Yeah, I was looking at getting some of them. I need to create an order with reef cleaners this week. I was waiting to see how things went with upgrading. Welcome back. Long time no see. I knew the reefing itch would hit you again sooner or later. I'd say if you had the a little bit of extra funds go with the upgrade even if it was just a tad bigger. I know you like the ADA look with an unique aquascape. Either way looking forward to your new reef. Thanks! It's so funny being back here and remembering so many people, this really is a great community. I feel like you haven't changed your avatar in years lol. I definitely want to, but it mostly hinges on me selling my current tank. We will see what happens. Link to comment
neuwave Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Thanks! It's so funny being back here and remembering so many people, this really is a great community. I feel like you haven't changed your avatar in years lol. I definitely want to, but it mostly hinges on me selling my current tank. We will see what happens. LoL. I know I've been meaning to change my avatar. Only thing I've changed in my profile is my location moving from Orlando to Tampa. Also changed my tank to a rimless 60XL Solana. Look forward to your tank bro. Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted August 6, 2015 Author Share Posted August 6, 2015 LoL. I know I've been meaning to change my avatar. Only thing I've changed in my profile is my location moving from Orlando to Tampa. Also changed my tank to a rimless 60XL Solana. Look forward to your tank bro. haha oh nice, I forgot you were in Orlando too. I've moved about 4 times since I was in Orlando, and finally got back to Maryland. I love Solanas, super sexy. But, good news and bad news: I pulled the trigger on an Innovative Marine Fusion 10 tonight, so this tank will not be long lived. I'll probably just end up creating a new thread instead of changing everything for this one. I can at least let this thread exist since there is almost no information and pictures available for this online. Link to comment
neuwave Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 haha oh nice, I forgot you were in Orlando too. I've moved about 4 times since I was in Orlando, and finally got back to Maryland. I love Solanas, super sexy. But, good news and bad news: I pulled the trigger on an Innovative Marine Fusion 10 tonight, so this tank will not be long lived. I'll probably just end up creating a new thread instead of changing everything for this one. I can at least let this thread exist since there is almost no information and pictures available for this online. Ya, I was living downtown Orlando and driving to Tampa for school. It was taxing on me, my car and my sanity. So quit my job and moved to Tampa to finish my degree. When I got here, found a killer deal on the 60XL Solana for around $285. No scratches and since I needed a bit more room for my Japanese swallowtail angel so it was a no brainer. I'm actually in the process of making a new scape. I've been playing around with reef safe cement, epoxy, large metal files (for rounding edges), drills, Dremel and a chisel. I've seen so many similar aquascapes over the years that I needed to experiment with different layouts. I'm trying to go way out of the box. Nice pick on the Innovative Marine, I think that has more of your style. Rimless with sleek lines. I would create a new thread as well when the new tank is ready. Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted August 7, 2015 Author Share Posted August 7, 2015 Ya, I was living downtown Orlando and driving to Tampa for school. It was taxing on me, my car and my sanity. So quit my job and moved to Tampa to finish my degree. When I got here, found a killer deal on the 60XL Solana for around $285. No scratches and since I needed a bit more room for my Japanese swallowtail angel so it was a no brainer. I'm actually in the process of making a new scape. I've been playing around with reef safe cement, epoxy, large metal files (for rounding edges), drills, Dremel and a chisel. I've seen so many similar aquascapes over the years that I needed to experiment with different layouts. I'm trying to go way out of the box. Nice pick on the Innovative Marine, I think that has more of your style. Rimless with sleek lines. I would create a new thread as well when the new tank is ready. Damn that is a great deal! I wouldn't have been able to pass that up either, lol. Yeah, I hear you about the aqua scape, I have some big plans for when I finally decide to redo the concept I did on the ADA, but I want to keep things simple on whatever I end up doing now. I feel like I haven't given myself the chance to just have a "normal" reefing experience. But once I feel like I can build it 100% as I would like to, you better believe I am going to make a completely invisible equipment reef. I already have a great stand for it. And I started the new build, so from now on you can direct your attention here. Sorry everyone for being a tad indecisive. Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted August 17, 2015 Author Share Posted August 17, 2015 Tank is fully broken down now, and for sale: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/363898-fs-37g-pico-starter-kit-with-par30-media-rack-sand-heater/ Link to comment
joshd Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Tank is fully broken down now, and for sale: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/363898-fs-37g-pico-starter-kit-with-par30-media-rack-sand-heater/ I realize you took this tank down but loved the little setup. I've been thinking about buying this tank as well. Wondering how well it did for you in the short amount of time you had it up. Also, when you painted the sides black, did you paint the inside or outside, and do you recall the type of paint you used? Thanks Link to comment
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