picOnly Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 So my 2.5g nano reef has been running for just over 8 months now, and while i have found a lot of enjoyment in it, it never seems complete. Time to build the pico reef i've wanted from the start. To do that, i'm pulling out all the stops to make the cleanest setup i possibly can. Here's the goal: The diplay tank showed up just this week. For lighting i'm going to do this kit from Rapid: http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-61/06-...mium-LED/Detail It's going to hang above the tank as i want the rim of the tank to be clear. Right now i am really stuck on filtration. I was planning on a Glass Holes nano overflow with their 1/2" return kit. But i'm worried the overflow might take up too much space. The sump would be a standard AGA 2.5g with a rio return pump @ appoximately 150gph. I also have an Eheim 2213 but i've heard canister filters can become a serious problem in reef tanks, especially nano's. Here's how it would look with the present plan: I would really appreciate you're input on this be in positive or negative. Thanks! Link to comment
Akiowalt Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 instead of Eheim 2213, why don't you go for Eheim Liberty 2042? Simple is better. Link to comment
picOnly Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 The whole idea is to have zero equipment visible. So everything needs to be either inline or in-sump. Link to comment
Akiowalt Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 then you should go for refugium sump system. Chaeto is great addition for a reef tank. Link to comment
picOnly Posted January 30, 2012 Author Share Posted January 30, 2012 Then a sump/fuge it is! I'll be ording my overflow and return very soon. I placed my order with RapidLED today. I purchased 4 cool white and 6 royal blue LED's, a constant current driver, 80* optics, 4.25x9in heatsink, and a hanging kit. Would it be better to go with an even, or a clustered layout? Link to comment
asting Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 If you haven't gotten a 2.5g yet, I'd get a 10g or at least a 5.5g to hold the equipment and offer more stability. Link to comment
picOnly Posted January 30, 2012 Author Share Posted January 30, 2012 If you haven't gotten a 2.5g yet, I'd get a 10g or at least a 5.5g to hold the equipment and offer more stability. Well I have the 2.5 that currently houses my reef, but I may just grab a 5.5. It just doesn't make sense to have a sump larger than the dislay. Link to comment
Builder Anthony Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 looks like your thinking things through.just dont rush your descision on super live rock Link to comment
picOnly Posted January 30, 2012 Author Share Posted January 30, 2012 looks like your thinking things through.just dont rush your descision on super live rock Ya, I really want this to be my dream pico reef. And what do you mean by super live rock? Link to comment
asting Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Well I have the 2.5 that currently houses my reef, but I may just grab a 5.5. It just doesn't make sense to have a sump larger than the dislay. Sure it does, it adds system stability, regardless of your display size. There's no required ratio of sump:display size. Link to comment
Builder Anthony Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 just some natural looking rock with a bunch of hitchhikers Link to comment
picOnly Posted February 1, 2012 Author Share Posted February 1, 2012 Sure it does, it adds system stability, regardless of your display size. There's no required ratio of sump:display size. True, sorry I forgot to mention that I'd like to keep the stand compact. But I'm now leaning more towards keeping it on a counter in which case I will deffinately go with a larger sump. just some natural looking rock with a bunch of hitchhikers Gotcha, hadn't heard that terminology before. I'm actually going to use the rock from my current setup as it's become a never ending battle against vermetid snails and hydroids. Should make for a great biological filter though! I also plan to put some mangroves in the fuge. Link to comment
picOnly Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 Alright so, LED's are comming tommorow. I'll update on those when they arrive. In the meantime, I need some help deciding on a return setup. I'm deffinately doing the GH nano overflow, and my return is going to be a RIO 1000 running @around 150gph. I still want the overflow in the back, upper-left corner. The 1/2" return will be drilled beneath it. I'm just stuck on what to do after that! I had originally planned a wye lock-line with two flare nozzles, bit i'm concerned about deadspots and detritus buildup with that. I also considered a hydor flo deflector, but they're just too big and will kick up my sandbed. I want to keep SPS higher up, with zoa's, paly's, and a few LPS closer to the sandbed. I'd also love to have a Maxima clam on the sandbed. Figured the bright minds of nano-reef might have a solution, thanks! Link to comment
asting Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 The locline and nozzles should be enough to configure away any deadspots. What size is this tank? 150gph could be a lot. I've got one of the Rio Taam's in my AIO, and it's about 200gph (because it really is lifting the water like half an inch and circulating the rest). That flow is making it a tad hard to find spots for low flow coral. Link to comment
picOnly Posted February 5, 2012 Author Share Posted February 5, 2012 The locline and nozzles should be enough to configure away any deadspots. What size is this tank? 150gph could be a lot. I've got one of the Rio Taam's in my AIO, and it's about 200gph (because it really is lifting the water like half an inch and circulating the rest). That flow is making it a tad hard to find spots for low flow coral. Here's a link for the tank: http://www.adana-usa.com/index.php?main_pa...products_id=123 I don't think 150gph will be excessive as i can configure the flow with the double nozzle return and i can always bring it down with a ball valve if need be. I figure it can't be worse than running an AC70 at full flow on a JBJ picotope(see plenty of those on here). I have ordered the overflow, return, and majority of the plumbing. So expect to see some holes in this tank soon! Until then, some pictures of the LED's from Rapid! Everything I ordered: -6 royal blue's -4 cool white's -LPC-35-700 driver -4.25x9" heatsink -extra wire -hanging kit -80* lenses (unused) Just and hour and a half later: I didn't expect them to be this bright! Link to comment
picOnly Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 So I'm having trouble deciding on a skimmer. I know the Tunze 9002 is considered to be the way to go, but with a total system volume of around 5 gallons, I think it may overskim. The aquaticlife 115 seems to be the next best option. I've read that they need work out of the box, but work well once modded. But still, this seems like overkill. I've also considered a DIY mame skimmer, that should provide less aggressive skimming than a Venturi right? I know I deffinately want one so that I can do less frequent WC's. This will be my first skimmer so any input is greatly appreciated! Also, this will be my first time using a sump for filtration. My current plan is: Chamber 1- 100 micron filter sock and live rock Chamber 2- deep bed of Caribsea arag-alive with some mangroves Chamber 3- return pump and skimmer Do I need any other media such as chemi-pure? Link to comment
picOnly Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 My package of "dope aquarium stuff" has arrived! I'll be drilling later tonight. Pictures to follow! Link to comment
JR! Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 My package of "dope aquarium stuff" has arrived! I'll be drilling later tonight. Pictures to follow! Link to comment
picOnly Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 Well now that the tension's built up..... Well worth the risk. Still to come: -stand construction -sump construction -get it wet Link to comment
JR! Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 that looks amazing! awesome job man. Link to comment
picOnly Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 Thanks. I'm really happy with how it came out. The whole tank's really coming together exactly the way I wanted it. And just in time for Reefstock! Link to comment
picOnly Posted February 20, 2012 Author Share Posted February 20, 2012 Alright, so since last update, I've painted the background and built the stand. Must say i'm quite satisfied with it. Tommorow is plumbing, sump construction, and finally getting it running! Link to comment
Builder Anthony Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 how much was the light kit? Link to comment
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