joelsaxton Posted December 24, 2010 Share Posted December 24, 2010 I've decided to build a 2.5g pico with my own diy led hood. I am also trying a couple new things here. The first is a faux sandbed (using epoxy mixed with coarse aragonite) and the second is the new surface skimming bio system power filter from Drs. FosterSmith. As with my previous 5.5g project, I am diy'ing an acrylic canopy for the tank, which will house my 5-led array (3 royal blues and 2 neutral whites). I am also using base rock from Bulk Reef Supply. I hate hitchhikers and I don't mind waiting for rock to mature. Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted December 24, 2010 Author Share Posted December 24, 2010 Some more pics: I got a 1/4" x 5" x 11" heatsink from Speedymetals.com. I have 3 royal blues on a 1000mA buckpuck and 2 neutral whites on a 700mA buckpuck with pot. I got the Biosystem filter with skimmer 15 from Drsfostersmith.com. It was pretty cheap and comes with a surface skimmer, but it may be a little too noisy for my taste. If I start to hate it I might go for an Aquaclear 20 instead. I also got two thin 60mm fans from Rapidled and much of the other stuff was lying around from old/aborted projects. Anyone with questions, let me know! Link to comment
plantman1028 Posted December 24, 2010 Share Posted December 24, 2010 Great start, really looks good. Some more info on the faux sandbed please, sounds interesting. Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted December 24, 2010 Author Share Posted December 24, 2010 Great start, really looks good. Some more info on the faux sandbed please, sounds interesting. I found a thread on Reefcentral from several years ago with the technique, and the OP was still satisfied with the results years later. It's pretty simple. I got some of this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CEMU3I/ref=oss_product ..and mixed it with some coarse aragonite I got from Petco. I mixed the epoxy liberally with the sand so it was a little bit drippy then I put it in the tank and spread it around. On the glistening surface I poured more dry sand so it covered it completely. Once it cures I will pour out whatever sand did not stick. We will see how it turns out. I need to wait about 72 hours for a full cure, then I will put in the salt water (I get NSW from my local pet store) and the filter and powerhead (microjet, although I may push it up to a minijet 606). Link to comment
scubasteve2580 Posted December 24, 2010 Share Posted December 24, 2010 a little "FYI" those heaters in the 3rd pic are horrible. they arent accurate and cant keep the water warm and will sometimes overheat it. i use one for my make up water along with a tetra but dont trust them in my tank. p.s. very nice none the less Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted December 24, 2010 Author Share Posted December 24, 2010 a little "FYI" those heaters in the 3rd pic are horrible. they arent accurate and cant keep the water warm and will sometimes overheat it. i use one for my make up water along with a tetra but dont trust them in my tank.p.s. very nice none the less What would be a reliable heater for such a small tank? I'd like one similar in size the one pictured since it is short enough for me to mount it inside the power filter. Yep, it looks like it was panned by both reviewers on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/7-50-Watt-Aquarium-H...howViewpoints=1 Link to comment
Sunstar Posted December 24, 2010 Share Posted December 24, 2010 What would be a reliable heater for such a small tank? I'd like one similar in size the one pictured since it is short enough for me to mount it inside the power filter. I go t a hydor 50 watts about that size that is submersable. (for the 2 gallon contest tank in jan for another forum.)Once I tweeked the temperature down it seems well enough. Admittedly I have to turn the dial quite a bit furter down. the heat from the filter + light + heater caused it to go I'd try to find a smaller wattage than the one I have though . i was gonna get a stealth pro for my 10 gallon but the online store called me to say get a different one t here's issues and they are no longer selling them. Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted December 24, 2010 Author Share Posted December 24, 2010 I go t a hydor 50 watts about that size that is submersable. (for the 2 gallon contest tank in jan for another forum.)Once I tweeked the temperature down it seems well enough. Admittedly I have to turn the dial quite a bit furter down. the heat from the filter + light + heater caused it to go I'd try to find a smaller wattage than the one I have though . i was gonna get a stealth pro for my 10 gallon but the online store called me to say get a different one t here's issues and they are no longer selling them. Why did you get the Hydor Theo 50W and not the 25W? Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted December 24, 2010 Author Share Posted December 24, 2010 I finished building the canopy. Everything seems to be running fine. I am still figuring out the right powerhead to use (I don't like the suction cups on my microjet/minijet since they always come loose). Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted December 26, 2010 Author Share Posted December 26, 2010 The epoxy has cured. I removed all the loose sand, and have added about 2.5g of natural seawater and started the lights and power filter. I am still looking for a good small powerhead. I don't have a lot of space. I will eventually replace the heater here and put in a Hydor Theo 25w inside the power filter (if there is room). Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted December 27, 2010 Author Share Posted December 27, 2010 Shot from the rear. I decided to go with a stealth heater instead, based on the good reviews it received. I also got a Hydor pico evo-mag 180 powerhead. Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted December 27, 2010 Author Share Posted December 27, 2010 Well, here is an informal review of the Bio System Power Filter & Oxy Surface Skimmer 15 I ordered from Drs Fostersmith. The motor makes a subtle but very annoying tapping/rattling/grinding sound, making it hard for me to sleep. Obviously I am disappointed with this item and I have contacted the seller. I am thinking I might just get an Aquaclear and do my own surface skimmer mod on it. It would be better if there were a quieter motor I could simply swap out with the stock one on this filter but I am not sure if such a thing is possible. Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted December 29, 2010 Author Share Posted December 29, 2010 Everything's been installed now, cycling the tank. Link to comment
ELGORDOINAVW Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 Tagging along, I just started the same project. Link to comment
joelsaxton Posted January 1, 2011 Author Share Posted January 1, 2011 Feel free to post your pics here - or start a new thread with your project if you want. The fans were a little too loud, so I decided to run them in series at 6v. They're a lot slower, and the heatsink is warm instead of ice cold, but it isn't hot, and most importantly, the fans are now silent. I also hooked up the JBJ ATO to an Aqualifter and now both of my tanks are pulling distilled water from a 5g jug. I should get about 3 weeks of topoff distilled water per filling. I really like the Hydor 180 evo mag powerhead, it's small and looks nice. Total flow for this little tank is now 280 gph. Without a faux sandbed, I'd definitely have a sandstorm or at least a very uneven distribution of sand. It will also prevent anything from being a nutrient trap, as I have always encountered with my previous sand beds. Once the tank gets going, I plan on changing about 25% of the water per week, about half a gallon - maybe a quart twice a week. Link to comment
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