My journey in custom made 2ft cube with sump

[vincentwangz]

Some of you were asking me if it was possible to have a functional sump with a two feet tank and cabinet. Thanks to the experts at Aquarium Artists, it is very possible. I like their design, which pushes the water is a U shape so that space is maximized. Here are some pictures as an example. A disclaimer, I have not made it neat, so please excuse all the messy wiring.

This is what it looks like from the front. Basically the sump takes up the entire cabinet space.


This is how it looks from the top.


Top left is the downflow compartment, with the piping below water level so there is absolutely no bubbles to worry about. Water is filtered through with a 7" nylon sock with a 200 micron insert that I change every week.


Top right is the skimmer / reactor compartment. Am using the Omega 'washing machine' reactor. Totally able to fit. I like it better than the usual long reactors cos they don't tumble as well.


Bottom left is the special compartment that was designed with marinepure in mind. Fits one marinepure block nicely. I also left a bag of rowaphos there to deal with my impossible phosphates situation as I'm using tap water. Will move towards RODI water soon.


Finally bottom right is the return pump compartment which is very spacious as you can see. I placed a bag of bacteria king there as well as an OF Hydra 30 there just to ensure the water is further purified. Gotta think of a better way to use this space though. Was thinking of doing an algae scrubber here although many people say it's very troublesome.

Let me know what you think about how I can further improve! If you're wondering, I have a dosing pump but have yet to finish setting it up.


Sofishticated Friend

[Darren Sim]

Looking good ! 🏻


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[vincentwangz]

Aquarium Custom Tank by Aquarium Artist parameters are:

Temperature: 26
Salinity: 1.025
Ammonia, NH4: 0
Nitrate, NO3: 5
Nitrite, NO2: 0
Alkalinity, KH: 125
Calcium, Ca: 450
Phosphate, PO4: 1
Magnesium, Mg: 1,250

for date: September 18, 2016]

[dr evil]

with 2 xf130, you can get the new XF230 controller which have alot of functions...

[vincentwangz]

Haha u are really Dr evil leh so poisonous haha. But I am using one crossflow by Jebao and one Gyre. Kekekeke.


Sofishticated Friend

[dr evil]

4 minutes ago, vincentwangz said:

Haha u are really Dr evil leh so poisonous haha. But I am using one crossflow by Jebao and one Gyre. Kekekeke.


Sofishticated Friend

[vincentwangz]

I've finally managed to reduce my phosphates with rowaphos, but looking at long term solutions by using DI filters and maybe a phosban reactor to get it constantly under control. The question I have for the experienced ones here is, how do you start your sps collection? Before you eye that beautiful Millie and Valida, how do you know where to place it and what it is compatible with?


Sofishticated Friend

[Daniel Poh Yang Zheng]

start with the bird nest to the digi..then to the acro..then on n on.. if space is a constrain.. try frag pieces so that u can put more


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[Daniel Poh Yang Zheng]

where to place is to knw how is ur lighting level.. birdnest is usually lower light demand.. so can put lower


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[vincentwangz]

Thanks for the tips Daniel! How about the rest of the Shifus?


Sofishticated Friend

[hammy]

Wow bro. Loving that group of fishes choice. Now I'm thinking whether to comm a group of chromis in my tank.

By the way we have the same tank maker.


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[Harlequinmania]

Best is to get some easy frag from reefer to " test " water before jumping in fully into the "dark side " haha..

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[Darren Sim]

I've finally managed to reduce my phosphates with rowaphos, but looking at long term solutions by using DI filters and maybe a phosban reactor to get it constantly under control. The question I have for the experienced ones here is, how do you start your sps collection? Before you eye that beautiful Millie and Valida, how do you know where to place it and what it is compatible with?


Sofishticated Friend

Best is get a frag as what larry mentioned and play around with different areas. If too strong then it will start bleaching and pe won't come out. You need to put it somewhere that pe extending and color is still maintaining.


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[Shan Shan]

Nice clam! I like the colour so much!


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[yukok.lim08]

Wah damn tempting coral. This is the direction i shall aim for my nano tank. Keep lots coral lol


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[vincentwangz]

Thanks guys for reading! Did another rescape this time. I enjoy slowly adding rockwork. That will help me appreciate the features of my Scape over a period of time. Here are some pics to share. Lately my focus is on getting my water right. Finding the right dosing frequency, reducing phosphates, and doing gradual water replacement method. Hoping it will make my investment in SPS more sustainable.


This is what my rock work looks like now. Setting up various spaces for coral gardens to populate the rock.


A closeup of my blastosimmus bought from Fresh n Marine, some say that is my favorite LFS. I don't deny it!


Used a yellow filter to bring out the colors more. Happy that it works!




Itchy hand went to buy blueberry sea fan. Now I need to dose iodine daily and also trace elements. Sigh. But happy with the look of the coral.


Signing off with the signature onyx clown! Happy Reefing!


Sofishticated Friend

[Admiraltian]

Looks u r also slowly loving this hobby more too!!

[Zoaslover]

Nice setup!

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[teck4300]

Nice scape..

[vincentwangz]

Thanks guys for ur continued interest! Here's the latest addition of a purple tang bought from Iwarna! As of yesterday it was eating pellets and mysis. I think it eats the nori too. Hoping there will not be any ick manifesting soon!




Sofishticated Friend

[Hilmi21]

Nice bro

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[sommet]

Nice bro


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[vincentwangz]

Aquarium Custom Tank by Aquarium Artist parameters are:

Temperature: 26
Salinity: 1.025
Ammonia, NH4: 0
Nitrate, NO3: 5
Nitrite, NO2: 0
pH: 7.8
Alkalinity, KH: 125
Calcium, Ca: 470
Phosphate, PO4: 0.2
Magnesium, Mg: 1,290

for date: October 8, 2016


Sofishticated Friend

[vincentwangz]

My Ca, KH and Mg values are not ideal yet. Need to readjust my dosing.


Sofishticated Friend

[Darren Sim]

Kh 125? Or 12.5?


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