Nano Self Build Project

[Morri]

Once I have sold my tropical tank I wil have a space for a new tank in my life.

I have looked at most of the tanks on the market and none match my needs (wants ) exactly.

So I have decided to start putting some plans together to build my own system.

This has fired up a million questions and wondering if anyone can answer a few of them.

My Plan is to get a 18" x 18" x 18" tank made I can find someone who can make an acrylic one or glass not sure which to go for want an acrylic lid for sure incase I need to make changes I can just dremmel it.

I then intend (with assistance) to build a cabinet that will hold the sump electrics etc.

The sump I will get made also to fit in the cabinet so guessing 16" x 16" x 12".

In the sump will be chaeto and a Skimmer and heater.

When working out volume for LR and stocking etc. do you include the water volume in the sump or just the main tank?

Attached to the back of the cabinet will be some metal poles to hold the light pendant.

Still debating lights I know I can purchase some T5s with ballast duals quiet cheap so could get 4 x 18" 36w T5s in there but option B is using MH what sort of height above the tanks would the 4 T5s need to be and will they need fans in the pendant?

Have seen some nice dimming Cathodes that I can squeeze into the hood for night lighting.

Not sure what I will keep in this but I can make that descion in a few months when I have set it all up

I have spotted a fuzzy dwarf lion fish at the LFS but will need to read up on else it might be goby shrimp pair with some softies and maybe some easy SPS.

 

[Trod]

Have a read of this http/www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/...ature/index.php

 

[Morri]

Thanks trod a quick browse through and they need 30G will have to wait till I get a bigger house good excuse to move I like it

I will look into some smaller fish there are plenty to choose from shame though as they are very nice looking fish but space is my main issue at the moment.

 

[Morri]

Had some quotes through for acrylic tank and sump does anyone know if there any custom glass tank makers in the south west please?

 

[steelhealr]

Hi and welcome. I think your choice of height is fine as their is some fall off in light penetration after a depth of 21". However, I am not too keen on the cube shape with regards to coming up with a nice aquascaping scheme, but, that is just me. Increasing length makes for nicer rock/aquascaping. Whatever you choose, we are looking forward to your journal.

SH

 

[owlbassboy]

Had some quotes through for acrylic tank and sump does anyone know if there any custom glass tank makers in the south west please?

Have a look at Windsor Aquatics he may well be southwest ish or is tac in southwest as they supply custom seabray tanks

 

[seffieuk]

Well, howdy Steel, nice to see you around

I agree with Steel, aquascaping is so much easier and with more posibilites in a long v a cube

Seffie x



sorry for thread hi jack

 

[Morri]

Kinda limited to the space I can use 18"x18"x20" with a sump gives me about 150Litres but this tank may be binned after getting a few prices back looking at my 620T to convert it to marine as I can modify the stand etc to take a sump. Did`nt want to convert this one as its quite deep but it will be cheaper than forking out 150 pounds for a small tank

Will need to Mod the hood to get in a few T5s but doable.

Not sure I will get it drilled yet tempted but might just buy an overflow box.

 

[Crazy fishes]

Not sure I will get it drilled yet tempted but might just buy an overflow box.

Get it drilled it is the simplest and most efficient of overflows. You will not regret drilling the tank..... that is unless it shatters .

Regards

 

[PhoenixWizard]

Ne glass company will make you a tank mate as they will cut the glass/acrylic u should just ring around all the local glass shops hope that helps u out!

 

[Morri]

Finaly found a tank maker to build for a reasonable price 18" cube ordered for 48 GBP would have liked to make myself but not that brave atm no Weir or drilled yet but can do that myself at a guess or take it to a LFS.

 

[Morri]

Can anyone help me with an idea for lights on this size tank I am only looking to do softies and LPS would like to get a few SPS high up in tank if possible.

Have looked at the following

MH to much height/power to run for a small reef.

LEDs would love to do these but way to expensive.

Luminaire not found one to fit a 18" 450mm tank.

Clip ons the most viable option buit not sure how many watts needed etc.

Many Thanks

Morri

 

[Crazy fishes]

You could try 36 watt PC tubes; a couple of those would be plenty for softies and LPS. You could try SPS like Montipora Capricornus, Montipora Digitata and pocillopora. While there are Acropora Spp that will tolerate that light level it will be a case of trial and error. There are so many species and hybrid species of Acropora in the hobby now that it is difficult to accurately identify a species. If you get the tubes and ballast then it is just a case of mounting them on some sort of hood/frame.

Hope this helps

Regards

 

[Morri]

Thanks just spotted the 36w compacts can get 2 in with ease been looking at the DIY Luminare using guttering.

 

[Morri]

Just starting to look for all the odd bits and bobs have the following covered.

Stand (Bargain MFI liquidated stock cabinet) will add some reinforcement not sure it will need but better to be safe.

Tank 18" Cube with a 26mm hole drilled in the corner (Will need to do weir myself)

Heater 150w plastic Rena Smartheater.

Korila Nano

I need a skimmer a return pump sump/Refugium going for "Skimmer/inlet => Return pump <= Refugium" this may have to be custom made at a guess.

Lights are looking like a pair of 36w compacts in a home made luminaire.

I was thinking of using a Maxijet 1200 for the return pump

Skimmer a V2 Nano how quiet are these and are they any good?

Plumbing etc. I will work out as i go using measurments from Coral Culture for holes etc.