Nano 12DX + 6DX Project

[sperry]

I finally got some pictures of my Nano Cube project.

This is the general aquascaping. I have a couple of other rocks with coral attached that I will add once the cycle is finished.

 

[sperry]

Now for the cool stuff.
NanoTuners 4.24 hood kit with fuge light, up graded fans and moon light.

Sapphire Skimmer and fish proofing the rear chambers. Still trying to cut a straight line with a dremel.

Back of 12G note the "mini fuge" the 3/4 drain and 1/2 return from the 6G

Back of 6G

The nozzle to the left of the Hydor is the return from the 6G

My plan is to run the tanks on alternate light cycles. I am going to use the 6G as a show fuge with macro, live rock, maybe a shrimp or crab, mushrooms, green star polyps and hopefully lots of Pods.

My goal is to use the extra 6 gal to help stabilize the temp and PH swings I had with the 12G alone.

 

[drowzee]

very cool.

 

[Rendos]

Nice job.

 

[just dave]

How do you get into the bottom aquarium?

 

[sperry]

Very carefully! To open the feeder door, I cut 1 prong off the hinge so I can remove it easily. I also took the hinges off the rear of the lid so it will slide off to the side. The cabinet has an over hang in front so it looks like there is less room than there actually is. With the lid off there is room to put my arm into the tank well enough for glass cleaning. For the really big access I can slide the tank out the back, after draining of course. I wouldnt want to have to chase a fish around in there with a net though.

 

[joeycadre]

insane

 

[Reefdiver77]

Dave, I wondered about getting into the lower tank myself. I have one like it and open the top for easier top offs etc.

 

[Henry Bowman]

What do you think of the sapphire skimmer. I have looked at them but was afraid to take the plunge?

 

[sperry]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8805790#post8805790 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Henry Bowman
What do you think of the sapphire skimmer. I have looked at them but was afraid to take the plunge?

I like it. It appears very well made and fits nicely into the back chambers with no moding. I keep the water level higher than recommended in the back so I added a longer air hose to the pump and hung it out the back. Since my tank is cycling there isnt much to skim but it makes good bubbles and the skimmate is a yellowish color. This is the first skimmer I have had so Im not really sure what to look for.

 

[sperry]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8805682#post8805682 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefdiver77
Dave, I wondered about getting into the lower tank myself. I have one like it and open the top for easier top offs etc.

Top offs are done into the top cube just because it is easier. Water changes will be done in the lower cube using a power head to move water in and out. Total water volume is 15G so it is only going to be 2 or 3 gal a week.

 

[scarson61]

If the power goes off will the bottom one flood or is it sealed?

 

[sperry]

I have the pumps on a back up battery that would hopefully last long enough to keep them running until the power comes back on. Just in case, the water level in the bottom tank is low enough to hold the water that would drain out of the top tank. The drain opening is high enough and the false wall is sealed so there wouldnt be a lot of water. Just like any other sump set up you have to pay attention to how much water you add for top offs and water changes.

The power strips and such are in a plastic container as extra insurance.

 

[sperry]

Updated Pics

Updated Pics

The tanks cycled and I added my corals + some I got from you guys. Thanks! I cant wait for the frag swap, 2 clowns ordered and hopefully ricx, shrooms and zoas!

FTS

12Gal

left side

right side

Kenya

Top of cave

GSP

Xenia

 

[sperry]

Frogspawn 1

Frogspawn 2

A few green zoas

6Gal

6Gal green shrooms

6Gal polyps and chaeto

6Gal polyps

 

[sperry]

Click my Red House for shots of back of tanks and skimmer in operation

 

[phudeb]

I was going to drill the back of my Nano also but was afraid that it was tempered. I guess not. Very nice setup and great idea. How much does one of those retro lighting cost?

 

[sperry]

Thanks Cost depends on what you want but $250 will get you in the door.

NanoTuners.com

 

[sperry]

First fish!!!

First fish!!!

My baby clowns. A black False Percula and an Onyx True Percula.

 

[paultyrer]

Can i ask how you drilled the holes in the 12g. did you drill in a specific place for strength? I would love to do this, but i am afraid of strength cracking problems. Any advice?
Would placing a extra piece of glass 2-3 inches around the hole strengthen it any?

Many Thanks

Paul