My 2 gallon vase project

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After seeing all of the pico vases on the forum, I decided to build one of my own. This tank will replace my 5 gallon freshwater tank on my desk at work.

It's a very simple build. The tank is a 2.3 gallon hurricane candle holder from Home Goods. I used some 4" Schedule 40 PVC, which I painted black, to serve as an extremely simple overflow and to hold the Maxi Jet 400 powerhead. For lighting, I'll be using a lamp with a 20W 50/50 mini power compact bulb.

I'm not really sure about livestock plans at this point. I'll probably just go with some zoas and palys and maybe a clown goby.

Thanks to SSpiro and geldof for the inspiration.

Now, some pictures:

 

[cmac23]

i may do this as well

 

[preef40]

These things are getting popular I am going to look into building one as well

 

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Did a water test last night and found that the Maxi Jet 400 is a tad too strong. Going to pick up a tee today to see if I can't disperse the flow a little bit.

 

[Maverick2009]

These are very cool. I would love to build one myself.

 

[saltjohnswharf]

I'd use the MJ 400. What I think I would do is try to create a counter current by having one output at the top pointing one direction and another output mid way pointing the opposite direction. Be a tight fit in the overflow but should work. Keep posting. Curious to see a vase build thread.

My only concern is cleaning algae off the sides. I mean if you put a finger in it the water will overflow.

Good luck with the build.

 

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Splitting the flow up is definitely going to a be a major key to success in the tank. As far as algae goes, I saw someone using a pretty neat little nano scrubber in another build that apparently works really well. I'll be ordering one of them as soon as I can find the link!

 

[preef40]

Did you get water in it yet

 

[preef40]

I think I am going to look for a vase this weekend

 

[map95003]

looking good...good to see these are catching on, I got some great ideas for my next one. I think Brandon that started the whole vase tanks a few yrs back would be impressed with where we've taken them. The paint you used for the PVC, is it safe?

 

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Map: I used Krylon, which I had read was reef safe, but honestly, who knows.

 

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Did you get water in it yet

Yeah, I got water in it while at work today, but forgot to grab a picture. I'll try to snag one over the weekend. Needless to say, it looked sweet!

 

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My only concern is cleaning algae off the sides. I mean if you put a finger in it the water will overflow.

Here's the scrapper I was referring to:
http://www.amazon.com/NanoMag-Magnetic-Aquarium-Cleaning-Device/dp/B001JSTHXS

 

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Finally got water in the tank. Added a T to split up the flow, which is working quite well. Appears I may need to add a fan since I'm running a bit hot.

 

[duncantse]

Looking good! I have the same thermometer as you

 

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Going to test the water tonight with the hope that I'll be able to put a test zoa in there tomorrow.

 

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Got some zoas in the tank as a test, but it looks like my PC light setup isn't going to cut it. I'm going to add a PAR38 bulb from boostled and call it a day.

 

[duncantse]

FTS please!

 

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The lone tank inhabitants, some green star polyps and a zebra leg crab, seem to be doing well in the tank. Heat is a big issue, with temps hitting almost 86 late in the day. Evaporation is also a big deal too. Needless to say, a PAR38 bulb, fan and ATO are in order.

FTS coming tomorrow.

 

[fullmonti]

Vases are fun aren't they! I'm reworking mine with different epoxy.

Jim