14 Gallon Rimless tank

[FishyBiz]

I thought I'd start a build thread for the new "desk-top" tank I am building.
A little history:
I had a nice 190 gallon going in my office but took it down because we are searching for a building to move the company. Things have been slow with the process and Im going through withdraws so I decided to build a tank that will hold me over and can be easily moved when the time comes.
I plan to make this a softy tank with Zoa's, shrooms, and other stuff like that. Nothing really fancy because im burned out on SPS right now. As far as equipment goes I'll be running a 70watt halide, ATO, Euro-Reef skimmer, and it will all be controlled by an RK lite.

The tank and sump are being made at the moment so all I have is the
SketchUp drawings to show.

Tank:
18"x15"x13"tall
3/8" starphire glass
diamond polished
rimless

Sump:
This will fit under my desk and I plan to run a Euro Reef nano skimmer in it.

This is how it will look finished. The outside will be black because part of it will be visible.

This is a pic of my old setup:

 

[reeferoo]

Sounds awesome. I have always wanted to try some mangroves

Looking forward to following this thread

 

[FishyBiz]

Oh ya, I should elaborate.
I want to do a couple red mangroves in the main display. Maybe 3 or 5.

 

[happyclam]

sounds neat... the aerial roots of mangroves always amaze me. I'm not sure if you've seen this article, but I thougth it was helpful: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/ac/feature/index.php

 

[FishyBiz]

Thanks for the link.
I have read it already. I plan to have a 3" sand bed and plant them in the sand with the shoots coming out of the water. I'll probably have them placed behind the rock work in the back corner of the tank.
I thought it would be nice feng shoi.

 

[sunsetSPS]

Sounds interesting. Good luck with your build.

 

[EnFuego]

what do you do when the mangroves grow larger? Do you ever have to be concerned with the roots breaking the tank?

 

[FishyBiz]

That's a good question.
I think its addressed in the article above.

 

[FishyBiz]

Moving along......

Moving along......

I did a little work today. I removed the lower file drawer and removed the face of the cabinet. This is where the sump will slide in. This is why the sump will be black, because you will be able to see the bottom half.
Then I hinged the face of the drawer so it looks as if it were still attached to the desk. I also mounted my reef keeper and 70 watt light. The light cord will go up to the top of the credenza where the ballast will sit. It should be pretty sick with no cords showing.

Sorry for the crappy cell pics. Its all I had at the moment.

Desk closed and stock looking....

Open

The light mounted. The tank will take the place of the printer.

That's all for now.
:rollface:

 

[ILLiDaN]

i like how it looks really hidden, there is a guys somewhere on a thread where he made a hole in the bottom of the tank with like gutter guard and made that his overflow so that it looks just like a box with water, really clean looking

 

[CurvBall]

Really liking the way you're going to build this tank into your desk - very very cool. tagging along.

 

[Blitzburggirl]

Sweet!!!! You just solved a problem for me!!! I have a jbj 12, with a 70W sunpod on my kitchen counter. We all love it, but I want something a bit more stream lined, and we hated to move it out of the kitchen (it really is a conversation starter- even when it's just the fam) but I didn't want to put ugly cords and stuff everywhere (ato etc) I'm gonna buy a pretty distressed desk! You are the MAN!!! Enjoy your tank, I get awesome growth color and enjoyment out of mine Great choice of equipment. I couldn't have it on the desk at work, I'd get no work done... but then again, I'm at work and on RC......

Anyway, loving your thread!!

 

[Blitzburggirl]

I even have the ER skimmer for the jbj 12---- I LOVE it!

 

[FishyBiz]

Glad I could help Blitzburggirl.
I wish I had more to share at the moment but Im still waiting for the tank and sump to be made. Maybe two weeks more.

 

[Felix1021]

nice stuff man.
im on board!
f.

 

[FishyBiz]

While waiting for my tank and sump to get finished I couldn't resist cruising the fish stores down in the OC (some of the best around). I was itching to buy something but obviously couldn't buy any live stock so although I didn't really plan on using any powerheads in the tank I bought a Koralia Nano pump. I was stoked at how small it was but didn't expect it to put out much flow. When I got back to my office I put it in a 5 gallon bucket of water and wasn't even sure if it was on. The flow was super weak. I did a search on RC to see if anyone was doing any mods to them but couldn't find anything. It was only $35 so I figured Id cut mine up to see if I could get more flow. I did a couple of the standard Tunze Nano mods...... Cut out the inside barrel, cut a couple of teeth out of the housing, but the mod that made the most difference was cutting out most of the guards in front of the prop. They block sooooo much flow. This little guy actually rocks now and puts out some killer flow.

Couple pics....
(again, please excuse the cell pics)

I should pick up the sump later today and will post pics. :rollface:

 

[Felix1021]

I might try that.
I did look for this in the past and
i did notice that no one has done much with them.

had a similar experience with the K-nano and i opted for the K1
good luck and keep us posted on your build.
f.

 

[FishyBiz]

I got my sump today. John at Advanced Acrylics did an awesome job and it fits perfect! :rollface:

Couple pics:
Inside the sump

Nice fit

All closed up

 

[adtravels]

its gonna be a goodie

 

[FishyBiz]

Teaser.....