cichlidtx Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Hi all, This is my first salwater setup, I've doing FW for a number of years. I was given a Nanocube 12DX shell that needs some work. Here's what I have so far and have done: 1. Ordered a new ballast to support 2x24W PC lights 2. Installed MJ1200. 3. Ordered 1/2 Loc-line to support two outputs for each side of the tank. 4. 20lbs. LR in a bucket saltwater, I don't plan on using it all. 5. 20lbs LS 6. Salt & hydrometer I've reading posts on this site for months and have gained alot of knowledge from you all. This is a great site. I plan taking pics as I go along this adventure to share with everyone. I have a few things to do still before I can setup, but I'm being patient. 1. Build stand this weekend 2. Buy saltwater test kit. 3. Buy heater. I will post some pics of the stand and the fuge light that I'm almost finished with. Thanks again for all great info and would appreciate any feedback and criticism. Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted February 1, 2009 Author Share Posted February 1, 2009 Well I finished my first mod. A fuge light that I seen here on NF. It was a very simple setup and the best part and my wife agrees, only cost $16. The parts list: 1 1/4" PVC conduit waterproof lamp holder CFL 6500K bulb velcro Fan and 12v power supply that I already had. Here's some pics of the build. The lamp holder is an outdoor spotlight housing. I had to sand the housing a little for the light housing to fit into. Housing fits perfect after sanding. Applied velcro to attach to tank. Next I had to mark location on the second chamber and begin removing vinyl. Vinyl removed. I went ahead and added a fan to reduce heat if needed. I used a computer fan and a electrical box extender to attach the fan to the back of the conduit housing. This fuge will be located on chamber 2. I also started making my stand. I finished the frame today and will continue working on it tomorrow. I will post pics of the build tomorrow. Thanks. Link to comment
Nosey Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Your mods are looking good, I like what your doing. That mj1200 should be some good flow, even with a lock-line. I'm interested in seeing your tank stand when it's done! Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted February 5, 2009 Author Share Posted February 5, 2009 Well, I appreciate the feedback. I received the loc-line today except they sent the wrong bulkhead a 11/4" instead of the 1/2" that I ordered, but the rest looks good. For those of you interested I ordered from savko.com, good prices but a little high on shipping. I also had some time to work on the stand. I used a 2x4 frame that I borrowed from someone else's design that I believe came from this site. I started to skin it with MDF so it will match the tables that I built in the same room. It will be painted and I will add corner molding to hide seams. This is going to be very sturdy and heavy. I still have to make the top and bottom, I'm going to curve the fronts to match the tank. I'm also considering using the bun style feet. Here's a few pics of the progress. Again, I appreciate any feedback. Let me know if I'm posting to many pics or if they are to large. Thanks. Top & bottom frame cut pre-drilled and countersunk holes for screws. top & bottom frame assembly supports for uprights attached to bottom frame completed frame started skinning with MDF. The top in the pic is just for mock up. Link to comment
Gerber77 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Looks very good, you have been doing youre homework. Link to comment
SiLkk Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Good work, I bet you can't wait to get started with the actual reef! Link to comment
Squareone Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Hey where's the CAD on this build Just kidding. You got a nice little work shop over there, may have to come by sometime. Is Felix The Cat registered on the forum? Maybe I should try airbrushing a background on my tank.... a skull engulfed in some purplish (coraline colored) true flames. Just go a 60 gallon.... compressor!! I'm impressed..... It looks very good -Rich Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted February 6, 2009 Author Share Posted February 6, 2009 Looks very good, you have been doing youre homework. Thanks, I've spent numerous hours researching and talking to friends over the past 6 months, hope it works out. SiLkk, I really want to get it setup, but I'm telling myself to take my time and be patient. Here's a couple more pics of the stand, I finished and attached the top and bottom pieces. I plan on finishing the door and one more shelf this weekend and then its paint time and finish trim. Overall, I'm happy except for the weight. Thanks, Link to comment
Gerber77 Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Wow the stand looks great, hurry and finish it so you can fill it. Link to comment
Lalani Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Nice stand! Hmmm, makes me want to build one for my new tank.. Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 The stand is finished, ready for paint. Now for the tank, my goal is to get the water,sand and rock up and running. I'm sure the scape will take some time. After that I need to work on the hood. I need to get the lights and connect the ballast. I will be using 2x24w bulbs. Should I go with 2- 50/50's or 1-50/50 and 1-10K or 1-24W Combo (10,000°K/Blue) 1-24W 6500°K Daylight? I'm really anxious to get it going. I will be asking alot more questions and assistance. Thanks. Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 I finally have some updates to this adventure. I don't have the tank setup yet, but I'm getting real close. I completed the stand, lighting and installing loc-line. I plan to start filling with water hopefully this weekend. Hope you enjoy because I am enjoying the set-up. Let me know what you think. Thanks Tank & Stand 1/2" Loc-Line 1/2" Bulkhead & 90 to MJ1200 Remote ballast 2x24w Fuge light, fan & internal view w/ light on Link to comment
Gerber77 Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 That looks awesome, hurry up and fill it with water lol. Sounds good you are having fun with the tank. Link to comment
alexn09 Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 I would remove the 6'' loc line extender and just have the two outlets. I know you would have plenty of flow. I would only remove it because I think it looks more cluttered. I had a 12g nanocube a couple years ago with the same pump and locline and it had excellent flow. I think your fuge mod is awesome and I like the work on the stand a lot. Your tank is gonna be great. Link to comment
Kraylen Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Finally... a newb that knows what they're doing. Amazing so far. Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted February 19, 2009 Author Share Posted February 19, 2009 Thanks, for the comments. I've spent numerous hours on this forum reading and hopefully be able to apply the knowledge gained to this tank. I'm in the process of wiring 2 fans in the lid and will start adding water and begin scaping. Link to comment
kevantheman35 Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 looks great, im redoing my fuge this evening, you gave me a great idea for my light housing! Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted March 3, 2009 Author Share Posted March 3, 2009 Well it's been slow going, but I finally got it setup and cycling. I still need to get a marine test kit, but I have an API freshwater kit and was wondering if some of the tests for basic water parameters were the same (ammonia, PH, nitrite, nitrate). I would appreciate any feedback on the rock scape and if I should add more, as well as if my initial parameters are acceptable. I can't wait to add livestock but I will be patient and wait till everything is correct. Thanks again for the input. Basic setup: 10-12lbs of LR 10lbs LS Water temp 80 PH 8.0 (using freshwater test) Sg 1.026-1.027 Link to comment
BumbleBeeJBG Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 My name is BumbleBee and I approve of this tank. Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted March 4, 2009 Author Share Posted March 4, 2009 Thanks, BumbleBee. I added another rock which I think will be good for now. I measured Ammonia tonight and had a reading .25. Looks like the cycle has begun. Thanks Link to comment
2xgrandchampion Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 very nice keep up the good work Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 Update on tank cycle. I seem to be having some different types of algae growing and was looking for some advice. My parameters are: Ammonia - .25-.5 Nitrates - 10-15 Nitrites - 0 Temp - 80 I see some green hair algae, appears to be diatoms and a red hair algae(cotton like). I did some research on cotton algae and see that Mexican turbo snails will solve this problem, but it will grow quickly if nothing is done. My question is can I add these a couple of these snails now or will they die because I'm still in the cycle process. I just don't want to get overun to bad. I would also like your opinions a what other CUC I should look for. Here are some pics showing the algae. I would appreciate you help. Thanks, Link to comment
treygarz Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 Probably still a little too early to be looking at getting some cuc member since you still have a good bit of ammonia. Some things to consider would be hermits, nas snail, turbo snails, cerith snails, etc... Link to comment
cichlidtx Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 Thanks for the response. I will wait till ammonia is at 0 and add the CUC at that time. Link to comment
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