Now I need to work on the rock structure. IMO this will be the most critical phase to accomplish the Bonsai Garden effect and if not done properly will make the whole tank look bad. I want everything to seem in proportion when you examine the tank closely.

Cool! Very clean, looks like somthing out of a Sharper Image catalog.

You sound like Amano.

I guess it'll have to be a rubble-only scape. Something like a triad of rocks of different heights set to one side?

The real tough part is not packing stuff in there. That would be my greatest challenge. I would be tempted to fill it up all at once and it would never look right.

Zoa's is definately top of the list. I don't want any one thing overpowering the effect. Think Bonsai garden. I am trying to get my hands on some Blue Clove Polyps but my LFS is still cultivating them and is being stingy.
I have some GSP but it is very invasive and the flow may be a bit low for it.



Thank you Weetie. I am flattered!



As usual Fosi nailed it and goes to the head of the class. It is simply rigid airline tubing. Nothing fancy. Bends were accomplished with a tubing bender and a heat gun.



Depending on how this plays out from a stability/longevity standpoint that would be my desired end game.

Now for some Pics!








Right now it is sitting on a project box I had laying around with the aqualifter underneath it while I build the stand that will hold it. I think I need to work on the overflow a bit but other than that it is done. The overflow tube has a piece of foam prefilter in it and actually is removable so I can handle a line clog if necessary. I also made plugs for the intake and return so I can isolate the pump for servicing or moving.

Now I need to work on the rock structure. IMO this will be the most critical phase to accomplish the Bonsai Garden effect and if not done properly will make the whole tank look bad. I want everything to seem in proportion when you examine the tank closely.

-Prof

You say this is closed loop correct? Would you be able to put a small sump in the stand instead, say a 5g AGA, but place the return pump fairly high in it so it won't overfill the display? You could make the 5 a heck of a refugium, and perhaps put a few pounds of LR/LS in of course, would make keeping such a micro-reef easier. Just thinking out loud here. Either way this is gonna be an awesome tank, I'm gonna follow this thread.

Edit: NM, re-read 1st post stating you intend to use an Aqualifter. Just curious, but what sort of flow do those thing put out? I don't own one, and have never seen one in action. Its not a "dribble" is it?

I like this clean looking little thing, nice work. So how's it coming along? Add anything?

Tank's looking awesome!
you should run it thru a 10g sump...

you're the professer and i am sure you will figure it out!

Maybe a second Aqualifter pump would be worthwhile?

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

now that you've seen the PAR38 over mine and a few others' tanks, I'm not sure you can resist it.

how is the flow with the aqualifter?

any new pics?

BTW, The caption on your avatar cracks me up.
-Prof

Let me tell you, it's not easy being a hypocrite - glad you enjoyed.

this always happens...

Seems that way doesn't it?

I understand why.....
BIG tanks are much moar fun.
*and werk.