Nuvo 20 with DIY base, hood and cooling (Updated with final install pics)

[Codiene]

Hello all.  

 

  As the title states this is my post about building my nuvo 20 reef.  I currently have a 150 reef at home and wanted to put a smaller tank at my office due to the fact that I spend 40-50 hours a week there and will have the time to enjoy it.  The deciding factor for me was that a recent dental journal did a report stating that 5 min staring at a fish tank lowers stress levels and pain experienced (which allows me to make this a business expense).  

The tank will be sitting on a shelf in my dental operatory and floor space is limited so I cannot use a stand to store anything.  Although the tank is rimless I need a canopy so the led does not shine in my patients' eyes when I lean them back (and it hides everything).  The electronics will be mounted on the wall below and to the left of the tank and I will be building a small wood cabinet to hold all of it.  I will also be building a cover for the ATO reservoir.  All wood will be stained to match the wood trim in my office.  

I recently upgraded my home tank to a digital aquatics Archon and had a reefkeeper elite sitting in a box so it will control this tank.

 

My hardware will consist of:

Nuvo 20 

INtank media basket in right return with filter floss and chemipure blue

IM media basket in left return full of live rock rubble with filter floss on top.

2 cobalt mj1200s as return pumps, each going to a spin stream

an eheim jager 75watt heater in right accessory spot

SB reeflights 16" wifi led

frag freaks magnetic float switch holder in ATO reservoir for low level sensing.

2 eshops triple probe holders, one in left accessory spot for reef keeper pH and temp probes and one in center return area for 2 float switches and return hose mounting.

Digital aquatics reef keeper elite with sl1, sl2, mlc and 2 power bars

4.5 gallon acrylic ato reservoir from advanced acrylics.

custom base for tank

custom canopy 

custom ATO reservoir cover 

custom electronics cabinet.

 

I will update this thread as the project progresses over the next couple months.

 

here Is a pic of the current progress

 

[Codiene]

In the previous pictures, the hole in the top of the canopy will have a door on a hinge that I will let little kids feed the fish through.

 

One of the problems with having a hood on an AIO tank is easily accessing the sump area.  I solved this problem by making a valance that is held on with a magnetic catch, as you can see in the pictures.  I added 2 120mm fans for the reef keeper to turn on if the water temp gets too hot.

  

 

[bageezus]

Really nice work!

[Codiene]

Update on progress, finished staining the woodwork to match our office trimwork.  Used general finishes Arm-r-seal satin polyurethane as the finish.  I know this is woodwork heavy at the moment and I hope it's not boring to all the reefers out there.  The stain is an aged cedar by old masters.

 

Base

 

ATO box, canopy and valance.

 

Front hinged door

 

I made side panels for the tank that will cover the black area on each side of the sump  chamber.  On the most accessible side, I burned in gallon markers so that when I do water changes I don't have to measure out the water I'm removing, I just drain to the line then refill.  Did 1, 2.5 and 5 gallon marks because I don't see myself doing any other volume.

 

Electronics box and door.

 

Reefkeeper layout in electronics box, MLC module not in pic but will be in line with other modules.  80mm case fan on upper left for heat dissipation.

 

Eshops magnetic probe holder to hold float switches.  The switches will be wired in series so that both have to be on for the ATO to work.  Higher chance for a failure keeping the ATO off but lower chance for a stuck on situation.  The ATO fill hose will be in the center probe location.  Had to use the mount upside down so the magnets wouldn't interfere with the float switch operation.

 

This is how I'm running 2 cobalt mj1200s as the returns.  Each going to a spin stream and sitting on a silicone trivet to lower noise.  Had to place the hose in boiling water to get it to relax and go straight.  Using two little fishes 1/2" plastic hose clamps.

 

That is it for now, going to start on the aquascaping next while this polyurethane cures over the next couple weeks.  I'm open to questions comments or concerns if you guys think I'm missing anything.

[Weetabix7]

On 6/28/2017 at 9:16 PM, Codiene said:

In the previous pictures, the hole in the top of the canopy will have a door on a hinge that I will let little kids feed the fish through.

 

One of the problems with having a hood on an AIO tank is easily accessing the sump area.  I solved this problem by making a valance that is held on with a magnetic catch, as you can see in the pictures.  I added 2 120mm fans for the reef keeper to turn on if the water temp gets too hot.

  

 

 

I like how you did this. 

I may even use a couple of your ideas as inspiration for a canopy I need to build but really don't want to. 

[Codiene]

Feel free, I use a ton of ideas off of google searches.  But I have to say the magnetic valance and feed door with the slope is an original to me haha.  I honestly couldn't figure out any other way to have a canopy on an AIO tank where you wouldn't have to remove the whole damn thing to service the tank.

[Weetabix7]

32 minutes ago, Codiene said:

Feel free, I use a ton of ideas off of google searches.  But I have to say the magnetic valance and feed door with the slope is an original to me haha.  I honestly couldn't figure out any other way to have a canopy on an AIO tank where you wouldn't have to remove the whole damn thing to service the tank.

 

One of the things that has been bothering me is also the thought that I'd have to take the whole canopy off to do anything in the tank, although I don't have an AIO. 

I am building a custom, divided tank. 

It's in a 40 breeder. 

The right 24" will be lit by T5HO, the left 12" will be lit by Metal Halide and each side will be on a reverse lighting cycle. 

So additionally, I have to find a way to compartmentalize the light to prevent as much spillover as possible. 

It's an interesting challenge and looking at your pics gave me some ideas, so thanks.

[bageezus]

On 7/9/2017 at 11:18 AM, Codiene said:

Update on progress, finished staining the woodwork to match our office trimwork.  Used general finishes Arm-r-seal satin polyurethane as the finish.  I know this is woodwork heavy at the moment and I hope it's not boring to all the reefers out there.  The stain is an aged cedar by old masters.

 

Base

 

ATO box, canopy and valance.

 

Front hinged door

 

I made side panels for the tank that will cover the black area on each side of the sump  chamber.  On the most accessible side, I burned in gallon markers so that when I do water changes I don't have to measure out the water I'm removing, I just drain to the line then refill.  Did 1, 2.5 and 5 gallon marks because I don't see myself doing any other volume.

 

Electronics box and door.

 

Reefkeeper layout in electronics box, MLC module not in pic but will be in line with other modules.  80mm case fan on upper left for heat dissipation.

 

Eshops magnetic probe holder to hold float switches.  The switches will be wired in series so that both have to be on for the ATO to work.  Higher chance for a failure keeping the ATO off but lower chance for a stuck on situation.  The ATO fill hose will be in the center probe location.  Had to use the mount upside down so the magnets wouldn't interfere with the float switch operation.

 

This is how I'm running 2 cobalt mj1200s as the returns.  Each going to a spin stream and sitting on a silicone trivet to lower noise.  Had to place the hose in boiling water to get it to relax and go straight.  Using two little fishes 1/2" plastic hose clamps.

 

That is it for now, going to start on the aquascaping next while this polyurethane cures over the next couple weeks.  I'm open to questions comments or concerns if you guys think I'm missing anything.

I tried running dual MJ1200 in my return. The overflows couldn't keep up with them. If using the filter socks really keep this in mind and they clog over time and start reducing the amount of water that can be pulled into the sump. Just a heads up. A good test run would help determine how this would run for you.

[Codiene]

I am a little concerned about that, I set the whole thing up and ran them and everything seemed ok but that was with no bioload.  The only reason I was running two was because I don't like seeing powerheads in the tank.  I'll keep an eye on it.  Worst case I'll just take one out and put in a powerhead.

[treedog5]

Really nice build so far, I have the same tank and agree that the filter socks will clog rather quickly. I also have the ghost skimmer for this tank and hate it LOL. Will definitely follow along to see how your tank matures.

[Codiene]

You guys are making me rethink running the filter sock.  Maybe run a second media basket with filter floss?

[jstj0sh]

1 hour ago, Codiene said:

You guys are making me rethink running the filter sock.  Maybe run a second media basket with filter floss?

I would. Or mix some other media in there like Seachem Matrix. Love your build so far, btw!

 

1 hour ago, treedog5 said:

Really nice build so far, I have the same tank and agree that the filter socks will clog rather quickly. I also have the ghost skimmer for this tank and hate it LOL. Will definitely follow along to see how your tank matures.

In regards to the skimmer, check out the Eshopps Nano Skimmer. It comes with a nice Sicce pump and had almost no break-in period for me. Plugged it in and less than 12 hours later it was skimming like a champ. 

[treedog5]

Sweet, I've been trying to figure out a different skimmer to go with. Will be posting a ghost skimmer real soon in the for sale thread. Codiene, if your in the market I got one for you LOL..

Oh and yeah I would run another rack instead of the sock, just put some filter floss in it and change every 3 or so days.

[Codiene]

Got the final assembly done today, still need to let it sit for a few weeks until the polyurethane gasses off.  The color doesn't come through the best in some of these pics. 

 

 

Attached the sides with two sided carpet tape.  Pretty handy stuff.  You can see my gallon markers on this side.

 

 

 

Hook is attached to the brace that helps to hold the valance up and won't move when the valance is removed.  My reefkeeper will be below the tank so this is part of my drip loop solution.

 

The extra piece at the bottom is there to hide the extra electric wires outside of the box to keep it clean.

 

The back extended part is there for me to attach the pump and low level wires as well as the ATO hose.

 

Leak protection/warning is pretty important in the build so I placed some tinned wires in the bottom of the base on each side that will be attached to the reefkeeper to sense water leaks.

 

 

 

[Codiene]

    Been working a lot lately.  Only been able to make a little progress on the tank. 

    I took the advice of some fellow members and got rid of the filter sock and got the intank media basket.  I had to modify the basket because it was such a tight fit that the extra silicone globs that hold the tank together wouldn't let it sit flush under the overflow.

    You can see I cut 45s on each corner to allow it to sit flush.

 

    I also upgraded my RO/DI salt mixing station.  Was using an internal pump and siphon hose before which was a hassle.  Now it's all controlled by my archon and I can fill bucket with a flick of a switch.

 

I will be installing the tank this weekend so more pictures soon.

[Codiene]

Got my aquascaping worked out last night.  What do you guys think?

 

[Codiene]

Install day went well, there were a few hiccups but everything turned out nice.

 

It takes a lot of stuff to install even these small tanks haha.

 

Everything installed, electronics cabinet on left with ATO reservoir under it.

[Codiene]

Electronics cabinet inside.  The ATO reservoir slides out to be filled.

 

Up close of aquascape with sand.

 

Patient's view when laid back in chair

 

Full install view

 

[Five.five-six]

Really nice build.  I was all proud of my BC29.... now I just want to delete the whole thread

 

Great work!!!

[Codiene]

39 minutes ago, Five.five-six said:

Really nice build.  I was all proud of my BC29.... now I just want to delete the whole thread

 

Great work!!!

Thanks.  This isn't my first go round with a tank or with building furniture.  Just learn from your first one and step your game up next time.

[treedog5]

Great job man, everything turned out really well. Can't wait to see this one grow...

[teenyreef]

Wow this is already one of my favorite builds! I'm learning a lot from your cabinet and canopy build ideas. 

 

Where are you located? I want to be your patient, the tank looks great from the patient's view 

[Codiene]

On 8/12/2017 at 1:33 PM, teenyreef said:

Wow this is already one of my favorite builds! I'm learning a lot from your cabinet and canopy build ideas. 

 

Where are you located? I want to be your patient, the tank looks great from the patient's view 

I'm in southern Indiana.  The patients are loving it so far.

[Codiene]

Update 

 

  So the tank has been up a couple weeks now and I have had a couple issues to deal with.

 

#1 While building the hood, I forgot one of the cardinal rules of woodworking which is putting the crown of the wood toward the outside of a project.  This combined with the high humidity on the inside of the hood and low humidity on the outside caused the front of the door to develop a slight outward bow.  I corrected this with a heat gun to equalize the moisture content in the wood and aluminum angle metal to stiffen the panel.... we will see what happens.  The bow wasn't too bad, it was designed to have a 1/8" gap between the front and sides and at the bottom it bowed out to 1/4" but being a bit OCD, it was killing me.

 

#2 is that the dual MJ1200s did end up being too much for the tank.  The media baskets did fine with the flow but the sand at the front center of the tank was blown away and the display water level was so high that cleaning the glass resulted in water being splashed out.  I corrected this by switching the return pump programming to wavemaker mode on my RKE and I have them cycle back and forth in one hour increments. (More random flow)  I will be adding a tunze 6040 with a power outage backup battery to make up for the loss of flow.

 

 

[Codiene]

Update.  So it’s been three months and the tank is doing well.  I’m still dealing with a bacterial bloom issue that I believe will correct itself with time.  I added a tunze 6040 with battery backup as well as a small UV sterilizer that I will remove once this bacterial issue is over.  

 

 Current inhabitants:

Midas Blenny

4 blue leg hermit crabs

 

Current Corals

Green star polyps

Silver Pulsing Xenia

Neon green branching frogspawn

Green Galaxia