Jump to content
Coral Vue Hydros

5g Shallow - A Startup


IanM

Recommended Posts

Update - 6/14/13

 

So after some caffeine and a lack of sleep I've decided to try to automate as much of the tank as possible. And, thanks to some extra hardware from work it shouldn't cost that much.

Note: I design and program lighting effects for the stage.

 

Plans for automation:

 

Data Management:

- USB-DMX Interface from DMXKing. (Basically a USB dongle that communicates in standard lighting data)

- 2x 4 Outlet DMX Dimmers (Outlets can be dimmed or switched via data)

- Server computer already running (adding a 24hr DMX cycle)

 

Lighting:

- 2 Bank (Ballast) Light so that a 2-Stage On/Off cycle can be programmed

- 1 Light for DIY Fuge will be running counter the daylight cycle

 

Water & Flow:

- Koralia Nano will be on a 24hr wave cycle

- DIY Auto Top Off unit will add perscribed amount of water at tidal hours (increace in Koralia Flow)

 

Temperature:

- Generic Temp Control Unit w/ probe will control tank heater as well as DIY Evap cooler

 

Else:

- WC's by hand (gotta have some fun, right?)

- Possibly Moon cycle Actinics from some leftover parts

- Possible 96hr cycle so that days 1/3 can be normal and days 2/4 can be alternate weather

Link to comment

Decided on your lights yet?

 

Probably 2x 20W Coralife 50/50's in a custom pendant, with either DIY LED Actinics or a gooseneck spot for higher demand corals

 

because money. and also, money

Link to comment

Update - 6/14/13

 

Time for the lab cure. First FTS Shots to follow in about a week

 

Curing and Sub Cycling:

 

post-80499-0-34472400-1371263548_thumb.jpeg

 

post-80499-0-27472400-1371263555_thumb.jpeg

Link to comment

Got ya... Man I wish I could help ya with lights... Wish I could help everyone with lights.. HAHA

 

And i wish you could help me out too :P

BUT because you can't, I'm going Reef Breeders full spec PAR 38 on a gooseneck. Finally biting the bullet.

 

Nice! I love shallow tanks

 

Thanks much! i fancy them as well. Something about frag tank geometry just begs for a 'scape, no?

Link to comment

Update - 6/19/13

 

Okay! FTS Time.

 

Pics:

 

Immediately After Fill

 

post-80499-0-10299500-1371688797_thumb.jpeg

 

Overnight

 

post-80499-0-26895900-1371688802_thumb.jpeg

 

Cycling started in cure tank, but a smaller NH3 spike when i got stuff moved in.

Gonna let stuff run for a couple weeks and monitor, updates to come with equipment acquisition and/or livestock.

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...

Update - 7/28/13

 

Stands and such.

 

Got a working mockup of how the final system will go.

 

I found a cabinet in my basement that just happens to be perfectly sized for the tank! Talk about luck.

 

I'm planning to build a 12" cube sump/fuge to fit inside the cabinet's limited space; should add another 6 gal to the system for an overall 11g.

 

I can;t decide whether or not i want to retrofit a cube like a Go! or a Mr Aqua, or if I want to just build it as well; since I'm already going to be siliconing dividers and such in, not much difference.

 

Pictures:

 

Stand with tank/fuge (door hidden)

post-80499-0-19460900-1375029424_thumb.jpg

 

Fuge details

post-80499-0-90725000-1375029412_thumb.jpg

 

Link to comment

Update - 8/3/13

 

Holes and water.

 

Finished tapping the overflow and return holes (which by the way was exactly as easy and as boring as the interwebs described). So no incident there.

 

Bulkheads in; 1" overflow and 1/2" Return.

 

Pics

 

Holes and some plumbing hardware

post-80499-0-94699400-1375557846_thumb.jpeg

 

Filling her up

post-80499-0-30372600-1375557878_thumb.jpeg

 

Gettin' mah agg on

post-80499-0-02277600-1375557864_thumb.jpeg

Link to comment
  • 2 months later...

Any updates on this tank? Not sure how I missed it, such awesome dimensions!

 

Unfortunately no updates ATM. I ended up back in the dorms this year, so at least until spring I'm sadly tank-less. Still DIY'ing some tank stuff together, so maybe a spring update will get the tank up and running.

Link to comment

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recommended Discussions

×
×
  • Create New...