Kaserpick's Nano

[kaserpick]

Well everyone, I have a move in the near future, and with arriving move, comes a down-sizing. This time around, due to time constrants, I will be planning to keep this nano as a long term tank (not as a stepping stone on the path to a larger tank). In a since, I'm starting completely fresh. I'm keeping my LPS, Birdsnest's, Monti's, Paly's, and clams...that's it.

Anyway, unlike any other thread I've started this will be an actual build thread. And so, to keep things concise, I'll begin.

 

[kaserpick]

The Stand: Part 1
The Frame

First, before I show the pics, I'd like to give all credit to davidchmaus; it is from him, that this design was taken. It's simple and has proven to be a very sturdy design. Thanks David! :thumbsup:

Now on with the pics!
Lumber:
These are the cuts that I made, with a mitor box and saw, from 1x4's.

The actual cuts are as follows:
(6) 30" cuts (legs)
(4) 19.5" cuts (studs)
(4) 14" cuts (horizontal pieces for the sides)
(2) 12.5" cuts (horizontal pieces for the back)

Here's the drawing plans:

 

[kaserpick]

I used a pocket jig (again, the idea came from davidchmaus); these things are incredibly easy to use and fun!

My work station.

The result! (Dimensions: 21" x 21" x 30"t)

In Part 2, I'll be adding a couple more studs on top and bottom, and I'll be securing plywood on top and bottom as well. Then later, in Part 3, I'll be adding covers for the sides. These will be removable and will slide into place.

 

[bassplaya12]

cool!

 

[kaserpick]

The Overflow Project

Once the stand was completed, I decided to move on to building an overflow box. This design was inspired by the smaller designs that are available now for overflow boxes. I wanted something that would use a drilled hole, while not taking up a ton of real estate. Here's how it went:

The tools:

The prep setup:

Here's how I'm getting straight edges:

Here's what's actually happening:

And this is the cut edge (top part):

 

[kaserpick]

...and the results!

I still need to trim off some excess acrylic and glue as well as add the teeth; I will also add silicone inside, a lid to keep fish out, and a few small braces to keep it together. :thumbsup: (I wish I did that before putting it together. )

 

[kaserpick]

That's it for today. Tomorrow's plans consist of adding more studs for the top and bottom platforms of the stand, adding silicone to the overflow, drilling the display for the return and drain, and hopefully plumbing the tank and sump together.

Questions, comments, and recommendations are always welcome!

 

[kaserpick]

cool!

Thank you!

 

[A\/enger]

Looks good so far. What are your equipment plans?

 

[kaserpick]

Looks good so far. What are your equipment plans?

Thanks. I'm trying to keep this one very simple, so the equipment is as follows:

Tank: Mr. Aqua 25g Cube (18" x 18" x 18")
Lighting: 6 x 24w ATI Powermodule T5 fixture
Flow: (2) Tunze 6045 NanoStreams (I'm not very pleased with Vortech's in a small system)
Return Pump: Maxi-Jet 1800 Utility Pump
Filtration: BRS GFO & GAC Rx
Sump: Mr. Aqua 25g

The plan is to keep this tank SPS dominated with a few LPS, Paly's, and Clams. This system will be skimmerless for at least the near future.

 

[KafudaFish]

Looking good.

Have you thought about the 6025s?
I have read that people like them better than the 45s and if you trim the shroud the flow is the same as the 45s.

 

[kaserpick]

I did think about the 6025's, but Premium Aquatics was having a sale on the 6045's. They were actually cheaper than the 6025's; I'll be trimming the shrouds on these as well. While I know the difference in flow with the modification is not as great as it is with the 6025's, I feel confident the flow will be enough...at least in the beginning.

 

[Syncere]

Very nice build so far and can't wait to see the equipment set-up!

 

[Jadams]

Looks like a promising start. Keep the pics coming

 

[kaserpick]

Very nice build so far and can't wait to see the equipment set-up!

Looks like a promising start. Keep the pics coming

Thanks! Well, the tank I planned on drilling cracked; I had another already drilled, but the holes weren't exactly where I wanted them (particularly the return). This turned out to not be a problem since my aquascape, that I have in mind, will hide the extra plumbing.

The overflow box is finished, and I'm getting ready to go to Lowe's for plumbing parts in a few minutes. Also, I'll be buying paint for the frame.

For now, my 7.5g cube will be the sump. Pics to come! :thumbsup:

 

[KafudaFish]

That stinks.

At least you are being positive and riding the waves so to speak.

Where did you get your tank btw? That brand seems pretty popular.

 

[fatrip]

Very nice project. Looks like it is coming together well. Please do keep us updated. Oh and you'll love the 6045's the full range of motion is incredible.

 

[kaserpick]

That stinks.

At least you are being positive and riding the waves so to speak.

Where did you get your tank btw? That brand seems pretty popular.

Yeah, I can't blame anything/anyone but myself; I was foolish enough to try to drill within an inch of the rim. I purchased both tanks from www.marinedepot.com. I've had nothing but good experiences with them. :thumbsup:

Very nice project. Looks like it is coming together well. Please do keep us updated. Oh and you'll love the 6045's the full range of motion is incredible.

Thank you! Yes, it is definitely coming together, today. I'm looking forward to testing the 6045's.

Coming together:

I've painted the frame. Since I won't have the covers made for a little longer, I wanted the frame to still be attractive.

First, I painted it with one coat of a semi-gloss black. I used one coat because I, later, sanded it to try to give it a faux antique look. Here are some pics:

Painted:

Antiqued with the tank:

As soon as I'm done typing this, I'll be plumbing! The water arrives later this afternoon, and I'll begin testing the system.
Also, I had a really difficult time with the teeth on the overflow box. So, instead of trying to build another box, I ordered one (with teeth already) from Glass Holes. It was worth a shot since I already had the black acrylic, but I'm glad it'll be done right.

 

[kaserpick]

IT'S ALIVE!!

The system is fully plumbed and full of water. I put in the Tunze's and am well pleased with the flow. My camera batteries need charging, so no pics now. I'm heading out of town this weekend, so that'll have to wait until Monday.

Three things to do:
1. Install Glass Hole's Overflow Kit (once it gets here)
2. Buy 2 Loc-line elbows for the return line. (I can't have any white plumbing in the tank. )
3. Make the covers for the stand. I'm thinking about getting a very light wood and washing it with some kind of grey wash, that way the wood grain will still be visible. We'll see...

 

[fatrip]

Looks good. I like the look of the stand alot. How do you like the quality of the mr aqua tank? I have heard some people get them and the sides panels are over lapping a bit. Any issue for you like this?