My 3rd Reef Tank - Build Thread

[mathias999us]

Hi, I'm new to nano-reef.com. I've skirting the shadows in RC for several years, but this community seems really cool too!I'm building a new nano tank, and I'm doing a thread on RC about it, but I also wanted to post here to get to know the nano-reef.com community, and hopefully gain some more insights from the knowledgeable folks on this site!So, without further blabbering, I will proceed to post my build journal for my custom long nano tank.

 

Thanks for looking!

 

First, I'd like to give a brief description of my background and experience in the hobby. If you couldn't care less, just skip to the next post...I had several freshwater tanks growing up as a kid, but nothing special or out of the ordinary. When I bought my first house in 2002, it had a perfect build in cabinet that was perfect for a big long tank. So, I bought a six foot long 135 gallon glass tank to put on the cabinet with the intention of keeping an iguana. But, the shop that I bought the tank from was a reef shop, and when I went to pick the tank up, I saw my first reef tank, and was impressed. The iguana idea was quickly thrown out the window in favor of a reef tank, and I proceed to buy hang on equipment, substrate, and live rock, having no real clue what I was doing. I ran this tank for 2 years, and kept a variety of soft corals in it under power compact lighting. Things survived OK, but the tank never flourished. I read and learned an awful lot during this time, and I knew the next time around would receive a lot more up-front planning.Then, I decided to build a nano tank. I bought an Alife 6 gallon glass cube (basically like the nano cubes), and did a bunch of mods to it. Upgraded the lighting, flow, filtration, plumbed in a 2.5G fuge with chaeto, temperature controller, ATO, etc. This tank was a LOT easier to maintain than the poorly planned 135g, and it did rather well. But, then due to my career, I had to move from Southern California to Minnesota after it had been running for 7 months, so I tore it down and sold off all of the livestock.I've been in Minnesota for about 16 months now, and I'm ready to set up another reef tank, which brings me to my 3rd reef tank...

[mathias999us]

In early October I started skulking around the RC forums again, looking for some inspiration for my next tank. And then, there it was, Calvin's beautiful 48" NTOTM:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...hreadid=1060365

 

I also saw this thread where navyav8tr copied calvin's tank design, and made a pretty cool shelf and canopy for it:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...hreadid=1097459

 

I decided I was going to follow in the footsteps of these pioneers and build something very similar.

[mathias999us]

I contacted Calvin, and talked to him about having him build me a tank similar to the tank he built for his NTOTM. I've done some acrylic work before, but nothing that was show quality. Basically I wanted the exact same build, except add the euro top with center brace, and plumbed for external pumps (calvin talked me into the external pumps).

 

Calvin and I came to an arrangement, and he got to work on the tank. He sent me a bunch of build pics during the process:

 

And, the finished product:

 

The tank also has 3 sets of acrylic guides on each end of the sump box for filter pads and removable acrylic baffles. It has 6 locline return jets, 3 jets on 2 manifolds.

 

Outisde dimensions are 48"L x 12"D x 8.25" H. The clear acrylic is 3/8" thick, and the black divider wall is 1/4". This will give around 10.5 gallons in the display, and around 2-3 gallons in the sump, for a total water volume of 12-13 gallons.

[j0hnny]

In early October I started skulking around the RC forums again, looking for some inspiration for my next tank. And then, there it was, Calvin's beautiful 48" NTOTM:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...hreadid=1060365

 

I also saw this thread where navyav8tr copied calvin's tank design, and made a pretty cool shelf and canopy for it:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...hreadid=1097459

 

I decided I was going to follow in the footsteps of these pioneers and build something very similar.

 

 

Mathias,

 

Thanks for providing those links!

 

1) I have to say that is an awesome set-up, and can't wait to see your version.

 

2) That is exactly the inspiration I needed for my sump/fuge. I'm not trying to bogart your thread here by any means, but I have been trying to visualize how to build a fuge inside a stock 20L which will allow the fuge portion to take up the visual display and hide as much "sump" as possible, while still remaining a functional fuge.

 

Thanks again, I can't wait to see pics of your project.

 

Are you planning to build this yourself, or do you have a builder in mind?

[mathias999us]

I would like to make a special note to point out that Calvin rocks! He was great to work with, and payed very close attention to detail. He did an excellent job keeping me updated, and customizing the build to my needs. If anyone is interested in a tank like this, and doesn't want to do acrylic work themselves, I highly recommend contacting Calvin!

 

Thanks buddy, you made this build happen!

[j0hnny]

Mathias,

 

Thanks for providing those links!

 

1) I have to say that is an awesome set-up, and can't wait to see your version.

 

2) That is exactly the inspiration I needed for my sump/fuge. I'm not trying to bogart your thread here by any means, but I have been trying to visualize how to build a fuge inside a stock 20L which will allow the fuge portion to take up the visual display and hide as much "sump" as possible, while still remaining a functional fuge.

 

Thanks again, I can't wait to see pics of your project.

 

Are you planning to build this yourself, or do you have a builder in mind?

 

 

Ask and I shall receive! I spoke too soon, and was typing this while you were still posting. You answered my Q's. I like the additional functionality built into the tank (modular baffles in the sump, external plumbing. I would like to see one with black acrylic on the back wall on either side of the sump area too. I have a feeling that with one or two more versions of this tank, to work out the kinks, and Calvin will be cranking these out in full production mode!

[mathias999us]

j0hnny -

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm hoping I don't run into too many kinks myself, but I guess that's a risk you assume when going custom... The black wall on the back would be cool too - I guess it might depend on where you want to locate the tank. Glad it gives you some inspiration for your sump design!

[mathias999us]

While calvin was building the tank, I started gathering together some other equipment and making additional plans. Here's some of the equipment that I've bought:

 

For lighting, I'm going with a 4 x 54W T5 IceCap retro kit from ReefGeek. So, that's IceCap individual reflectors with two Vossloh-Schwabe electronic ballasts. I have 2 11000K Giesemann Aquablue plus bulbs, and 2 Giesemann pure actinic bulbs. I'm also adding two banks of LED moonlights to each end, with a 28-day moon phase timer.

 

For flow, I bought an Eheim 1260 Universal pump rated for 635 GPH, and a 3/4" SCWD. Each of the return manifolds is plumbed through the floor of the sump with its own individual 1/2" bulkhead. There are also (2) 3/4" drain bulkheads. So, my plan is to plumb both the drains into the input on the eheim pump below the tank, and then the pump output will be directed into the scwd. Each of the scwd outputs will be plumbed to one of the return manifolds, which each lead to 3 loc line jets back to the display.

 

I bought a Top-it-Off kit from aquahub.com, and an aqualifter pump to handle my ATO needs (I think ATO is pretty critical to a good, easy to maintain nano). The ATO equipment and reservoir will be stored beneath the tank in a "shelf-cabinet".

[mathias999us]

I also have a ReefKeeper 1 controller from my last nano which I intend to use as the power center, timer, thermometer, and temperature controller for this new tank. The reefkeeper will be installed in the "shelf-cabinet". It will control a submersed ebo-jager heater in the sump area of the tank. Additionally, I will be installing (2) 4.5" "pancake" fans into the top of the canopy, which will evacuate heat, and chill the tank as necessary. The fans will also be temp controlled by the reefkeeper, and will only run when necessary.

 

The reefkeeper was a great addition to my last nano tank, I I highly recommend it to those considering one. I'd love an RK2, but I already had version one, which is good enough for me.

 

In the sump area, I intend to run a few different types of filtration in the various chambers. I will definitely dedicate a portion of the sump to a fuge, which I will stock with chaeto, and possible other beneficial filtering macro algae. I may run this on a reverse photo period if I can squeeze my 13W 6700K PC in the canopy, but things will be tight with four T5's up there already. Otherwise, the T5s will be more than sufficient for the fuge. I also plan on running 2 filter pads for mechanical filtration, which will be thoroughly cleaned/replaced weekly. In addition, I will put a bag of chemipure and a bag of purigen in the sump. Finally, I purchased a Sapphire Aquatics NC12 Nano Skimmer, which I will run in the sump area as well.

 

I don't buy the "over-filtering" arguments some people give. IME, you can never have enough filtration, and even with the best technology and over-kill filtration scheme, we're still falling short of pristine ocean conditions found on natural reefs...

[mathias999us]

I tested 2 of the four bulbs. This is with one of each bulb type (tank is dirty with dust, needs to be washed still):

 

I'm very pleased with the nice blueish-purple color of the light.

[mathias999us]

When we bought the new house in August 06, I just KNEW this would be a future site for some sort of fish tank. This is the view when walking in my front door:

 

To the immediate right is the kitchen and living room. Straight ahead and to the right is the family room where we have our couches and TV. To the left is the bedrooms.

 

Here is the shot from the family room direction:

 

The only problem with this location is the head of my bed in the master bedroom is directly on the opposite side of the wall where the tank will be mounted. I'd like to have this tank as quiet as possible. I'm hoping that eheim pump treats me well. I've read that the Sapphire skimmers are virtually silent. Those, and the intermittent fans should be the only moving parts, so fingers crossed.

[dubsmcfly]

looks really good!!!! can't wait to see the progress!

[seagul]

This tank is nuts!! how much did it cost? will you build me one?! perty please haha!

seriously.

 

 

fill-er up!!

an do some aquascaping! im taking a seat and watchin this one.

[mathias999us]

dubsmcfly -

Thanks very much! It's great to have you along

 

seagul -

Thanks a bunch! I promised Calvin I wouldn't discuss the pricing for the tank itself. But, if you contact him (calvin415) I'm sure he'd be happy to talk price and build you one. Good to have you along too.

[mathias999us]

Next step was to install brackets onto the mount location:

 

Fortunately for me, there was a stud perfectly centered on this wall between the two lamps where I intend to mount the tank. Then, I have a stud 16" to the left, and another 16" to the right that will both be under the tank, perfectly centered, leaving only 8" of overhang on each end.

 

I attached 3 heavy-duty shelving braces to the studs with (3) 3.5" lag bolts each. I positioned the braces so that the floor of the tank will be 54" off of the house floor, which is a good viewing height for most adults. Kids'll need a stool, but won't be tempted to tamper either.

 

While weight is a concern in these situations, I'm confident that this support will be more than sufficient. I weigh close to what I estimate the finished product will weight when filled and stocked, and I can do pullups on the tips of each of these braces individually, with absolutely no hint of protest from the wall structure. They're downright rock-solid, and I'm confident that I've exceeded my support needs by at least 3 fold.

 

Still on my todo list is to tap into the outlet pictured in the lower part of this image, and run some romex up through the wall to a GFCI outlet and box that will be located right beside the brace, directly above the existing outlet. This will keep the reef tank outlet out of sight once the shelf-cabinet is installed, and there will be no wiring visible at all.

[seagul]

I just sent him a pm, and waiting for a reply, been looking for a long an low reef for a long while. Had to make do with a 20Long. Couldnt find anyone to build a custom for me. Glass cages even gave me the stiff shoulder.. poo on them, not that id want one of their tanks..... hmm. haha.

 

 

MORE PICS!!please.

[mathias999us]

seagul -

That's awesome! Calvin's a great guy, so he'll hook you up with a nice tank. That would be really cool if these long-style nanos "catch on", and we start seeing some more of them around.

[mathias999us]

Just testing the tank in position with an oak plank resting on the braces:

 

 

So far I am happy with this setup.

[Tony]

you should build a small box to cover the wall brakets

[mathias999us]

This one's for you Tony

 

This weekend I headed over to the local home improvement store, and bought a cart full of select grade solid oak panels, planks, and trim:

 

I also bought a bunch of corrosion resistant hardware, and I went to work out in my shop.

 

I've built pool decks and patio covers before, but I've never tried my hand at "fine" woodworking, so I am quite pleased with the results.

After two long days in the shop this weekend, I produced the following shelf-cabinet and combo canopy assembly for this nano:

 

The tank slides into the modling guides like a hand into a glove, and the canopy shuts snug and tight around the top edges of the tank.

 

The canopy swivels up for maintenance, and the front of the cabinet is hinged to swing down and open for access to the equipment that will be located below the tank. Still have to figure out a convenient way to prop the canopy up.... something more elegant than a stick:

 

 

The cutout in this end is where the ReefKeeper display will go:

[mathias999us]

Here's a shot with the canopy and front cabinet door removed, where you can clearly see the holes that were drilled for the plumbing:

 

The two large holes towards the middle are for the drain bulkheads, and the two smaller holes on the outsides are for the return manifold bulkheads.

 

The whole canopy/shelf-cabinet assembly weighs around 100 lbs just by itself, so it's a lot easier to get this thing up the stairs from my shop to the mounting site by removing the door and the canopy and making 3 trips!

[seagul]

whats the thickness of the acrylic on your tank?!

 

hood looks good!

are you planning on making a box to hide the bracketS?

[mathias999us]

seagul -

Thanks. All the clear acrylic is 3/8". The black divider wall is 1/4". See about 2 posts back for how I am going to hid the brackets (last post on page 1) - I built a big shelf-cabinet/canopy combo. Not sure exactly what to call it!

[autoponicz]

very cool idea....that will be one nice floating aquarium

[mathias999us]

I mentioned earlier that I am going to mount (2) 4.5" pancake fans into the canopy that will be controlled by the reefkeeper. I will have one draw air in, and the other will remove air. I want these fans to draw and exhaust air out the top of the canopy, where they will not be visible. I considered using my router to make a series of slots in the top of the canopy where the fans will mount. But, I also do not want any ambient light from inside the canopy to leak out the top of the canopy and shine on the ceiling above the tank.

 

Instead of cutting slots with the router, I just cut 4" holes with a big hole saw (that poor little Makita 9.6V sure struggled with that job!). Then, I fashioned some "fancy" chamfered port covers out of some oak scrap, and fastened them to the top of the canopy over the fan holes.

 

Camera angle makes this look crooked for some reason, but here's a shot of the underside of one of the fan port covers I made:

 

Here's a pic of the holes I drilled for the fans. I placed the fans in the shot inside the canopy, but they will of course be mounted over the holes. You can also see, I installed some rails for mounting the the endcaps for the lights:

 

Fan port mounted on top:

 

Both Fan Ports: