22 Gal CadLights Nano Reef Project

[chrishet]

Hi ya'll. I've been out of the hobby for a year or so but am going to jump back in with a 22gal AIO nano project for my home office. Some might remember my Diary - My Ultimate Cube Project thread - still one of the most viewed threads on this list, amazing! Thanks for all the feedback and support!

I broke down the 30 after one too many leaks in my ATO system - I won't even try to describe my wife’s reaction after the last leak! Anyway, all my critters found excellent homes and are doing well.

After seeing some of the recent nTOTM's I could not resist. Congrats to those who made the list and to those who got nominated....some truly amazing works. My plan is mostly softies, zoos, and LPS this time around.

I want to build an AIO this time around...KISS is my new motto (Keep it simple stupid). My inspiration has been some of the very nice nano cube project out there. I went looking at the new AIO cubes/mods, BC, NC...but at the end of the day I decided on an open top 22gal from Cadlights...I ordered it last night...hope I made a good choice, they sure look elegant.

http://www.cadlights.com/

I've never owned a T5HO fixture so that will be a new experience. The price for this fixture wasn't too much so if I find that mh’s are needed I can always upgrade later. It should be interesting though, they claim that the T5's will grow SPS and clams...we shall see.

I am big into automation so that will be high on my list of components…any thoughts on the new Digital Aquatices Reefkeeper Elite? I’ve read some mixed reviews but the feature functions list looks very nice. I’ll also be interested in an ATO and a few dosing pumps…thoughts?

Also any recommendations on return pumps and power heads would be appreciated. I think one of my problem spots last time around was flow..this time I am going to be sure I have plenty.

I am not planning a skimmer at this time…at least till I get the thing loaded up with some livestock.

That’s about it for now. I look forward to posting pics of my progress and hearing from ya’ll.

Regards,
Chris

 

[chrishet]

My 22 Arrived Today! It starts......I'll post pics later.

I still have not made up my mind on an automation controller but I am leaning towards doing it myself using my ELK Home Automation System. After doing some research I am confidant I can build all the necessary rules required...plus it will be integrated into my home system which would be nice.

A few features:
-Appliance Power Control (powerline and serial power strip control)
-Temp Sensor (display and monitor water temp)
-pH Controller Sensor (monitors pH limits)
-ATO Sensors
-Water Overflow Sensors
-Control via LCD Panel, PC, Phone, Web Java App
-Alerts via Phone, Text, Email, Speaker

One downside is I have not figured out how to do any logging...how important is this?

I'll keep this thread updated as to my approach but here is a start to what I plan on doing with the system.

 

[mnml]

nice to see another cadlight owner. pls post some pics of your tank, always like checkin' out the cads....

 

[chrishet]

A few tank pics...the printers will go onto another desk later this weekend....

 

[MPS70]

I started a 22g CADlights 3 months intended as a all LPS tank. I am interested in getting a controller as well so keep posting about your DIY system. The return pump that comes with seems decent. I have a Tunze 6025 and a Hydor nano in the display and I get all the movement that I need.

 

[mnml]

very nice, i like the new lighting fixtures. much better than the old model.

 

[chrishet]

will do MPS...

I've been considering the Tunze 6025 as well...or the Vortech 20. I really like the options of the Vortech but am worried it might be too much for a 22.

 

[chrishet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13989902#post13989902 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thin crust
very nice, i like the new lighting fixtures. much better than the old model.

The lighting it kicks out looks quite nice. One thing I do not like is the legs. I think the thumb screws are only there to support the glass top as they do not screw in far enough to hold the fixture to the tank walls...I took them out. I have a question onto CL on that. The other thing I don't care for on the legs is the gap...its about 3/4 inch and yet the glass walls are only about 1/8th inch....Beyond that I am very happy with the look of this setup - VERY CLASSY

 

[MPS70]

At first I thought the light fixture looked a little cheap and flimsy around the legs, but it has proven to be sturdy. The light output I think is great. I have the tank on a solid wood file cabinet next to the computer and the package looks very clean and modern. I believe you can adjust the flow on the Vortech to suit your needs chrishet. Just too much money for me, the Tunze 6025 has great performance and although the footprint in the tank was more than I thought it is not a problem.

 

[jimi323]

Tagging along to see how things go. I am also thinking of buying the cadlights 22g but would prefer MH lights. I'm interested to see how things go with SPS and Clams.

 

[fishsuse29]

Congrats on the new Cadlights. I have a 22 as well.

As im sure you already know everything about the tank is great besides the mounting legs for the light. I talked with CAD and they said that its "just the way it is" If you have any ideas on how to get it to fit better please let me know.

As far as flow goes, i ve just got the stock pump and a Korila nano. This seems like a decent amount of flow, but once i end up getting more corals I might end up upgrading it to a Korila 1 or adding another nano

 

[chrishet]

A few updates:

I ordered a Sapphire Skimmer and Chemical Reactor today. Looks like they will fit ok, however I will probably need to raise the skimmer up an inch. I was a little worried about how the Tunze would fit.

I'm probably going with the AC3 controller. After looking into what it would take to automate and log everything with my home automation system I decided it would be too much work. I will use my home system for alerts and water alarms. The AC3 looks to be a good value and has all the features I need. I looked at the RKE as well but I prefer a proven platform at this stage.

For Dosing Pumps I am looking at Drew's Dosing Pumps

Bulk Reef Supply

For the ATO I am going to use an AutoTopOff.com device connected to an Aqua Lifter Pump. I considered using a dosing pump but topoff doesn't need to be that precise and I can still time it with my AC3. I've used these before and they work well.

AutoTopOff

Here is a flowchart of my project and a few pics of the water test. Btw, the stock main pump produces good flow and is quiet.

 

[mnml]

good stuff chris. i recently ordered the drew's dosing pump which hopefully be delivered after the new year. can't wait to get it set up!

looks like your set up is progressing nicely. when do you plan to start the cycling?

 

[chrishet]

Thanks, Let me know how you like the Drew's Pump...I've heard they are well made and are a great value.

So far all is going well. I am looking around locally for some nice pieces of shelf rock or branch rock. It will probably be next week before I can get some LR and sand in there.

Btw, I see you are a steak man...I just grilled up some t-bones on my Big Green Egg grill and they turned out perfect!...now its time for a little after dinner beverage!

 

[chrishet]

Day 1...it starts...

I bought 10 pounds of un-cured reef rock and one 2lb cured live rock from my LFS today. After an hour or so I notice a huge aiptasia anemone on the live rock...I quickly removed the rock and killed it with some boiling hot water...I guess that is one of the advantages of using dead rock for a base. I am off to get some more rock tomorrow...just a few more lbs....

I'm going to let this sit for a month or so...and start stocking up on the rest of my equipment.

Question: what is the best/fastest way for this dead rock to purple-up? Lights on/off? additives?

 

[mnml]

you're making my mouth water with that steak! hehe

my coraline started growing once i started my 2parts dosing. i wouldn't dose anything during your cycling though. running your lights should be fine. now the waiting game starts..

 

[chrishet]

Thanks TC...I'll order the 2 part kit tonight from Bulk Reef Supply and will start testing...My Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook recommends turning off the lights for several weeks to encourage coralline algae growth...I'll research this a bit and post back what I find.

 

[vuanhquoc]

nice tank dude, i want one like that, how much did u bought the tank for?

 

[chrishet]

Thanks! I ordered it direct from Cadlights for $370..and that includes a 96w T5 light fixture and return pump. See my link at the top of this thread.

 

[chrishet]

Update...Aiptasia all over live rock...back to LFS it goes...not the way I want to start a tank! I got 8 more lbs of Base Rock...and a few small chunks of LR...I'll post back in 3 months when its cooked......Happy new year ya'll!