Rimless 1ft cube

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Hi guys, I have started a new 1ft cube with internal sump

here's what it started with

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aquascaping in progress...

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Dawn/dusk effect with the LEDs

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oh yes i am using this pico evolution 1000 pump... any bros/sis who are familiar with this type of setup? is this strong enough it moves about 260gal/hr in my tank... but apparently the sump water level is a few centimeters below the main tank's. this impedes the surface skimmer from working isit because of the fact that my pump is too slow or is there some other reason? i feel that its too slow as i have 2 water intakes in this tank... any bros/sis who can share experience would be greatly appreciated

[harman]

Nice tan broo

[tunicate]

260gal/hr should be more than sufficient for a 7.4gal tank you have. I could not see the 2nd water intake from your pic, but I assume it is lower near your sand bed? To get water draining out from the 1st intake to skim water surface, just restrict water flow on the 2nd lower intake. You can do this by placing a flat piece of plastic partially over the intake. Logically, if your fully cover the 2nd intake, all the water will be routed to the 1st & overflow into sump.

[Vlamingi_cont]

Nice tan broo

Thanks bro!

[Vlamingi_cont]

260gal/hr should be more than sufficient for a 7.4gal tank you have. I could not see the 2nd water intake from your pic, but I assume it is lower near your sand bed? To get water draining out from the 1st intake to skim water surface, just restrict water flow on the 2nd lower intake. You can do this by placing a flat piece of plastic partially over the intake. Logically, if your fully cover the 2nd intake, all the water will be routed to the 1st & overflow into sump.

I've already done that.. but noticed that i have not covered the whole bottom intake i have soon remedied it and it seems to work well!

[bugattilambo]

So Hows your tank bro? very curious does that blocking of the bottom inlet works for you?

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So Hows your tank bro? very curious does that blocking of the bottom inlet works for you?

it seems to work for awhile but the process seem to be slow...

[tunicate]

it seems to work for awhile but the process seem to be slow...

In that case, I suspect there is a leak between the glass & your black color rear plastic baffle. Your filtration effectiveness will be compromised. Dry out the tank & re-silicon, taking the opportunity to seal off the lower intake.

[Vlamingi_cont]

In that case, I suspect there is a leak between the glass & your black color rear plastic baffle. Your filtration effectiveness will be compromised. Dry out the tank & re-silicon, taking the opportunity to seal off the lower intake.

That will be alot of work... How about adding a stronger return pump? will it remedy the issue? or i will just settle with one of these JBJ modular surface skimmer?

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Here's after about 5 days of cycling as of 13 May... Surprisingly, there are no nuisance algae growth... yet! means my cycle is still not working...

From this photo you guys can get a better idea of the unsightly surface scum... it sure does look ugly :/ going to remain this way until i find a remedy for it...

[tunicate]

Water circulation for typical reef tank is 10 to 20X its volume. Your 1ft cube works out to about 7.1gal. i.e. 71 to 142gal/hr. That's why I said your current 260gal/hr pump is more than sufficient. I wouldn't be able to sleep well if I suspect there's something not right with my tank. Actually, temporarily removing the sand & rock is not too bad since you've not started deploying LS.

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here's a closer look to the water level... is the difference enough for a surface skimming to happen? white line (sump) level, black line (display level)

[Vlamingi_cont]

Water circulation for typical reef tank is 10 to 20X its volume. Your 1ft cube works out to about 7.1gal. i.e. 71 to 142gal/hr. That's why I said your current 260gal/hr pump is more than sufficient. I wouldn't be able to sleep well if I suspect there's something not right with my tank. Actually, temporarily removing the sand & rock is not too bad since you've not started deploying LS.

but will it interrupt my cycling stage?

[tunicate]

Yes, as long as water is flowing thru' the upper intake grill, you are surface skimming. The surface scum you mentioned could be due to oil residue from machine manufacturing of new pump equipment & tank parts. It should go away after subsequent water changes.

[Vlamingi_cont]

Yes, as long as water is flowing thru' the upper intake grill, you are surface skimming. The surface scum you mentioned could be due to oil residue from machine manufacturing of new pump equipment & tank parts. It should go away after subsequent water changes.

So i can leave it as it is? I have also read about die offs which floats to the surface and cause the scum.. maybe after the cycling period, i will try changing water with a cup tilted at an angle and scooping out all those nasty stuffs. Thanks bro for the advice

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Diatoms are starting to bloom! Seems like cycle finally fueled

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Even on the rocks!

[bugattilambo]

Yep I totally agree with bro tunicate there might be a leak between the black partition and the sump that's why your water level wouldn't drop!

Hmm wow the algae are blomming like mad now I suggest there is no need to turn on your lights during your cycling stage?

Remember to test the parameters also!

[Vlamingi_cont]

Yep I totally agree with bro tunicate there might be a leak between the black partition and the sump that's why your water level wouldn't drop!

Hmm wow the algae are blomming like mad now I suggest there is no need to turn on your lights during your cycling stage?

Remember to test the parameters also!

Latest test result... The nitrite (NO2) is 0.5ppm O_O another week maybe?

[bugattilambo]

Hmm I would leave it for 3 more weeks maybe?

[ahdon_80]

Any updates of your 1ft tank?

Quite curious...

I also have the same tank as you. 1ft x 1ft x 1ft with built-in overflow

I setup once but find that the sliding plastic flitration is not so good. No aeration or water flow.

I re-silicon it till all water proofed...

[Vlamingi_cont]

Any updates of your 1ft tank?

Quite curious...

I also have the same tank as you. 1ft x 1ft x 1ft with built-in overflow

I setup once but find that the sliding plastic flitration is not so good. No aeration or water flow.

I re-silicon it till all water proofed...

Hi bro, all's well recent test shows that i have completed cycle with 0 ammonia and nitrite... Nitrate however is hovering about 5-10ppm.. just did a partial water change and added some green/orange chalice and a green plate