fishfreak0114 Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 I’m in! At last, I’ve found a suitable container. I visited Value Village on the weekend and came away with exactly what I was looking for—a coffee maker. I’m kind of nervous to be trying a pico, but I think it’ll be a fun new experience. And what better time to try it then alongside tons of fellow NR members! I’ve really enjoyed following along with everyone’s builds so far, but I can’t keep up! Before I go any further, a big thanks to Felicia, PJ, and Christopher Marks for putting this contest on! So without further ado….. PA141286 by orb1915, on Flickr For $7, who can complain? It’s about half a gallon I think. I had originally planned to use an old gumball machine, but after I sealed it I realized it only held 0.1g of water! Instead I’m keeping some freshwater amphipods in it. PA141289 by orb1915, on Flickr I already have numerous air pumps on hand, as well as rock, sand, and a tetra preset 50w heater (overkill) from Walmart. It’s kind of a chunky heater, but it’ll work I think. I’ve found them to be decently reliable. I’ve ordered this 15w bulb, which is scheduled to arrive between the 20th and 30th. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/E27-LED-Full-Spectrum-Coral-Reef-Plant-Grow-Light-PAR38-PAR30-Fish-Tank-Aquarium-/292207851134?var=&hash=item4408f1f67e:m:mSlN4W588ku9jHKwxx33pfA As well as this hanging socket https://www.amazon.ca/Electop-Hanging-Lantern-Extension-Pendant/dp/B074DTPKLL/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1507216630&sr=8-5&keywords=e27+lamp I figure I can use the coffee machine to hide the light and cords. I’m still waiting on the light and socket to arrive, so I’m not sure when I’ll get it set up with photosynthetic life. I hope to get it wet in the next day or two so that I can figure out what evaporation will be like. If I think the water volume is too small, I plan to get an anchor hocking jar. I saw one today, and holy cow they’re big! I’m thinking zoas, macro, and maybe another softie or two. I might put in some GSP because I love that stuff. I want to keep it simple since this is my first foray into picos. I put some dry rock in the back of my bc29 a week ago so hopefully it’ll be insta-cycled with that and sand from the bc29 as well! 9 Quote Link to comment
SeaFurn Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Cool! Following! 1 Quote Link to comment
fishfreak0114 Posted October 19, 2017 Author Share Posted October 19, 2017 26 minutes ago, SeaFurn said: Cool! Following! Thanks! I'm sure this build won't be nearly as nifty as some I've seen so far, but hopefully I can have some happy animals in it! 1 Quote Link to comment
fishfreak0114 Posted October 19, 2017 Author Share Posted October 19, 2017 The first thing I did was remove the filter holder PA141291 by orb1915, on Flickr I figure I’ll try to put my light in here. Assuming it’s too bright, I’ll try to put something in to block some of the light. PA141292 by orb1915, on Flickr No need to keep the coffee machine in working order PA141293 by orb1915, on Flickr Someone broke off the lid at one point PA141294 by orb1915, on Flickr It was sharp so I finished the job PA141295 by orb1915, on Flickr I need a lid still. First I tried to use the lid from this jar. It fit the pot, but it was too tall to put the coffee pot back into the machine PA141296 by orb1915, on Flickr Then I attempted to break a piece of glass with pliers into a circle PA141300 by orb1915, on Flickr Fail… PA141302 by orb1915, on Flickr I’ll probably set it up here next to my spot on the couch PA141303 by orb1915, on Flickr Leak test with hot water and vinegar to dual as a nice cleaning. It holds water! PA141304 by orb1915, on Flickr 9 Quote Link to comment
Droy008 Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Very cool, looking forward to this one! 1 Quote Link to comment
Thrassian Atoll Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 You should of used the ketchup bottle. ? Just kidding. It would be sweet if you could use the coffee pot machine as the heater. ? 1 Quote Link to comment
seabass Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 I'm glad to see this being done. I seriously thought about doing the same thing. 1 Quote Link to comment
fishfreak0114 Posted October 19, 2017 Author Share Posted October 19, 2017 36 minutes ago, Droy008 said: Very cool, looking forward to this one! Thanks! I'm excited! 33 minutes ago, TILTON said: You should of used the ketchup bottle. ? Just kidding. It would be sweet if you could use the coffee pot machine as the heater. ? if only. I'd need long skinny tweezers for that one! No chance of using the built in coffee pot heater now, I cut the cord off! 19 minutes ago, seabass said: I'm glad to see this being done. I seriously thought about doing the same thing. I saw that you posted that as an idea! It was part of my inspiration! 1 Quote Link to comment
Orangutran Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 If you haven't ordered the socket yet, they have them at IKEA! Although IKEA one does not have a on/off switch. Cool idea with the coffee maker! I would love to gut an old apple computer and put a reef in it. Just realized you're in Canada. Where abouts? 2 Quote Link to comment
vlangel Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I love the coffee pot as a container. I am a die hard coffee drinker, although I use a french press, which would have made a neat container too. This is my first real try at a pico as well and I decided that I better take advantage of all 3 gallons that are allowable, LOL. 2 Quote Link to comment
fishfreak0114 Posted October 20, 2017 Author Share Posted October 20, 2017 3 hours ago, Orangutran said: If you haven't ordered the socket yet, they have them at IKEA! Although IKEA one does not have a on/off switch. Cool idea with the coffee maker! I would love to gut an old apple computer and put a reef in it. Just realized you're in Canada. Where abouts? I haven't ordered it yet, but unfortunately I'm a couple hours from the nearest IKEA. I think the gas would cost more than the socket! Thanks for telling me though, I'll keep that in mind if I'm needing a socket for something next time I'm at IKEA. And thanks! A computer would be so cool! You should totally do it! I'm in Merritt, BC. I don't see a whole lot of West coast reefers on here! 3 hours ago, vlangel said: I love the coffee pot as a container. I am a die hard coffee drinker, although I use a french press, which would have made a neat container too. This is my first real try at a pico as well and I decided that I better take advantage of all 3 gallons that are allowable, LOL. Thanks! I don't drink a whole lot of coffee, but I thought it could look neat I thought about maximizing my water volume, which is why anchor hocking is my back up. But I figured I'd give the coffee pot a go! I'm really enjoying your build so far! 3 Quote Link to comment
seabass Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 You'll need a small light to fit inside the coffee maker. I was thinking that this would fit nicely: https://coralcompulsion.myshopify.com/products/3w-par16-led-blue-actinic It's a shame that you can't buy it with one white LED. Somebody said they have seen a PAR16 with 2 blue and 1 white LED, but I can't find one anywhere. The other bulb that might work is: https://www.amazon.com/Coralife-Compact-Fluorescent-Colormax-10-Watt/dp/B0002AQ44O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508500593&sr=8-1&keywords=corallife+10w+compact It is significantly longer, but might still fit on its side diagonally. 1 Quote Link to comment
TheBig053 Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 On 10/19/2017 at 12:10 AM, TILTON said: It would be sweet if you could use the coffee pot machine as the heater. ? Even sweeter if you could use the reservoir and water drip dispenser as an ATO. Let's go MacGyver! Get on it! 3 Quote Link to comment
fishfreak0114 Posted October 20, 2017 Author Share Posted October 20, 2017 9 hours ago, Clown79 said: Love it. 4 hours ago, metrokat said: Love! Thanks gals! It's so fun being able to follow each other's builds! 3 hours ago, seabass said: You'll need a small light to fit inside the coffee maker. I was thinking that this would fit nicely: https://coralcompulsion.myshopify.com/products/3w-par16-led-blue-actinic It's a shame that you can't buy it with one white LED. Somebody said they have seen a PAR16 with 2 blue and 1 white LED, but I can't find one anywhere. The other bulb that might work is: https://www.amazon.com/Coralife-Compact-Fluorescent-Colormax-10-Watt/dp/B0002AQ44O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508500593&sr=8-1&keywords=corallife+10w+compact It is significantly longer, but might still fit on its side diagonally. I figure the light I ordered will be physically small enough, but WAY too bright. I mean, 15w on a half gallon? I really like the wattage of that coral compulsion bulb, but I like my lights pretty white. The bulb I ended up ordering has some white. I think I'll tape over a bit of it, and I might put some kind of barrier between the light and pot. If that doesn't work, I found this https://www.amazon.ca/Colormax-Mini-Compact-Fluorescent-Lamp/dp/B00BS98R84/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1508514774&sr=8-3&keywords=coralife+compact+fluorescent+10w I'm pretty sure it's the exact same as the one you posted, but on amazon.ca 3 hours ago, TheBig053 said: Even sweeter if you could use the reservoir and water drip dispenser as an ATO. Let's go MacGyver! Get on it! Oh great, now I'm thinking about how that would be possible... It would fix what I assume will be my biggest problem--evaporation. 1 Quote Link to comment
Boggers Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 4 hours ago, seabass said: You'll need a small light to fit inside the coffee maker. I was thinking that this would fit nicely: https://coralcompulsion.myshopify.com/products/3w-par16-led-blue-actinic It's a shame that you can't buy it with one white LED. Somebody said they have seen a PAR16 with 2 blue and 1 white LED, but I can't find one anywhere. The other bulb that might work is: https://www.amazon.com/Coralife-Compact-Fluorescent-Colormax-10-Watt/dp/B0002AQ44O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508500593&sr=8-1&keywords=corallife+10w+compact It is significantly longer, but might still fit on its side diagonally. that was me...might be overkill still but 2 blue, 2 white and one purple: https://www.ebay.com/itm/E27-LED-Full-Spectrum-Coral-Reef-Plant-Grow-Light-PAR38-PAR30-Fish-Tank-Aquarium-/301965526915?var=&hash=item464e8c4783:m:moIP2zuh9gL83IlP8Uzn3gg 1 Quote Link to comment
gena Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 VERY cool!!!! I think this is the only coffee pot so far . 1 Quote Link to comment
fishfreak0114 Posted October 20, 2017 Author Share Posted October 20, 2017 4 minutes ago, Boggers said: that was me...might be overkill still but 2 blue, 2 white and one purple: https://www.ebay.com/itm/E27-LED-Full-Spectrum-Coral-Reef-Plant-Grow-Light-PAR38-PAR30-Fish-Tank-Aquarium-/301965526915?var=&hash=item464e8c4783:m:moIP2zuh9gL83IlP8Uzn3gg That's what I bought!! I found one that shipped from the US though. 4 minutes ago, gena said: VERY cool!!!! I think this is the only coffee pot so far . Thanks Gena! It's been so fun seeing what containers everyone comes up with! I'd love to see another person do a coffee pot 1 Quote Link to comment
gena Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Just now, fishfreak0114 said: Thanks Gena! It's been so fun seeing what containers everyone comes up with! I'd love to see another person do a coffee pot Me too!!!!!! There's still time, people!!!!!!! 1 Quote Link to comment
schgr.cube Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 13 minutes ago, gena said: VERY cool!!!! I think this is the only coffee pot so far . 7 minutes ago, fishfreak0114 said: That's what I bought!! I found one that shipped from the US though. Thanks Gena! It's been so fun seeing what containers everyone comes up with! I'd love to see another person do a coffee pot I was going to use a vintage percolator before I found a way to make my current container work. I am likely going to give it to my Puerto Rican friend once they move in with us, and help him set it up before the deadline to enter in! Can't wait to see what you do with this. 3 Quote Link to comment
Boggers Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I considered a coffee pot as well when I went looking, but liked the one I found more. I was afraid the light would be too close hidden in the top of the pot. No light spillage though. I was actually looking for an old blender to do something like the gum ball machine but couldn't find one. I had asked the officials if I could do a closed loop system from flow but was turned down. It would have been very different but hard to see the corals. 1 Quote Link to comment
gena Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 2 minutes ago, Boggers said: I considered a coffee pot as well when I went looking, but liked the one I found more. I was afraid the light would be too close hidden in the top of the pot. No light spillage though. I was actually looking for an old blender to do something like the gum ball machine but couldn't find one. I had asked the officials if I could do a closed loop system from flow but was turned down. It would have been very different but hard to see the corals. I have a vintage blender, probably exactly what you were looking for. I think we're going to sell it too. It looks great but really not practical for home use. It'd be great for a pico though . 2 Quote Link to comment
fishfreak0114 Posted October 20, 2017 Author Share Posted October 20, 2017 11 minutes ago, schgr.cube said: I was going to use a vintage percolator before I found a way to make my current container work. I am likely going to give it to my Puerto Rican friend once they move in with us, and help him set it up before the deadline to enter in! Can't wait to see what you do with this. Yay, the percoralator can live on! It's really great that you're doing that for your friend 6 minutes ago, Boggers said: I considered a coffee pot as well when I went looking, but liked the one I found more. I was afraid the light would be too close hidden in the top of the pot. No light spillage though. I was actually looking for an old blender to do something like the gum ball machine but couldn't find one. I had asked the officials if I could do a closed loop system from flow but was turned down. It would have been very different but hard to see the corals. I looked at a couple blenders at Value Village too. You could still do it in addition to the contest! I think it would be pretty neat. Quote Link to comment
seabass Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 4 hours ago, fishfreak0114 said: If that doesn't work, I found this https://www.amazon.ca/Colormax-Mini-Compact-Fluorescent-Lamp/dp/B00BS98R84/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1508514774&sr=8-3&keywords=coralife+compact+fluorescent+10w The one I linked was a 50/50 bulb (half actinic and half white). I believe the one you linked is just white. 1 Quote Link to comment
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