NZ 2 Gallon Pico Reef

[Mork]

Due to the fact that it might be a while until I buy a house and setup a new large tank, I decided to experiment on the other end of the scale and built a 2 gallon pico reef.

I've done quite a lot of research online, and there's some quite impressive tanks in the 2 gallon range - some of which are quite established.

Here's what I started with:

 

[Mork]

The light's a Coralife 2 X 9 watt Actinic / 10,000k. This is going to be coupled with the Aquaclear mini HOB which will run Chem Zorb when needed, and will hopefully provide enough circulation for such a small tank.

Here's the light that I pulled apart, reassembled, and tidied up the wiring.

 

[Henry22]

looking good. Are you making the tank yourself and what do you plan in it.

 

[Mork]

These are the freshly sanded base and lid - ready for staining and oiling.

The finished woodwork. I stained the wood with a dark wood oil-based stain, and then oiled it with 4 layers of Danish oil. The Danish oil has a great satin finish, especially when wire-wooled in-between coats - it's also quite a resilient finish that should stand up to the occasional soaking of saltwater.

 

[Mork]

The inside of the hood.

It was quite tricky to fit all of this in and still have room for the HOB filter. I kept the ballests at the back, and connected the fan to a variable power AC adaptor so I can play around with the fan speed. There should be enough space to keep the high temps in check - these small lights are notorious for kicking out a lot of heat.

 

[Mork]

The first full tank shot.

I managed to get some really nice LR pieces, and I'm quite happy with the aqua-scaping.

The lights look great and give me around 9WPG as a rough guide of illumination. I'm still experimenting with the fan speed to keep the lights on and off temps pretty stable.

I added three blue LED's for the moon lights - I'm pleased with the effect.

 

[Conceyted]

wow that looks great so far. i love the stain you used.

 

[Mork]

plans

plans

Henry22 - My plans are pretty flexible at the moment. I think I'd like a shrimp of some description with a couple of hermits and snails. Coral wise I'd like the centre piece to be a torch coral, and then probably a collection of Mushroons, Rics, pulsing Xenia and Zoos surrounding.

 

[Henry22]

very nice
you want to build a hood for me, where did you get the supplies for the hood and stand and how much did it cost and what equipment was needed.

 

[Mork]

If I built you a hood - it would cost you a fortune after sending from New Zealand.

The wood is cheap pine board - 1400mm and 10mm thick - you could pick that up at Home Depot (or equivilent store).

I glued it together and clamped it - very simple. For a bigger tank I would have probably reinforced it with corner joints - but for this size it's fine.

 

[Henry22]

haha, did not realize you were from new zealand, sweet country btw. Anywas i think i might upgrade to metal halide and buy a retrofit kit and build a canopy but thats later on.

 

[shouldabenacowboy]

very very nice!!!!

 

[Kigs]

That looks soo good... I'm jealous :eek1:

 

[Mork]

Thanks guys - it should look even better when there's something in it

I'll keep you updated on the progress.

 

[Mork]

I thought I'd add a couple of 'before' shots so I can track the progress of growth and how the tank matures.

 

[Kigs]

Looking great!

 

[CPT. MURPHY]

Very nice tank!

CPT.

 

[yardboy]

Your tank looks great Mork. How's it progressing? Got enough flow from the hob filter?

 

[TCU Reefer]

Sweet setup. Now get some corals in there!

 

[talksalt]

Lovin the liverock! Nice Hood & tank. I am now inspired to build my own base and hood similar to yours.
Good Job

-Dave