Lauren's Dirt Cheap DIY Nano Reef

[Lytehouse]

L,

You've done very well.
Tank looks great and
rockwork is awesome

 

[lauremf2002]

Thanks everyone! Yes I do plan to paint the brackets and tuck the cords up under the bar to make a cleaner look. Lynn, I love that light. I plan to add another one and lower them both. In terms of coral, I really only want a few more pieces. I want an orange digi, purple confusa, pink birdsnest, a sunset monti and Im going to glue a red and a green monti to the false wall. Im also waiting on a couple of things that I sold to grow out so that I can buy back a frag of them lol. Have to get things a little at a time so it will fill in slowly. I have paid off several hospital bills but still have 4 to go and 2 of them are pretty substantial (several thousand each, even after insurance) And of course there are necessities Aidan has to have so stuff for the tank is really last on the list. I think I have a good start though and its really easy to maintain. Just have to top off often

 

[cody6766]

Look into DIY atos.They can be very cheap and effective. I have one from autotopoff.com that has been serving me well for a few years. They're not DIY, but they're not too expensive either

 

[ghellin]

All you need is a two liter bottle, some rigid airline, some normal airline, a float switch, and one of the battery airpump from any fishing dept. Drill two holes in the cap of the two liter bottle. The first hole is for the airline the second is for the piece of the rigid airline that will go to the bottom of the bottle. Use the float switch in series with the battery and attach the airline to pressurize the 2 liter bottle. Then when your float switches on the 2 liter is pressurized and voila water comes out of the rigid airline tube. I build one for under $15 for my aquapod it works great.

 

[cjilge]

I got you covered on the digi, purple confusa, and pink b nest, I may have another monti you may want. I havent cut in over a year so some peeps will be happy soon. Next time I see you ill get you the frags.

 

[lauremf2002]

I got you covered on the digi, purple confusa, and pink b nest, I may have another monti you may want. I havent cut in over a year so some peeps will be happy soon. Next time I see you ill get you the frags.

Cant wait! :rollface:

 

[Tank Girl]

I like it. Very nice.

 

[TundraGuy]

time for update on the reef

 

[lauremf2002]

time for update on the reef

I will snap some photos. Not much has changed. I added a few new corals and there has been a little growth, but not as much as I would like. Really havent been on top of the water changes like I should have. Im sure if I was more diligent about them the growth would be better :headwally:

 

[lauremf2002]

 

[lauremf2002]

 

[lauremf2002]

I wish I could take better photos. Im going to borrow my sisters camera and try it out. None of the colors look right with mine. that "white" acro 2nd photo from the bottom in the last post isnt white at all. Its a beautiful pearly teal with purple and and green base. Also, I know my orange digi is sick. Im hoping it will perk back up since the last water change. Need to test my params

 

[lauremf2002]

Some things I have added to my wish list are Red Planet or Rose Millepora, orange acans, blue zoas, and some orange skirt zoas. Then I think I better quit adding stuff because its going to be packed when it grows out. I wont be able to make anymore purchases for a while. Have to let the pocket book recuperate I will be adding a Tailspot blenny soon though

 

[cjilge]

Tank looks good. lMK if you lose the red digi and I'll give you another, mine is growing insane. I have been thinking of adding a tailspot to celia's tank. They are fun to watch for sure.

 

[lauremf2002]

I hope it does okay, Im having problems with the reverse pokerstar too. It still hasnt colored up but has full polyp extension. I think my alk might be off. Im going to have my water tested and do another water change. Hopefully things will resolve themselves then

 

[cjilge]

the key with it is consistant params all the way around. Any salinity or alk swing and it will brown out quickly, it will color back up but may take some time. Mine have been doing well since the frag swap. It definately is a finicky coral but stunning when it is happy.

 

[Tank Girl]

Lauren, do you test for nitrate and phosphate?

 

[lauremf2002]

Lauren, do you test for nitrate and phosphate?

My nitrates were 20 and phos was .01 a few weeks ago. I need to get on top of the water changes. I got two little zoo frags and they are not opening. Its partially because my pistol shrimp wont quit throwing sand on them but I dont think my nitrates are helping. I may have to trade them for something else if he keeps it up though.

 

[lauremf2002]

Aquariums just ordered an Eshopps Nano overflow box for me. I am going to set up a 2 1/2 gallon display refugium on the counter next to my tank. If anyone has any sea grasses or kelps please let me know!

 

[kaxt]

I love your tank. It is almost identical to what I've been thinking of building, stocking list and all- only I plan to use a 30L. Now that it's been a couple of months is there anything you would change about the way you designed your sump section, or do you like it the way it is? Just out of curiosity, why did you put a back on the media basket chamber instead of just running the acrylic to the back tank wall?