30 gallon nano build...from scratch!

[sonofgaladriel]

Awesome! Very nice work. What will you be using for supplemental flow?

Thank you! I will be getting a Vortech MP10 ES first of next month to create the supplemental/random flow.

 

[MobyMD]

Wow that turned out so awesome! Great job.

Moby

 

[sonofgaladriel]

A few pics showing possible light mount and rockscape options:
Considering this one:
3 rock islands, lots of negative space, low profile rockscape:

Also this one. I found this bigger rock at House of Rock. Its a really cool shape:

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Finished my light system. Decided on this rockscape:

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Finished my lighting system and mounted it. Attached the ReefKeeperLite. Sump was finished over the weekend.
I'm going to start adding water tonight!

 

[CrazyPuy]

Awesome lighting setup! May I ask for the specifics? Im looking for a way to mount my lights but I dont want to use the wall or ceiling to mount the fixture.

Thanks!

 

[Luckedout]

Very nice looking rock work!

Any worries about snails or fish getting into the overflow? Or will you be adding some teeth?

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Thanks CrazyPuy. I purchased two 4' long by 1 1/4" wide by 1/8" thick sections of steel from Home Depot. I secured the two pieces together to give me the length I needed. I simply bent them at a 90 degree angle so that the light could hang over the tank. I secured the bottom of the 'support' to the inside of the stand's frame and the AquaMedic pendant to the other. I required some changing out of the pendant's hanging hardware to give it a sleek look, but I found what I needed at Ace Hardware.
Using scrap Walnut left over from the stand build, I built a simple vertical enclosure to hide the bulk of the metal support as well as the wiring.
I think it turned out pretty good. Looks better than what I can show in the pics.

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Very nice looking rock work!

Any worries about snails or fish getting into the overflow? Or will you be adding some teeth?

I don't plan on adding any teeth to the overflow. I like the clean smooth overflow. I am not too worried about snails getting in the overflow. My modified stockman should prevent anything from cloggin up the drain.
We'll see. If it turns out to be a problem, I'll add some form of barrier in the overflow to prevent intruders.

 

[JasonBJones]

Looking really good.

Are you going to put a top on the stand or leave the foam showing?

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Thanks! The top of the stand will be covered.
I hope to have that done today if the stores are open. We got over 15 inches of snow yesterday! Took me 2 1/2 hours this morning to dig out.

 

[CrazyPuy]

Thanks for the details! Can't wait to see more pics and progression of your build. Awesome looking tank!

 

[Reefsnob]

Nice build... Whats you plans for livestock?

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Nice build... Whats you plans for livestock?

I'm planning a small assortment of really nice choice SPS that I plan on giving plenty of room to grow, some of the contents of my 12 gallon (red/pink yuma rics, small purple BTA, a few zoas, a few other small frags)
In regards to fish, I'm thinking maybe a small school of red spot cardinals and a single 'show' fish. I'm hoping to find a tiny (1" to 2") regal angel to go with them (until such time as he outgrows the tank and back to the LFS he goes).
That's about it for now.

 

[Reefsnob]

Regal is one of my favorites. If you could/would cover it, a high end wrasse would be awesome.

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Regal is one of my favorites. If you could/would cover it, a high end wrasse would be awesome.

I agree! I would love to be able to put a Helfrichi firefish or a Mystery Wrasse in here, but they're known jumpers (speaking from experience) so they are a no go. I really don't want to put a top on this tank.

 

[Reefsnob]

Helfrichi firefish or a Mystery Wrasse in here, but they're known jumpers (speaking from experience) so they are a no go.

I lost both of the same and about 4 bartlett Anthias to the carpet.

 

[E.intheC]

Very nice tank! I really like the way the cube came out... Rock scape looks excellent! :thumbsup:

 

[chevmaro]

Great looking tank so far good job.

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Finally finished with the build! Here's a few pics of the tank as is. Yep, that's aquarium sand on top of the stand. The idea was to kind of create a look that the tank scape extends outside the aquarium. Looks great at night with the light spread and ripple effect from the halide. This starphire glass really 'disappears' and you really feel like there is nothing between you and the water! Kind of 'zen' ish.
I'm excited how this will look once its filled with colorful SPS and fish!
Let me know what you think.
Full front shot as viewed from main living area.

closer up

Full tank close up

Left side (My prime viewing spot for TV and tank watching!)

Right side viewing angle

View from my chair

View from opposite chair

Ready for livestock in a few weeks.