(new Tank) My Little Build Day 1

[saxen]

Hi All

Due to a recent injury (Maintenance Restrictions) and moving house in a few months time, I have decided to strip down my large tank and replace it with a much smaller and easier to work on and move Nano Reef.

The old tank is now gone and my new puddle has now arrived. The new tank is an Aquaone AR150 with a total volume of 75 litres. I have removed the original hood to make way for the new halide which should be here mid next week. I collected my tank from lfs today as yet undrilled due to the guy that does the drilling etc being on holiday till Wednesday, It's going back up on Wednesday but I just brought it home to measure up a few things and choose best placement etc.

The new tank is going to be an ecosytem running with under tank sump/mm filter, 10-15 kg of live rock, no skimmer or any other form of mechanical filtration will be used, the sump will be run via an Eheim pump (Not decided on pump size yet) with stand pipe for overflow. An Aqua medic mini chiller will be housed above the sump and this will be fed with an additional Eheim on a closed loop, this will allow more flow within the tank without the need for powerheads (Im tight for space as it is without adding them) :lol: There will also be a small ro water reserve to feed my dosing pump for kalk, this will be placed beside the chiller on the top shelf.

The tank will be used for sps corals and my very loved existing pair of clownfish with the addition of a goby and pistol shrimp along with the usual clean up crew.

Anyway here are a few pics to get started with:

Full Tank Shot

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/full001.jpg

Cabinet Under Tank (Ignore little tank in here it's just to show where the sump will be placed when finished, the sump will be much higher than this and an exact width fit for the cabinet) The shelf will also be lifted to a higher position.

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/cabinet%20001.jpg

Mag Float (It goes round the front corners, no more gunk to clean out the corners)

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/mag%20float%20001.jpg

New Halide should be here next week. It's 150w with 2 x 24w actinics

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/hal001.jpg

Aqua Medic Mini Chiller, It's tiny at only 20 x 25 x 25cm L x W x H only suitable for tanks up to 125l so should do me fine.

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/chiller%20001.jpg

Closed Loop Idea at front of tank on the bottom:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/closed%20loop%20001.jpg

Any suggestions/advice/ideas welcome. let me know your thoughts please I need all the help I can get here.


Thanx

[LEEWINK]

Hi saxen,

my link is below, my nano was 27x12x18 running on T5's etc, not sure if its any help but take a look if you like.

I had stacks of gizmo's which I see your not using, but there maybe a few idea's in there somewhere that may grab you.

The tank is de-set now though,

lee

:D :D :D :D

[maestro]

I love the look of the tank, what are the dimensions?

[saxen]

Hi Lee

Thanks for the info, I am considering a ca reactor for the tank but think it may be a little overkill. What are your thoughts on this?

Hi Maestro

The tank dimensions are as follows:

51x35x54cm

Im glad you like it, I think it will be stunning when finished, it's a lovely little unit, I even got a thumbs up from the missus on this one.

Thanx Guys

[maestro]

Originally posted by saxen@Aug 21 2005, 22:51
Hi Lee

Thanks for the info, I am considering a ca reactor for the tank but think it may be a little overkill. What are your thoughts on this?

Hi Maestro

The tank dimensions are as follows:

51x35x54cm

Im glad you like it, I think it will be stunning when finished, it's a lovely little unit, I even got a thumbs up from the missus on this one.

Thanx Guys
Thanks for that, it just looks like a good size, compact but not too small, the cabinet looks nice too, very modern.

All the best

[LEEWINK]

To be honest sax mate, I would maybe stick to kalkwasser mix in ya topup water, maybe someone else can cast opinion here too, the gear that I did buy I made sure will run my dream tank, so mi nano was a test really.

Its all packed up now, but all the gear awaits my dream !

You may of noticed I ran mine bare base too, was a very clean tank, the only thing I wish I did, would of been to buy several models up on the chiller, mine didn't cope although rated at 10-15 ltrs more, and I wish i'd put more flow through the reefclean, really it needed probably at least 6000ltrs an hour shoved through it.

I had over 4000ltrs hour flow in there anyway, but as i did, if you split the flow well, it mounts to not alot, something like turnover per hour of 50x tank capacity +. I needed an overall flow with no deadspots but still got a few, thinking about it all now, I should of ran a large external pump, similar to a sequence style, and ditched all the other powerheads etc, and used the reefclean system only, would of been way tidy'er.

Just looking at it all now with tear in eye ! ahhhh :( :D

lee

:D :D :D :D

[saxen]

Here is a shot showing it'surroundings to give a better idea of size.

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/tank%20in%20room.jpg

[saxen]

Hi Lee

If you still have the little chiller I would be interested I have not ordered the new one yet so let me know. I know how you feel with the tear in the eye I stripped down my big tank through the week and still not sure if Ive done the right thing. I put a lot of effort into that tank and to see it go, well enough said.

Thanx

[saxen]

Just a quick update, the tank is now drilled and painted and the sump is almost ready, should be uploading good updates tomorrow if all goes to plan.

Please ignore the dodgy paintwork at the bottom, the trim around the tank will not allow me to get in to paint, however substrate will hide it no probs.

Thanx for looking

[MrFish]

Just something to think about - where that tank is positioned, if you have a halide it will give your eyes grief when you are watching telly unless you screen it off.

[LEEWINK]

I love this saying, you can never have enough spare gear !!

I've got heaters, cannisters, more powerheads and in tank circulation possibilities than some 8 footers here !! well I prolly had over 6000 ltrh flow in mi 27 inch !! and that seemed lame because it was so spread.

I got more lighting tubes than some LFS, 12-15 T5's ! :lol:

but i'm afraid I'll keep mi chiller, was sev. hundred pounds if i remember, I'd love to keep the possibility of resetting a smaller tank up, or use it for pc water cooling !! :lol:

maybe a massive heated jaccuzi, hmmm, just kiddin !

lee

:D :D :D :D

[saxen]

Good point on the tv/halide, The tank will probably be moved around a bit yet anyway before I decide on its final position but it wont be somewhere next to the telly now.

Thanx for that much easier to move empty.

[saxen]

Quick update on the progress. Sump is now constructed and installed, coming along nicely now.

[instantsquid]

Really looking forward to seeing this progress. I love the idea of a nano-reef. Just not sure I can convince the missus we need a fifth tank! :blink:

Ian. :thumbsup:

[mysticwave]

Hi Saxen

If you have seen another thread about my evil blue face angel, we are now planning for another tank to house our lovely corals, could you tell us where you get your set up from? I like your particular set up very much.

CC

[saxen]

Originally posted by mysticwave@Aug 24 2005, 20:36
Hi Saxen

If you have seen another thread about my evil blue face angel, we are now planning for another tank to house our lovely corals, could you tell us where you get your set up from? I like your particular set up very much.

CC
Hi Mystic

The tank I have is an Aqua One AR510. I have posted alink to their website and also a link to cyber aquatics one of the board sponsors, they have them in stock.

http://www.aquaone.com.au

http://www.cyberaquatics.com/cyber/index.shtml


The units come with a rather snazzy hood which can be simply modified to accept 2 x 36w T5 compacts ideal for softies, however Im going for sps and need to go for halide.

Hope this helps

Saxen

[saxen]

Hi All

Just a quick update transfered some rock and water from old system, I have transferd some livestock tonight but will post these pics tomorrow. It's looking good in my opinion also much more room than I thought.

Full tank shot:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/tank%20&%20rock.jpg



A shot of the diy sump:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/sump%20complete.jpg


Thanx for looking any comments welcome.

[dirk053]

Hi Saxen

Coming together very nicely

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Could you tell me where you got the Luminaire from

Del

[bluem00n0]

Very nice indeed.

What price do those tanks retail at if you don't mind me asking?

What livestock are you going to add?

Scott

[hairyduck]

Hi Saxen,

My Aqua medic mini chiller is for sale in the classifieds at the mo, as new and boxed £170

Kev

[saxen]

Hi All

Hamagogo The luminaire is made by Aquaone the same makers of my tank it has 150w halide with 2 x 24w t5 compacts, t5's and halide have seperate switches to allow for daylight/night simulation. The unit also comes with the tank supports which have extra inserts to allow you to set whatever height you prefer, also has suspension wires if you prefer this option. You can get them for anything between 175 and 200. I got mine from South Manchester Aquatics and had it collected by courier. They are currently the only shop with stock of the units in the UK until the next shipment in October arrives.


Bluem00n0 The tank and stand retails at about £140 and does come with a hood which can be easily modified to accept T5 compacts as the standard bulbs are only 11 watts.
Livestock will be a pair of clowns a firefish and a pistol and goby along with the usual clean up crew. Corals will be mostly sps with some florida ricordia's, zoo's, small clam and green xenia for the bottom.


Hairyduck Thanx for the offer if I had spoken to you last week we could have done a deal but unfortunatley my new unit has been ordered by my lfs and should be here tomorrow, to be fair Im not sure I need it now as the temp has been pretty stable at 78 since Friday, ah well it will come in handy come the summer.

Thanx for all the comments, I will post more pics later with some of the livestock transfered over.

[clarky72]

hi Saxen :wave:
nice tank :wub: I saw one in a lfs where abouts did you get it?? :thumbsup:

P.S I see you live in galston im in second year at loudon :ph34r:


:thumbsup: jord

[dirk053]

Cheers for that

Del

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[saxen]

Hi All

An update, some of the stock put in place tonight and all leftover rock from the old setup is now off to the lfs, all but a few bits still in my 2ft with corals awaiting transfer.

Anyway not quite what Im after yet, but coming along nicely.

Full Tank Shot:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/full%20mini.jpg


Firefish:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/firefish001.jpg


Goby, I will get one later with his shrimp:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/goby%20no%20shrimp.jpg


Hi Clarky

That's my old school, unfortunately they never taught me much about marine fish, could have saved a fortune if they had. :D :D :thumbsup:

I got the tank from a shop in Glasgow but I know the one you are talking about in Dobbies, it was that tank that gave me the inspiration to build the new one, I have modified it quite a bit since purchasing it and so far I am very happy with it, I thought I could never love it like my big tank, but i am slowly getting there.

How is your tank coming along? I see you purchased 2 fire fish from Dobbies, How they doing? I was in the other day and nearly bought that purple firefish they had, only thing is it won't mix well with my existing fire fish so thought it best to avoid.

[weegaz22]

im sure i seen that tank and sump in waterworld on paisley rd west, being drilled ;)

[saxen]

Hi Gaz

This is the one you seen in Waterworld. The tank was supposed to be drilled in there and the sump also built, but due to Wullie being on holiday for a week and me having no patience I ended up building the sump myself. The day you seen the tank (I spoke to you at the counter I think, Im the guy with the dodgy hand cut my fingers off a few weeks ago) it was in the shop as Wullie and Brian were helping get rid of the overflow gurgle. I think you came in and borrowed the glass drill. Anyway the guys in the shop have been brilliant helping me get this little thing up and running, a great shop always very helpful.

Saxen

[weegaz22]

Originally posted by saxen@Aug 29 2005, 23:28
I think you came in and borrowed the glass drill
yep, that was me, had to make a 35mm hole into a 46mm hole for a 32mm tank connector as i want to be able to run a OR3500 return on the system im building at the moment

didnt you try using a durso stand pipe?

[saxen]

Yep never worked kept gurgling so Wullie put on an R32 fittment that is meant to stop toilets gurgling, works a treat though and no fear of any fish going down it or getting blocked either. Only thing is it does not surface skim.

Ive got a batch of stunning Florida Ricordia coming up the road tomorrow and probably gonna let them settle for a few weeks then frag some if your interested let me know and I can drop some off for you when their ready.

A couple of pics

Ive got some met greens, orange & blue and multi coloured coming.

[mysticwave]

Originally posted by saxen@Aug 24 2005, 21:51

Hi Mystic

The tank I have is an Aqua One AR510. I have posted alink to their website and also a link to cyber aquatics one of the board sponsors, they have them in stock.

http://www.aquaone.com.au

http://www.cyberaquatics.com/cyber/index.shtml


The units come with a rather snazzy hood which can be simply modified to accept 2 x 36w T5 compacts ideal for softies, however Im going for sps and need to go for halide.

Hope this helps

Saxen
Hi Saxen,

sorry for the late reply, thank you for the info, will definitely have a look.

A very very nice tank indeed! love those Florida Rics!! :wub:

CC

[weegaz22]

Originally posted by saxen@Aug 29 2005, 23:51
Yep never worked kept gurgling so Wullie put on an R32 fittment that is meant to stop toilets gurgling, works a treat though and no fear of any fish going down it or getting blocked either. Only thing is it does not surface skim.

Ive got a batch of stunning Florida Ricordia coming up the road tomorrow and probably gonna let them settle for a few weeks then frag some if your interested let me know and I can drop some off for you when their ready.

A couple of pics

Ive got some met greens, orange & blue and multi coloured coming.
that would be great saxen :thumbsup: its gonna be a while before i get all my gear to setup my tank though, but if the offer still stands when i have it done then ill give you some frags of what i will have fragged from my other tank :thumbsup:

[clarky72]

hi saxen

the fire fish are doing fine :wub: I think I have a pair and lately the female has been dipping on its side to the male :huh: I dont know if its some sort of problem with the fish or if its courting or sumthing :blink: I know what you mean about loudon :lol:

:thumbsup: jord

[clarky72]

wish I had some frags to swap for that florida stuff <_< just joking :lol: where did you get and what lighting does it require?? :D


:thumbsup: jord

[saxen]

Hi Jord

I may be able to help you out a bit on both the lights and the rics. Ive got a spare 36w twin t5 compact unit with actinic and white bulbs, you are more than welcome to it. I should be able to give you a couple of ricordia frags in a few weeks if you like.

More than happy to help out a young reefer, let me know.

:thumbsup:

[clarky72]

:thumbsup: are you sure at least let me pay you I couldnt in good concience take them for free :thumbsup: I'll have to ask my mum when she gets in :wub: are the T5's more expensive to run as shes narking at me about the cost :ph34r: I adore those corals :wub: do you have any pics??


:thumbsup: jord

[saxen]

Hi All

A couple of updated pics, sorry for the delay but I was expecting to get a small spike, even with my existing rock and water it happened, thankfully I was expecting it so never tranfered everything for a few days, I also wanted to monitor temperature and let things settle a little. Anyway done it all today and so far Im quite happy, let me know your thoughts.

A few new additions along with my existing stuff.

Sorry about the poor picture quality, the colours are far more stunning than caught on camera.

Full tank shot:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/comp001.jpg

Goby and Shrimp:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/pistolshrimp001.jpg

P.s

Jord:

You are more than welcome to the t5 compacts, and no I don't want any money for them, I know how expensive this hobby can be and would love to help you along the way. As for the electric I don't think t5 compacts will use that much to be fair, but someone on here will know better than me. I have a nephew in the same year at school that i could get to pass them on to you.

Any comments good or bad welcome.

:thumbsup:

[chronic2005]

Hi
Tank looks great saxen, what turnover does it have. Oha nd the t5 compacts dont cost that much to run jord, i was worried to but i ask my mum to give me a copy of the electricity bill and it seems that they dont really use that much power, but they do produce a lot of heat i have mine 4 inched away from the water.
hope that helps anyway.
thanks

[Reef runt]

looking good ! going to add anything else?

[clarky72]

if you are sure saxen pm me and tell me your nephews name please :thumbsup: thanx loads I cannot express my gratitude :thumbsup:

[maestro]

Saxen the tanks looks fantastic, really colourfull and clean.

With regards to electricity I think this is right but someone may correct me.

its 72 watts per hour (2x36) which are on say 12 hours a day so 864 watts a day.

A kilowatt costs about 7p so to run will cost about 6p a day or £1.80 a month

[saxen]

Hi All

Thanx for all the comments:

Chronic2005

Total turnover is 3700ltrs p/h

Reef runt

Not any more fish but I am going to stuff it full of sps and ricordia with some softies to sway in the flow at the bottom. I currently have 2 clowns & their host bta, pistol & goby and a firefish, along with the usual clean up crew approx 9 small hermits and 9 turbo snails, 2 Nassarius snails, 2 porcelain crabs and a small sand sifting star.

Clarky72

No probs will get pm off to u in the morning.

Maestro

Thanx for the positive feedback glad you like it.

A couple of new pics:

Sump operational but still a work in progress:


http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/sump%20wip.jpg

Moonlights on:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/moonlight.jpg

[chronic2005]

Thanks for the reply saxen, that sumps looking great, so much life :wub:

[clarky72]

thats an exelent tank :wub: did you get that smrimp goby pair from dobbies??if you did you beat me to them! :whistling: :lol: £60 is a lot of money though :wacko:

[wayne g]

very...VERY nice set up!!
:wub: :bow: