Now that this thread is off and running, I've decided to re-do the first post. It will now have the most up-to-date FTS, the vital stats, and the stocking list.

FTS: 19 February 2010


Vital Stats:
Born: September 2009
Display Tank: 29g AGA
Sump: 10g AGA
Return pump: Sedra KPS-5000
Lighting:TEK 4x24w T5HO fixture, with fan mod.
Bulbs: 2x ATI blue +, 1x ATI aquablue special, and 1x KZ fiji purple.
Filtration: Reef Octopus NWB 110 (offline awaiting repairs)
Circulation: K-1 and K-nano
Media: Phosban (media bag)

Stocking List:
Fish:
2x Green Chromis - Sammie, Bud (RIP)
1x Starry Blenny

Inverts:
Cerith snails
Nerite snails
Nass. snails
Brittle stars
Emerald Crab

Anemones
Mini Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum)

Coral:
Soft Coral:
Zoas - RDE, "MJ's Radioactive Gooberz," "MJ's Psychedelic Tribbles," AOG, DH's Orange, Yellow Polyps, assorted paly's

LPS:
Deep water lobophyllia
Acanthastrea echinata
Cladocora
Frogspawn
War Coral

SPS:
Hydnophora
2x Green Slimer
Tri-color acro
2x Pavona
Pink Milli
Yellow Scroll
Elephant Skin coral (Pachyseris gemmae)
Montipora capricornis
Encrusting montipora
Green Montipora digitata
Blue Montipora digitata

Macro:
Botryocladia occidentalis
Halimeda
Halymenia

So instead of continuing to confuse my 20L thread with planning material, I've decided to go ahead and start the build thread.

This tank presently is a planted FW tank, but due the the diffused light entering my living room, the tank has become an algal nightmare. By tearing it down and starting over as a SW tank, I'll be able to paint the back, which will help with some of the light. Also, since the lighting on the SW will/should drown out the ambient lighting, I'm hoping to avoid the algae problems.

Here's the planned vital stats:
Tank: 29g AGA (I think that's what it was...)
Sump: 10g AGA
Return pump: Sedra KPS-5000
Lighting: I've purchased a barely used TEK 4x24w T5HO fixture. It's got a fan mod, and comes with 2x ATI blue +, 1x ATI aquablue special, and 1x KZ fiji purple.
Filtration: Reef Octopus NWB 110
Circulation: To start, I'm just going to use the K-nano and K1 that I've got sitting around, now that my 20L has an MP10. I'm going try to wait at least 6 months before adding any serious amount of coral frags.

Livestock:
Fish: I'm setting up this tank primarily because I've been harassed into getting at least a couple of SW fish. I'd like to avoid clowns though. I'm thinking about Chomis, or maybe a chalk bass?
Coral: My plan is to have an LPS and SPS dominated tank. I might start with a few zoas and palys for the lower end of the tank, however.

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After a trip to the LFS, I've got a few ideas about a return pump, but a lot of ideas about the plumbing in general!

I'm going to use two drain bulkheads, one on each side. I'm going to have on the inside of the tank a 90 degree angle downward, and then a durso on the outside. That will be the case for both drains. For the return, I'm going to use flexible tubing to go from the pump to the tank. I'm going to go over the back for the return, with a DIY spray bar. I'm going to try to incorporate a check valve into the PVC where the spray bar will meet the flexible tubing. I may try to use a union, but I'm not sure yet.

Also, instead of the 10 gallon tank, I'm going to try to hunt down a taller rubbermaid, and use that for a sump instead. I should be able to get a lot more water for the space!

When you get the fixture, try putting the bulbs in this order for best effect:

FRONT
Fiji Purple
Blue+
Aquablue
Blue+
BACK

I'll try that! I'm really looking forward to comparing the Fiji Purple and Aquablue to my 2x Aquablue.

EDIT:

Would a Mag 7 be overkill for a return pump?

are you planning on putting baffles in the rubbermaid? I can't see them holding for too long.

I hadn't given that part much thought. Now that I'm thinking about it, I'd say probably not. All I'm planning to run in the sump is a skimmer and a heater. I'm thinking of also creating a phosban type reactor where I'd run chemi-pure. With the skimmer I'm considering, it would take up the large part of the 10 gallon tank that I had been thinking about using, and when the guy at the LFS suggested a rubbermaid, the light bulb instantly went off in my mind!

As far as equipment goes, I'm going to need to get a nice big heater, and I'm thinking of either a Mag 7 or a Sedra 5000 for the return. Anyone have experience with either of these pumps?

Also, thoughts on Reef Octopus NWB 110 Skimmer?

I picked up a Sedra KSP-5000 today. I also picked up 16 lbs of dry rock today. I'm going to put some of it in the 20L to start getting it established. I think there's going to be a trip to lowes tomorrow for lumber, because the stand is the current holdup!

nice, cant wait to see the stand build

My plan is to do the same style build as a did for the 20L, although this time there won't be the excess on each side. My current debate is how to hide the plumbing. I'm thinking about building an oak shell around the 2x4 structure, and building the side shell about 6" wider than the stand, so that the plumbing is hidden from view.

I see a trip to lowes in my future for today. I feel the need to labor on my stand for Labor day.

I had a $50 g/c to Lowes, courtesy of my bank's rewards program, so I picked up all of the 2x4s that should be necessary, Kilz primer, a sealant, and the PVC pipe and parts for plumbing the dual returns.

Looks like I'll have a busy day tomorrow.

Hmmm, aesthetically pleasing yes, but when the need arises to service said plumbing you may wish you hadn't done this.

Perhaps you can build that in such a way to be easily removed when necessary?

Perhaps "pocket" sliding "wings" within the sides? < tricky yes

I've actually been tossing around a couple of ideas with respect to this. The first idea was to use mini-magnets attached to the 2x4 structure and the oak. This would probably be the easiest way, but it would also be more expensive. The second idea was to essentially hinge the oak to the 2x4 structure, at least for the sides. That way, when access was needed, I could just swing it open. What do you think?

Also, I ordered my skimmer today as well. I ended up going with the Reef Octopus NW 110 from Aquacave.

Oh, and if anyone has any suggestions as to what kind of container I should get from walmart for use a sump, I'd certainly appreciate it. I'd imagine something like a clear tote would be best?

Hinge sounds easy enough.

But should you prefer your removable option, perhaps friction ball latches would work ILO mini-magnets?

edit- Somthing like this
They are also made in stainless if you prefer. Many other catches that could get 'er done...

Good point. The hinge might be easier, but I suppose the removable factor would give the best access for later maintenance. I like that catch. I'll have to see if HD or Lowes has something like that.

I'm hoping to get the stand built tomorrow, and I'm going to have the inhabitants of the tank (some shrimp, a fish, and plants) switched over to a smaller tank within a few days. Once I get it torn down and cleaned out, I'll go get it drilled. It's going to either be drilled on Wednesday or Friday (I hope!).

If and when I ever do upgrade, I would like to build my own stand as well. I have always thought removable sides and doors are a sweet feature.

I hope it all gets done so you can play next weekend too.

Haha yeah! Next weekend could be my last playtime weekend until October. I'm competing in an appellate practice competition in Chicago the first weekend of October, and I think me and my teammate are going up against some fairly high ranked law schools. My team last year managed to beat Yale in one round, so I've got to replicate an equivalent feat this year.

Once the tank is drilled and things get started, I'll let it cycle for probably a month. Not only is that the proper and patient thing to do, but my wallet and bank account will thank me for it!

Now that I'm thinking about things further ahead, I think I would like to try to get some baffles in there after all. I'd like to do something like this:



Except that it would not be as long, and it will be a rubbermaid or some other kind of container. Possible? Thoughts?

Ah yes, reefing patience via bankruptcy.

Well, best of luck with both.


Tough to add baffles to a tub methinks. They flex quite a bit when you fill them.

Thanks!

Haha I can't wait until I can get my law practice up and running. For the first few years, I'm going to run my practice out of my home, so perhaps I can write off the 20L (in my office) as a business expense.



I was afraid of that. Alternatives to baffles? I'd hate to have micro-bubbles wind up everywhere....

if you really want to use a plastic tote then you could probably build a wooden frame to keep it from bowing? then put in the baffles.
or you could just look for a cheap used tank on craigslist.

speaking of plywood why dont you look into just making a plywood sump. the only real expense is the epoxy. although im not sure how much that runs........

Well, I've nearly got the stand completed. I ran out of lumber for the braces between the top and bottom, and a holiday is a horrible day for store hours around here. So, this pushes back my time table for priming and sealing it as well



I just might go for craigslist. However, after getting the bulk of the structure actually built and approximating the size of my skimmer, my planned carbon / floss setup, and return pump, I'm not going to have room for much of anything else. I'll have to start looking into other ideas for eliminating micro-bubbles from the skimmer.



I'm guessing the epoxy would be used to completely coat the plywood to prevent water from infiltrating the wood? That's an interesting concept.

That $9.50 10 gal from wally world is starting to sound pretty good innit?



A trip to Home Depot for a couple squares of acrylic for baffles, tube of aquarium silicone....
( goin' there for more wood anyway, mirite? )

True story! The only thing is that I was hoping for more water volume than a 10g.

The more I think about it, for practical purposes, I might have no choice but to get the 10g and be done with it. I'll lose a few gallons (the best I could find in plastic was going to be about 18g), but I'll gain function. I suppose that's a trade off I could live with! Now I just need to build the bottom shelf to support a 10g instead of a plastic tote.

I understand completely.

If you go with a taller tank, then it becomes difficult to maintain. Sometimes even impossible to install / remove taller skimmer bodies.... just more difficult all around.

I know we always want to add the max extra volume but we are usually limited by the stand.

I had been thinking about my 20L stand, and imagined the 29g as being larger. However, I forgot that I built the 20L stand to be over-sized, with a good six inches extra on both sides. Looks like I'm making a combo trip to Lowes and Walmart tomorrow!

I'm going "risky" with this tank stand, by my standards. I was able to get the 2x4s lined up just right on the top that I'm not going to use plywood this time on top. I was a bit concerned before about the plywood compressing and throwing everything out of level, so I'm skipping it this time. I'm also skipping the lag bolts this time, because I've come to understand that those are more useful on the larger constructions, rather than a 29g stand.

The plan is to pick up at least the lumber tomorrow and get the last pieces cut. If I can do that and get the primer on it, I'll be back on track. I also realized that I forgot to plan time to move my cherry shrimp from the 29g to a 5g tank, so I'll need to get started on re-starting the 5g tank for those fellas!

So why are ya surfin' N-R ???



Get 'er done buddy!

Lol I would if I could! Unfortunately, there are three reasons why I'm still on N-R: 1) I think Lowes is closed for the holiday by now, 2) the Wal-Mart closest to me is rather .... shady on weekends and holidays, and 3) I've got an early morning class tomorrow for which I still have reading to do, but it sucks so bad that I need a distraction every couple of minutes!

Nano-Reef distracting???

really?

never noticed.

I know! I expect to come to N-R one day and see a big Surgeon General's warning!

Time for a let down.... I was in depositions all day, and I was too wiped out to make the trip to Lowes. I had a strong need to get out of my weekday monkey suit, and after sitting down, I just couldn't force myself to leave the house. I'm going to get the new freshwater tank setup tonight, so that the 29 can be torn down, cleaned, and drilled on friday! I can get it painted friday afternoon/evening before going out, and then start piecing together the PVC plumbing.

Pics of Monkey Suit plz.
Are there any bananas involved?

After the antics of some of the attorneys on the other side, I'm amazed that there weren't any bananas!

Oh, and that's an AWESOME avatar. Where ever did you get the idea?

This Monkey I know suggested it.

Oh, and I wish I could say that this was my every day wear:



However, the monkey suit unfortunately consists only of a suit and tie daily. The spice of my dress comes in the form of cool ties... so fun.

Betcha can't hit that white can behind ya....

Bah, so ya had a bad day. You'll get the tank done eventually right? Supposed to be fun, member?

lol@ monkey, monkey suit and Weeties Avi. Nice work MJ

:hi5:

Haha hitting those things can actually be quite fun.



Yup, you've got it! I enjoy doing the work, I just don't enjoy going to the store.... If only I could order 2x4s online and get free shipping!



I try!




:hi5: back!

I am the same way. I usually am draggin' arse after running around buying materials.
I love having everything on hand and getting to work right away. Really stinks when I run out of stuff just as I'm really rollin' too


I had a feeling you would say something like that about those white cans... not sure why....but I did.

I think the last time I shot one of them was with a .50 Beowulf. Of course, the can was empty, but still fun!

Oh, and for what it's worth, the rifle in the above picture is actually mine. It's my favorite of all of my firearms!

Oh, and hey ya'll, got any suggestions for aquascaping this one? My 10 and 20L weren't nearly this high, so I'm really contemplating my options.

I'm thinking of two high mounds in front of the overflows, with one of them peaking behind a large island. Then, a smaller island off to the other side, maybe with an arch connecting the two. For a bit of the unusual, I'd like to do a couple of small, independent rock columns in the fore- and backgrounds, randomly placed.

Thoughts? Other suggestions?

Wait... what's this about monkey suits?

Thinking of using the acrylic rods to build them?

It is good to think about that now.

Usually the tank is wet before I give any thought to the scape.

I like the open look of what you are describing.
Prolly cuz my tanks are all pile -o- rocks looking.


You missed it.

My loving name for my work clothes... have to impress my supervising attorney, clients, etc after all. I'm just glad I don't have to dress like a penguin; it would be too stiff and wobbly!



I was contemplating either doing that, or using the good ole zip-tie approach! I can also handpick my dry rock, which helps immensely!

Well shoot, we need a pic of that, don't we Weets?

Hope you didn't intend for this thread to be about your tank.

Haha I might be able to swing a pic on Friday... it won't be very exciting though!



Haha I'm just glad to be able to socialize with decent people, all while avoiding the Lounge!

Zip ties works as well. Very cool that you can cherry pick the rock as well.

I remember one NJRC frag swap that Marco rocks brought huge bins of rock to pick through. Very popular was he.
.......whats wit the Yoda speak Richie??

Doo eeet! Would be awesome to have them all built just the way you want them beforehand, not having to "settle" on the scape.


...Oh. I'll leave if ya like.

That's one upside to having a nice tank already running with cool coral... I'm in no hurry on the second tank! I would try shaping some of the rock, but all I've got as far as chisels go are those meant for wood work. With it being all dry, it gives me plenty of time to work at least.



You'd better not... I'd hate to have to hunt you down!