Bookshelf <5gal pico project

[coralbuff]

Well I finally started my pico. The tank is 24x6x8 (5gal) I am putting an O/F on each end to contain media, heater etc. I plan to run a 40 second alternating on off current using a minijet 404 at each end (kidicorner). I have incorporated a crossover tube in the bottom back to equalize water levels in the two overflows. I am hoping this will prevent filter junk from floating up and returning to the tank since the pump will be off 40 sec. on 40 sec. One side has 2 chambers the other has three. The 3 compartment side, I set up to hold a small sub. htr. (water must flow over divider so heater will not go dry) Also I will be running T5 lighting. This is fun!

 

Enjoy your reefs,

 

coralbuff

 

[calvin]

sweet tank, although I don't think I really follow your setup plans. I'm sure it'll make sense after you set it up, so be sure to post more pics.

[coralbuff]

OK,

Here are some pics to show the support strips installed in the tank.

These will ensure that the overflow walls and dividers will hold strong when siliconed in place.

 

Thanks,

 

coralbuff

[coralbuff]

And now,

Here are some pics with the overflows, backing and crossover tube installed.

I am waiting for the bulkheads to arive on tues. and will post more pics then. I have the pumps, heater and lights, so next I will be building the compartment covers and canopy!

 

Coralbuff

[robmacy]

long tanks rule! it's like a drag strip for pico fish

[coralbuff]

yeah 50 to 1 the mandarin looses, or are we talking bracket racing here?

 

Anyway, if the bulkheads arive tomorow I will get the pumps hooked up for some pics of a wet test run.

 

Post to ya later

Happy Halloween!!!

 

Coralbuff

[coralbuff]

OK,

Here are some more pics of my pico project, showing the bulkheads and pumps installed and heater in it's compartment. I wet tested and all is good!

 

I am currently making black acrylic caps (3 sided) to cover the filteration sections. These will be removable for easy check up on media conditions. They will just slide over the ends of the tank.

 

I have mounted the lights to a reflector but still need to build the canopy. I will post pics of this soon.

 

I will most likely run Floss, Chemipure and Phosguard on one end and Floss and biobeads or rubble on the otherside. I am not sure how much L/R I can get into this narrow tank so biobeads and / or rubble may help the bio situation. Suggestions on this would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Coralbuff

[coralbuff]

The end caps are done so here are some pics of them and the start of the lighting too!

 

Coralbuff

 

[Sebea]

That is downright very cool.

[bri_n_m]

holy snaps, I had the same idea! It looks awesome.....i'm jealous.

[coralbuff]

Thanks Brian

I figured I may as well start things up as I can run the lights without the canopy. I actually put the water and sand in lastnight and will add rock later today. I wil post pics later. After adding the sand I was verry happy with the effectivnes of the filtration units as the water cleared up 85% in about 20 mins. This morning it is crystal clear. I tested all the perims and found only one thing wrong PH was 7.6 so I dosed 1/4 teaspoon of Kent Super Buffer DKH. So I need to test again in 48hrs. I am sure the rock will throw things off anyway So testing again is a given.

 

You should do one of these. I would be happy to help ya out if you need it.

 

Thanks,

 

Coralbuff

[NanoBob]

Coralbuff:

 

This is a really cool idea! Do you have a resting place setup for it yet? Very ,very, nice I can't wait to see some more updates.

Bob

[coralbuff]

Coralbuff:

 

This is a really cool idea! Do you have a resting place setup for it yet? Very ,very, nice I can't wait to see some more updates.

Bob

 

Thanks Bob,

For now it will be on the breakfastbar between the kitchen and family room.

At least picos are not to hard move hugh?

 

I got the wavemaker today. It is the Aquarium Systems Natural Wave. It is a cool

setup.

 

I also got the rock (Walt Smith). Had to break it up a bit (regretfully) but got it in there. The rubble went into the biochamber.

 

The canopy is next but here are some more pics.

 

Thanks,

 

Coralbuff

 

 

[froggiebunbun]

Good stuff Coralbuff! Keep us posted....btw can you reveal how you got those endcaps? Did you make them yourself? If so...how'd you do it (material and such and where to get them?) Tx!

[coralbuff]

Good stuff Coralbuff! Keep us posted....btw can you reveal how you got those endcaps? Did you make them yourself? If so...how'd you do it (material and such and where to get them?) Tx!

 

Thanks froggie,

Atually I made all the acrylic items myself. I bought 1/8" solid black acrylic from a company called Industrial Plastic Supply in Orange County CA. They sell remnants.

But you can get acrylic from tons of places on the internet. Depending upon where you live, there is likley someone local to you.

 

The end caps are easy to make, Just cut three pieces to the appropriate size.

( table saw 200 tooth hollowground blade)I recomend the front and back to cover the cut edge of the end, peel the protective paper off from one side of each piece (to be the inside) and glue them together with Weld On #3, or #4 cement.

As with all the acrylic pieces, I sand the edges with 120 then wet sand with600 before peeling the rest of the protective paper off the acrylic. Then Flame Polish the exposed edges. Thanks again and I hope this helps,

Coralbuff

[Pili]

Man, i can believe that i missed this thread. Awsome setup!!! That is the perfect pico. Can wait to see you start stocking it.

[sNEIRBO]

coralbuff - that is an awesome setup! Just out of curiosity - what did that cost you to do? Just trying to compare a DIY setup to purchasing a production setup.

[coralbuff]

coralbuff - that is an awesome setup! Just out of curiosity - what did that cost you to do? Just trying to compare a DIY setup to purchasing a production setup.

 

sNeirbo,

My best estimate if I include the Tank 20.00,acrylic 10.00, pumps 25.00, fittings 10.00, media 12.00, heater 13.00, wave maker 40.00, wood for canopy 15.00 and lighting 50.00 is around $195.00 not including l/s ans l/r. Ofcource, one could always pick up a N/C for less than that but the N/C would would not come with a heater, 2 pumps or a wavemaker. Most importantly though. It is very fun to create a system of your own if you have the time to do so. I still need to make some time to construct the canopy and will post pics of the progress as soon as I get started. Thanks for the compliments from all.

 

Coralbuff

[fras]

great job so far! So the pumps are going to run alternately for 40 seconds each all the time? I'll be interested to see how that turns out, could be a really cool effect.

[bluebastion]

Beautiful tank coralbuff. Just awesome.

[coralbuff]

great job so far! So the pumps are going to run alternately for 40 seconds each all the time? I'll be interested to see how that turns out, could be a really cool effect.

 

Thanks fras,

Yes the pumps will continually alternate 1 pump on 40 seconds the other off for the same 40 seconds and visaversa. I think the efect will prove beneficial to the corals. I cant wait til cycling is done so I can start stocking!!!! I will try to figure out how to post video once there is enough livestock to really see the tidal action but that is aways out yet. I will continue to post pics til then.

 

Thanks again,

 

Coralbuff

 

 

 

Beautiful tank coralbuff. Just awesome.

Thanks blue,

I appreciate the compliments! I like your pics as well, they too are awsome!

 

Coralbuff

[coralbuff]

OK.

Well, I have started the canopy and part of the base unit. The pics show the progress so far. I will make covers again for the ends using oak to complete the enclosure.

Coralbuff

 

[sNEIRBO]

coralbuff -

 

I am truly inspired and already looking for someplace in my house to put my next tank. I love your tidal motion theory for your tank, and I want to emulate it with a larger setup - probably in the 50 - 70 Gallon range. I noticed this week that my LFS had a 70 G xtra long for $45. I'm hoping to build my own in the spring. If you're still on n-r.com I might be PMing you for advice / ideas. I'll keep up with this thread as well to see how your setup is coming along. Good luck with it! Everything looks amazing so far!! EXCELLENT job!!

 

Cheers -

sNEIRBO

[coralbuff]

Thanks again sNEIRBO,

I appreciate the compliments.

I think the 70xl would be AWSOME! I would be happy to help ya' out. I always wanted to do a wall tank in my L/R and when that day comes I will definatly start with the end to end alternating current design I used for this pico. I will just hide the ends behind the wall instead and of course have a sump etc. etc. But for now my 55g corner will have to hold me over.

Back to the pico. I finished the canopy and end caps today. I made it so evrything sets into place and can be easily disassembled for maint. etc.( notice the lips cut into the end caps so they stay in place nice) I am waiting for the fan to arive as I want to keep the heat under control. So I will start making the moon lights for now.

I did throw a GSP, Emerald Crab, 2 Mushroom polyps and a Zoo rock in about 4 days ago. So far so good! All perims are in check.

Here are some pics!

Thanks again

Coralbuff

[pet_doc]

WOW. If we had a tank of the month, this would be it! Thats just amazing with the woodwork. Great job!