RandoReefer's dream 93g Cube. (1 Viewer)

[RandoReefer]

I've always been attracted to cube tanks and have hours viewing hundreds of 93gal tank builds and setups. To me, 93g dimensions seemed to offer the best bang-for-buck as far as aquascaping and future coral growth, as well as being able to stash a decent amount of equipment underneath within the stand.

Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to order my dream cube tank through a local Kansas City LFS, for a bit of store credit and a few bucks. I knew I wanted three viewing sides, so corner overflows were a NO-GO. I also wanted to go rimless because, well come on, its rimless! :biglaugh2:

So, now that I'm moved and getting settled, I sought out a stand builder and was happily surprised to learn that jLanger has had a successful history in that field!

With that... Pictures. :dance:


Tank Topdown

Tank Side

 

[RandoReefer]

Jason and I started our journey for my stand based off of my cherry wood bar's design. I thought it would be neat to copy its layout and Jason more than surprised me with his attention to detail and his strive to match it perfectly.

Cherry Bar:

After some conversations about dimensions and "wants", Jason was able to sketch up this.

Tank Sketch:

 

[RandoReefer]

With my excitement at MAX, Jason started the build.

From the very beginning of this project I've been very impressed with his approach and attention to my wishes. Yet, after receiving these initial build pictures I instantly became a Super Fan of Jason's work! Just amazing workmanship and quality!

Tank Stand Skeleton (raw).

Tank Stand Skeleton (Primed/Painted).

Tank Stand Skinned (Trimmed).

Tank Stand Skinned (Inside corner).

 

[RandoReefer]

A couple of weeks later, and after some more detailed pictures from me, Jason sent me another set of pictures.

I couldn't believe how exact he had created the base and top trim in comparison with my bar! I couldn't stop showing this thing off to my friends, who also became instant fans of Jason's work. (And quite jealous of me )


Tank Stand Front.

Tank Stand Front.

Tank Stand Front/Side.

Tank Stand Side.

 

[RandoReefer]

With the recent holiday, we've had to wait for the doors to arrive. This allowed for some extra time to draw up ideas for equipment placement under the stand.

I wanted a shelf, with side access, in order to mount all the various equipment drivers, dosing pumps, and electricals.

So here's where we stand today. I finally got some time to layout my equipment and make some measurements for the equipment shelf/panel.

This will be accessed from the left side of the stand. An actual shelf will separate the top equipment from the bottom and run the entire depth of the stand.

Equipment Layout.

Above shelf equipment.

Rudimentary drawing of equipment and measurements for holes for cord management.

 

[marty9876]

Geez I never got any sketches or progress pictures, Jason just showed up one day and said he was done...opworm:

. Looks great, be even better with a Tunze pump in there be nobody can be perfect.

 

[RandoReefer]

Geez I never got any sketches or progress pictures, Jason just showed up one day and said he was done...opworm:

. Looks great, be even better with a Tunze pump in there be nobody can be perfect.

I was about to fill it with Tunze(s), but this guy I met at the Taco Bell parking lot just happened to have all of these Vortech pumps. I couldn't say no!

 

[jlanger]

Well... If Randy won't hurry up and post new pictures, I will; but just one.

 

[RandoReefer]

He's so quick!

I'm speechless at this man's work!! It's going to be even better in person!

Ok... PICS!!

Elevated front.

Three sides access!

Equipment shelf installed (from the front).

All equipment will be accessed from the left side.

Back of the stand.

Top down!

Now to find a sump to fit!

 

[ChristopherKriens]

Awesome. Love the compartment separators and slots for wiring.

 

[jlanger]

Awesome. Love the compartment separators and slots for wiring.

Of course you would.

 

[ChristopherKriens]

My wire routing between wet and dry sides is not nearly as convenient and a regular source of frustration. :brick:

Is the gap above the shelf side to store secret wads of cash for the frag swaps?

 

[RandoReefer]

Is the gap above the shelf side to store secret wads of cash for the frag swaps?

Shhh! You're giving away my secrets. Ha!

 

[clowning around]

Beautiful work Jason! !!!!!!

 

[Bschowa]

This is an awesome looking stand, matching it to the rest of your existing woodwork is going to make it look even better like it was part of the design, can't wait to see this in person

 

[nessjosh]

I have a 93g cube as well. You sure that gorgeous stand is strong enough? With Rock and Sand you gotta be close to 1/2 a ton.

I'm also interested to for your plans on where your four MP10's a are going to go. Nice write up so far.

 

[RandoReefer]

I have a 93g cube as well. You sure that gorgeous stand is strong enough? With Rock and Sand you gotta be close to 1/2 a ton.

I'm also interested to for your plans on where your four MP10's a are going to go. Nice write up so far.

Thanks!

I deeply trust in Jason's work. If he didn't think it would support the weight, I'm sure he would have compensated with more support.

I plan on minimal sand. Sort of 1/2 sand and 1/2 bare-bottom. I'll start by putting all four MP10s on the back wall and see how I can work pulsating flow patterns. If I don't like what I see, I'll move two to the sides.

 

[RandoReefer]

Progress today....!

Stand is in its new home! Some minor adjustments and the tank will be mounted.

After playing the "furniture shuffle" game, we decided to butt the tank up to the stairwell banister. That way you see the tank from almost all four sides! With this in mind... I got to painting the bottom and overflow.

Finally, I got the chance to start mounting some of the "mountable" equipment. I will be looking to Santa for some Vortech/Vectra driver mounts this year.

The Tunze ATO will just have to settle for Velcro backing, unless I come up with a bracket..."Hey you acrylic guys!!!"

 

[coralreefer]

Great build so far! That stand is top notch it makes me want to get off my butt and get mine back into shape ha.

 

[RandoReefer]

Great build so far! That stand is top notch it makes me want to get off my butt and get mine back into shape ha.

Thanks!