New 1.5g office project.

[Jacwil]

I Have a clear Slimline on our 20g fw. May want to peak at those Dex.
http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/reminder/index.cfm

 

[scaz]

I have a 3 gallon tank at work for a while with PC light on it. The bulbs where really cheap and I just did water changes and had a few mushrooms and green stars in it. I had a goby for a while, but I eventrally moved him out. I ened up with porclyin crabs for the longest time. When I got a new job I couldn't have any thing plugged in so I had to end the fish tank.

 

[reefboarder]

I actually pulled the trigger today on a 2.5g. I have 1x6 sanded no knot white pine for the stand and canopy lol. I decided to use aluminum paneling for the reflector and just put the shiny aluminum metal duct tape. I found the very reflective material it's sold at lowes for skylight extensions but the cheapest piece is 34 bucks so I decided not to go that awesome. The new tank is only 8 inches deep and I plan to use 2 50/50 Coralife compact flouros the screw in type, they're 10 watts a piece so I should be able to keep zoas and shrooms no problem. I also like the green star polyp thing and I have plenty of that lying around.


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[Jacwil]

Sounds sweet Dex! Get the build pics up when ya can!

 

[reefboarder]

tomorrow morn I will be doing some building on it, I'll put up some progress pics as I go. I should be ready for sand ,rock, and water by the end of next week.

 

[reefboarder]

Picked up some totoka branch today from CF almost 2 lbs but probably won't use all of it.



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[reefboarder]

Here's the tank and an idea of the stand and canopy. I'm going to buil the stand deep enough to hide the filter and stop any light from bleeding out except from the tank. I'm going to fit the canopy on and leave a seam to take it on and off as needed or possibly a hinge to just fold it up for feeding etc.



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[chuckawd]

This is awesome!! I can't wait to see how it turns out. I'm so tempted to do a super nano too so I will be keeping a close watch on your thread here.

 

[reefboarder]

Here are some update pics. I also found Coralife 50/50 10000k/450nm actinics in a 20w screw in self ballasted and went with those instead of the 10w bulbs, just going to run two switches in case its too much light and to run one before the other to somewhat reduce the immediate lights on. I decided that I wanted to go all in on the stand and make it nice so it's progress is a bit slower than I wanted.
I am going to put some nice trim around the edges and stain it dark mahogany, also thinking of putting a drawer in the bottom.
Also picked up a coralife digital thermometer and some misc electronic components for the lighting.



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[IronMan72]

Nice project, looking good so far. I'd like to add a nano to my desk at work but not sure how it would be accepted.

 

[cmof29]

Ive been wanting a small tank like that but i could never find one that was shaped like that. Very nice btw,cant wait to see more.

 

[reefboarder]

Not much to note except made some additions to the stand a day ago and finalized the placement of the tank within, in the pic you'll see the bottom is smaller than the canopy It was originally designed the other way but I decided I liked the aspect of it this way and it will get the lights away from the water by about another inch they would have been about 2 inches now they're 3-1/2''ish, haven't installed them yet so these are estimates.

Ive decided on trim and just need to cut and install that and the back cover. I also sanded, filled the nail holes and seams then sanded again. I didnt get to mess with it at all today Ive been in bed sick.

 

[NirvanaFan]

Let me know when you put that filter in and see if it will provide enough flow.

 

[reefboarder]

I did the water test this morning and everything went well, the hob filter will definitely provide adequate flow to the entire tank anywhere it is placed, the center provides even flow to both sides with a top, front, bottom, back direction of flow and some swirling on both ends. Starting to get exciting, just need to do some trim and staining and figure out the light installation. Bulbs should be here today!

 

[Jacwil]

Looks awesome so far Dex! You're giving me ideas for a 5g I have laying around

 

[reefboarder]

I got the lighting arrangement mocked up and the reflectors figured out, sealed the inside of the hood and made some finishing touches, I am going to scrap the trim, I dont have any more patience to tinker with it.

I also decided to use a stain polyurethane all in one, now I just need to go get it, I will probably do that tomorrow, as well as actually installing the lights and wiring them in.

I am starting to wonder if 40 watts is going to be too much?? I will be able to shut one off but im feeling like it may be over kill. Maybe I will try some LPS like a frogspawn along with the softies.

I am also thinking I will need a small fan on the back to keep the lights cool.
Where can i score a cheap micro fan and power supply? I sold my other 1.5 setup and gained 20$ for this project.

 

[NirvanaFan]

You can wire up an old computer fan (let me know if you need one) to an old cell phone or other electronic's wall plug (let me know if you need that too ). I have had one over my sump for years to help control temperature. You could have it kick on with the lights. Remember, that is really going to increase evaporation though.

 

[reefboarder]

I have an old LG wall charger, I do need a fan, and I thought about the evap and will have fresh water for top off available via a 3 gallon water jug and my RODI water here at home. I could put a thermostat in the hood and have that run the fan.:crazy1:

 

[NirvanaFan]

I can hook you up with an old fan from work. I can't get it until Monday though (unless I have one at home).

 

[reefboarder]

I can get it whenever, I just think it will help keep things cooler so the tank doesnt overheat. I have a digi thermo to keep track so its not a prob until I get one