PDA

View Full Version : My 5.5g pico with built in refugium


Sandeep
12/06/2007, 02:48 PM
Here is my 5.5 gallon standard tank that I modified to have a built-in refugium. I wanted a clean and uncluttered look in the main tank without intake valves, powerheads, heaters and wires all over the tank. A couple of pieces of plexiglass to create the partitions of the fuge and a piece painted black taped to the front of the tank to cover the refugium.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/NanoDec4_07n.jpg

I placed a coral island in the middle of the tank for a zen like uncluttered look with plenty of clearance on all sides allowing me to keep the glass clean from all sides and get to any detritus material easily.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/NanoDec4_07l.jpg

It was pretty easy to make the surface skimmer intake using a hot knife placed on a oven element for a few minutes. It easily melted the slots in the plexiglass. I drilled a hole on the other side for the maxi-jet 400 out which provides the perfect amount of circulation and current in the tank. The fit is snug and the maxi-jet can easily be removed for cleaning and slid back into the hole in the plexiglass. You also see a nice ultra tiny Finnex Titanium heater in the powerhead compartment. Love the Finnex, especially the temperature control unit which is outside the tank.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/Aq_pico3.jpg

The divider between the two compartments does not extend all the way down allowing water to flow from one compartment to the other. Here is a diagram I came up with which should make pretty clear how this works and how to build it with the 2 pieces of plexiglass required.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/TankFlow.gif

The top of the tank is covered with a piece of glass to significantly cut down on evaporation and placed on top of that is a Current USA 12" Dual Satellite hood which has two 18W Power Compacts. Here is what my desk looks like with my 5.5g pico on the left (with front black plexiglass cover removed) and my 20g nano on the right.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/Aq_pico1.jpg

Agu
12/06/2007, 03:14 PM
Nice work :thumbsup:

3fins
12/06/2007, 05:39 PM
WOW! That is WICKED SWEET!!

Agu
12/06/2007, 07:39 PM
I tried to restrain myself but I have to comment. How do you dare put those tanks on that table :eek1: ?

If it was just water you'd have over 200 pounds on there so obviously there's more weight than that on that table, and it's not evenly distributed.

buttons buster
12/06/2007, 07:59 PM
ya it looks a little flismy

Michael L.
12/06/2007, 08:46 PM
I'm working on the exact same thing with a 10 gallon, except I painted the side black instead of plexiglassing it, and my tank will be designed to be viewed from the side instead of the front so it's more symetrical.

thrillreefer
12/06/2007, 11:54 PM
Beautiful work, very sleek and clean. Striking contrasts and colors.

Come on guys, give him a little credit here. It looks like the table actually has wrought iron legs (if you look below it on the left side I think you can see some thin metal cross pieces (though it could be wires)).

Sandeep
12/07/2007, 08:44 AM
Yeah the table looks flimsy but it's actually not. It's got 5 steel legs which help distribute the load effectively. (I was a structural engineer - design of building & bridges, in my previous career, so no worries).

Capt_Cully
12/07/2007, 06:02 PM
How do you get anything done on your computer??? I'd just stare at those tanks. Nice Job!

thrillreefer
12/08/2007, 01:22 AM
No kidding. No wonder he's only got 8 posts so far...

warr40
12/08/2007, 07:06 AM
WOW what a great looking tank...i wish my 10g looked like that

Husky_1
12/14/2007, 01:02 PM
Nice setup

AVALover5498
12/14/2007, 03:03 PM
Wow, I really like that 5.5, Very nice!

-Chris-:)

Sandeep
01/07/2008, 11:53 AM
The crabs in my 5.5 gallon pico-reef tank including an emerald crab, two porcelain crabs and a hermit crab. Here are some photographs of them.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoJan6_08a.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoJan6_08b.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoJan6_08c.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoJan6_08d.jpg

mokujin22
01/07/2008, 01:07 PM
Very well done! I love the simplicity of the design.

It's a nice inspiration.

mnml
01/07/2008, 01:29 PM
ooh la la, me likey!

mathias999us
01/08/2008, 10:57 AM
Wow, I'm SO going to duplicate that. ;) Nice job.

Sandeep
02/09/2008, 02:30 AM
Some updated images of my pico-reef.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoFeb8_08b.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoFeb8_08c.jpg

rear view of the coral island

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoFeb8_08d.jpg

some closeups

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoFeb8_08g.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoFeb8_08f.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoFeb8_08e.jpg

newest inhabitant a white spotted porcelain crab

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoFeb8_08a.jpg

and a updated picture of my desk, with my 5.5g pico-reef on the left and the 20g nano-reef on the right

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoFeb8_08h.jpg

danoreef
02/09/2008, 06:20 AM
I have a 5 gallon tank laying around and I am itching to do a project. i am so happy to have stumbled upon your little DIY. It looks awesome and I am going to try to duplicate it. I don't know if I will Make any changes but I will post updates as I go.
Very nice little job.

vanmo92
02/09/2008, 10:39 AM
That is beautiful!

archifish
02/09/2008, 02:06 PM
Simple and clear! good work

BradsOcean
02/09/2008, 02:27 PM
I love how all the tanks are all perfect and spotless and nice, and then the bookshelves in the background are all cluttered and messy...lol...that is exactly how i am

aspinn
02/09/2008, 03:09 PM
WOW amazing tank bud.... i love the nano =) you did a great job on it (i love the crabs especialy your newest!!!) well done bud!

it really is beautiful tank, whats your total stock list for that now? i can see you have ALOT of xenias, how often do you have to "Trim" them.... really nice job!

edit: and WEEEE!! 100 posts!!!

pnsnowboard
02/09/2008, 07:26 PM
do you ever actually look at the computer

Brent F
02/09/2008, 07:52 PM
Nicely done! Great job on the nano.

I too have a pair of nanos on my desk (16 gallon beside & Nanocube 6 above the monitor). I really like the setup because it is so easy to glance over at a tank.

nanO352
02/09/2008, 07:55 PM
Very nice. I too am about to start a pico in the coming weeks. Great job none the less.:D

Nick Fr.
02/09/2008, 09:40 PM
Wow! Fantastic use of space, I hope my nano comes out that good!

danoreef
02/13/2008, 07:38 PM
Well sandeep my project is up and running. I referenced your build in my thread.
check it out
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1319391

SSpiro
02/19/2008, 04:20 PM
Tagging along.

lakshwadeep
02/21/2008, 09:00 PM
You have a beautiful and clean setup.

SSpiro
02/25/2008, 07:04 AM
What wattage is the heater?

Sandeep
02/25/2008, 08:45 AM
It's a tiny 25W titanium heater made by Finnex but now discontinued and replaced by a 50W unit with the same dimensions.

SSpiro
02/25/2008, 08:53 AM
Thanks!

danoreef
02/26/2008, 05:49 PM
sandeep how do you like that light fixture.
do you like the look?
is one bulb actinic? or are both 10000K?

Sandeep
03/08/2008, 05:09 PM
An updated image of the tank. I've switched the blasto to the ground and the zoas up into the coral island. Xenia seems to be growing well, the blue mushroom now has three babies and the hammer has expanded nicely in the corner.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoMar8_08a.jpg

yousmellsfishy
03/08/2008, 05:41 PM
very nice

danoreef
03/08/2008, 07:16 PM
looks awesome. I absolutely love it.

Seanewb
03/08/2008, 11:47 PM
Wow I just saw your 2.5 and I must say the 5.5 looks just as good! What a nice looking tank!

fishkid6692
03/09/2008, 01:28 AM
i'm a newbie but what are you using as filtration? the algae and coral rubble? i have a 5 gallon and i want to set it up like this.

blacklake
03/09/2008, 09:58 AM
That is a beautiful tank I love the pico I can't wait to start one.

Seanewb
03/09/2008, 02:08 PM
I have a decent size soldering gun. I was wonder if you are any ever used one to cut their weares/overflow? Just thinking it would be easier than a butter knife.

Sandeep
03/09/2008, 02:44 PM
Minimal coral rubble or larger size pieces, make sure there is easy flow between the pieces otherwise it can be a place for nitrates to build up. Yes microalgea like cheato is great.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12046551#post12046551 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishkid6692
i'm a newbie but what are you using as filtration? the algae and coral rubble? i have a 5 gallon and i want to set it up like this.

Sandeep
03/09/2008, 02:46 PM
You could use a soldering iron, just make sure you use the thinnest tip attachment because you don't want the slots to be too large so that fish and invertebrates fit through them, with the butter knife they were thin enough not to.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12049350#post12049350 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Seanewb
I have a decent size soldering gun. I was wonder if you are any ever used one to cut their weares/overflow? Just thinking it would be easier than a butter knife.

Akaash
03/09/2008, 06:57 PM
Just wondering, but I was talking to some guys at work (I work at "That Fish Place"). But we all came to the same conclusion. The pre-filter on the maxi jet would pull out most anything useful coming from the refugium? Any other thoughts on this? I am seriously thinking of doing this. I love the idea, it's simple yet hands on. I would however do it slightly different. Add acrylic "lips" right under where the water will skim in, Cut some egg crate to size, put that there, then just buy filter pad, and cut to size. Of course pull the prefilter off the maxijet. Would use a clamp lamp and put it ouside the tank on the side (instead of up top) on the refugium in hopes the light won't bleed out too much and you can actually run a reverse light cycle. Tom makes a 7,9 and 13 (I think they're the wattage) watt PC 'clamp lamp' that would be ideal for this application. Excuse my horrible MS paint skills! =P

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/172458pico.jpg

Comments? Opinions?

Sandeep
03/10/2008, 04:16 PM
Interesting idea Akaash. I think your mod would definately work well and I like the idea of the easily accessible filter pads being right on top. I'm just not so keen on the idea of a light on the side as it will take away from the clean aesthetics of a uncluttered tank that was one of my goals with this design.

I see your excellent point regarding the prefilter on the maxi-jet stopping larger organisms from going through. I've removed it from the 2.5g pico and will observe and might do the same with the 5.5g.

If you do go ahead and build your own, let me know I would be interested in referencing the thread for folks to look at.

Akaash
03/10/2008, 05:07 PM
Sandeep, absolutely. Was going to start gathering materials Friday. By the way, your tanks are amazing. I only hope mine will look half as good! =)

tbundy
03/11/2008, 09:16 PM
where did you get the tanks for these 2 builds. i love the ideas and want to try them myself

Sandeep
03/12/2008, 02:01 PM
The 2.5 gallon and 5.5 gallon All Glass Aquariums are pretty common and available in most pet stores or department stores with pet departments for under $10 each in most cases. Acrylic from Home Depot, glass top cut to exact dimensions from any glass & mirror store.

DheereCrossing
03/12/2008, 03:08 PM
I love that white porcelian crab - what does something like that cost?

Sandeep
03/20/2008, 12:38 PM
I love him too. Porcelain Anemone Crab's are pretty affordable, I got him for around $12.

SSpiro
03/28/2008, 09:06 AM
There is a porcelain anemone crab in there??

I'm going to remove the filter on mine too..

jasutton
04/02/2008, 09:41 PM
as everyone else stated, the tanks are clean crisp and amazing. However, my question is regarding your photography; very good! what are you using?

Sandeep
04/05/2008, 10:55 PM
I'm using a Canon EOS 20D with a 55mm f2.8 Macro lens for most of the closeups. Shooting in RAW and then doing the colour balance in PhotoShop.

Harley Fish
04/06/2008, 08:09 AM
hiya there!! what lighting are you using on the pico tank:D :wavehand:

Harley Fish
04/06/2008, 08:54 AM
what lighting do you have for you cheato is it in the refugm

nano_reefer2010
04/06/2008, 07:24 PM
1st off: I love your tank. It's so clean, and simple, yet great looking.

2nd: You inspired me to setup a 10 gallon I had laying around. If I set it up for SPS, what do you think about a skimmer? I love my acro's and want to incorporate them in this system, which would be crazy to do w/o a skimmer. I figure something something like a backpack skimmer would do the trick. Thanx in advance.

P.S. GREAT TANK.

rossy1163
04/09/2008, 01:06 AM
What kind of bulbs are you using? Do you have moonlight for night? What size hole did you make for the power-jet? Does it fit in snug or are you using a rubber gasket?

wviper86
04/15/2008, 10:14 AM
What a awesome set-up and great idea. I think I'm gonna attempt this for my desk. However, I'm running into a problem.

I cannot find a 5.5g AGA tank ANYWHERE!!! Does anyone know of any online retailers that sell this thing? I'm pulling out my hair searching on google to no avail.

nano_reefer2010
04/15/2008, 01:42 PM
nvm. sandeep, i built a tank. you're system works great. ill post pics. of it later, my camera is broke ( i gave credit to you in there) thanx again, and happy reefing

nano_reefer2010
04/15/2008, 01:43 PM
i built a tank just like it. you're system works great. ill post pics. of it later, my camera is broken ( i gave credit to you in my thread) thanx again, and happy reefing. What did you use for substrate? and how are your N levels running.

hdesai123
04/15/2008, 07:49 PM
Wow Sandeep great job!!! That is one of the simplest DIY tanks I have ever seen.

andy321
04/16/2008, 10:21 PM
where did you get the 5.5 AGA I can't seem to find one

coraldiva
04/17/2008, 05:28 PM
Very clean. Looks great!

mrapisura
04/17/2008, 11:43 PM
I have seen them at some petco stores here in AZ

ashok77
04/19/2008, 07:36 AM
As everyone has said, great tank!

I have spare tank hanging around and have been thinking of doing this for a while but I have a few quick questions before I attempt anything (anyone in the forum can chime in on this one). My plan would similar to yours, a crab or two and a few corals.

With just a few crabs and your coral island I'm guessing your bio-load would be relatively small. How often are you doing water changes? (This is the silly question) How are you doing the water changes (ie. turkey baster to unsettle the dietrus and suction it out)? Are the macro algae and live rock enough filtration?

Thanks for the inspiration!

Sandeep
04/23/2008, 04:04 PM
Lighting is the stock Current USA PC tubes. One is actinic and one is 10K. I don't bother using the moonlight.

I do water changes every week, 4L (1g). I siphon out of the sump compartment and pour the new water into the sump/refugium compartments. I also use a glass stirr rod to stirr up the sand in the main compartment before siphoning as well as a fine fishnet to catch all the free floating junk after scraping all the walls clean.

Refugium just gets side lighting from the fixture over the main tank as the partition wall between the refugium and main tank is clear. I clean it weekly to make sure it stays that way. Replaced the chaeto with Caulerpa.

Snug fit hole in the acrylic for the maxi-jet, no gasket used. It works just fine.

Fine sand for substrate, nitrogen levels are pretty much zero and no pesky algea outbreaks in the main tank sand either as I think the caulerpa is pretty much sucking everything out.

Sandeep
04/23/2008, 04:11 PM
Here are some updated pictures of the tank:

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/Pico5Apr21_08a.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/Pico5Apr21_08b.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/Pico5Apr21_08c.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/Pico5Apr21_08d.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/Pico5Apr21_08e.jpg

DheereCrossing
04/23/2008, 04:44 PM
Now that's just drop dead gorgeous... wow.

yousmellsfishy
04/23/2008, 08:32 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12396507#post12396507 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jdheere
Now that's just drop dead gorgeous... wow.
Agreed.
Hey Sandeep, I gave you credit for the inspiration for my newest build. The thread is here. (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1375191)

uncwalley
04/23/2008, 08:50 PM
As did I. Here's mine, but you've seen it before in another place aimed at small tanks that I dare not mention.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1377099

Reefman79
04/23/2008, 09:21 PM
Best 5gal ive ever sine IMO.

doxa101
04/30/2008, 02:12 PM
I just want to say this tank as definitely inspired me as well! Quick question for ya. Is the maxi-jet suspended by just the nozzle or is it hanging on the side of the sump area as well? thanks and great work!

lilchris
05/01/2008, 10:01 PM
I love your tank. I am doing one, I would like to know how thick is the acrylic wall is? Also, do you run any carbon. Just the refugium?

MOsborne05
05/02/2008, 03:17 PM
This tank is awesome! I've got a 5.5 gallon sitting at home, so it is very tempting :)

Do you think you could keep a mandarin in this tank, if it was the only fish? With the built-in fuge, do you think there would be enough pods for it?

yousmellsfishy
05/02/2008, 07:07 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12457812#post12457812 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MOsborne05
This tank is awesome! I've got a 5.5 gallon sitting at home, so it is very tempting :)

Do you think you could keep a mandarin in this tank, if it was the only fish? With the built-in fuge, do you think there would be enough pods for it?
no way

ooja3k
05/02/2008, 11:15 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12457812#post12457812 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MOsborne05
This tank is awesome! I've got a 5.5 gallon sitting at home, so it is very tempting :)

Do you think you could keep a mandarin in this tank, if it was the only fish? With the built-in fuge, do you think there would be enough pods for it?

not a shot in hell.

if were a 55, with a huge fuge, then maybe... 5.5 nope...

MyMonkey
05/03/2008, 09:50 AM
I second the "Best 5 gallon tank I ever saw" post. Great job.

Sandeep
05/05/2008, 08:10 AM
Thank for all the compliments everyone, I am honoured by your praise :)

The maxi-jet pump is just held in place by the snug fit of the hole in the acrylic. Vibrations of the pump have not caused it to move and every week I slide it out of the hole to clean it's intake.

John7429
05/05/2008, 12:17 PM
That's freakin awesome!

I know what I'll be doing next weekend!

Haksar
05/05/2008, 12:18 PM
Nice looking Tank,another one of of your growing list of fans going to build a pico tank. What is the tank dims.

Sandeep
05/10/2008, 07:21 PM
I finally purchased the new 18" 36w T5-HO dual tube Nova Extreme fixture by Current USA. At 18" it's the smallest T5 High Output tubes made and the unit came with a 10K and 460nm actinic tubes, each tube is 18 watts.

Not only is the unit brighter than the previous PC fixture I had, but since it streaches across the entire tank, the refugium is now getting significantly more light. Before with the 12" PC fixture that I had it was only covering the main display tank and the only light entering the refugium was directional side lighting through the clear acrylic partition between the main tank and the refugium. While the 5.5g tank is 16" long and the fixture is 18" long, as you can see from the pictures the one inch overhang on either side is hardly noticeable and not an eye sore. The unit is also very sleek with a low profile being only 1.6" high and 4.5" wide. I also like the fact that it ony has one power cord, the previous PC fixture was a real mess of wires with three different cords. This fixture does not have a moon light, but I never use those, so not a big deal for me. It will be interesting to see how it effects the growth of the corals, especially the very slow growing lps blastos.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoMay10_08a.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoMay10_08b.jpg

DheereCrossing
05/10/2008, 07:36 PM
Great addition. Can't wait to see the growth explosion.

kaihonu82
05/10/2008, 08:32 PM
wow...great tank!!! I love the clown goby you have, so colorful (as is everything else!)

nice work!

uncwalley
05/10/2008, 09:08 PM
I've noticed in the month or so that I've had my Nova Xtreme fixture that my zoos and chalice have taken off. Previously, the chalice had grown a small amount in the ~4 months that I've had it under PC lights. Now the coloration is amazing and I've noticed several new mouths. The zoos used to reach up to the light. Now they are very content sitting nicely against their rock and several new babies are popping up. I hope your results are as spectacular.

John7429
05/10/2008, 09:27 PM
I can't begin to describe how jealous I am... lol

audio101
05/10/2008, 10:21 PM
If only they would make a 12" t5 fixture!

yousmellsfishy
05/11/2008, 06:21 AM
Very nice, Sandeep! I was considering the same fixture for my 5.5 tank (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1375191) but I thought the 1" overhanging each side would look funny. Now I see that that's not the case. Gonna have to get one of those. My 'fuge only gets light now from the part of the light that hangs over it which is minimal

Husky_1
05/11/2008, 06:40 AM
Not sure how true to life the picture in the color is, but I really like the hue the light gives off.

FreDre
05/12/2008, 07:14 PM
I just bought a 5.5 gallon tank...i'm about to start this in the next week. Where did you get the Maxi jet 400 from? When I googled it, the maxi-jet 400 doesn't seem exactly as yours is? i don't know if that matters or not. Also, is that an extender that is on the pump that is coming poking into the display part of the tank? What light do you recommend I get, and what website is the best to get it from? This is my first DIY project...needless to say, i would like to follow urs to the "T"!!!

lilchris
05/12/2008, 08:52 PM
I got my tank together already. I have a build thread in the Reef Discussion forum. I wish I would have started it in this forum.
I love the lights. cool. Where did you get them from? Please take a look at my build thread and tell me what you think. It is a few pages back. I will give it a bump if you guys will take a look.

Good job sir, your tank is my inspiration.

Sandeep
05/13/2008, 07:59 AM
The maxi-jet family of powerheads is one of the most common and easily available. Most of the pictures you see online show it with all the attachments that it comes with, so it's the same powerhead, just with the small intake tube attached (that it comes with) and without the attachment pieces and the out wide nozzle attached. That's just the outtake tube of the maxi-jet that you see sticking through the acrylic partition, it's not an extra piece.

I really like the new 18 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 2x20 watt T5 HO fixture that you see in the pictures above.

You can order both the maxi-jet 400 and the light from most of the larger online stores, www.marinedepot.com carries both.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12526763#post12526763 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FreDre
I just bought a 5.5 gallon tank...i'm about to start this in the next week. Where did you get the Maxi jet 400 from? When I googled it, the maxi-jet 400 doesn't seem exactly as yours is? i don't know if that matters or not. Also, is that an extender that is on the pump that is coming poking into the display part of the tank? What light do you recommend I get, and what website is the best to get it from? This is my first DIY project...needless to say, i would like to follow urs to the "T"!!!

FreDre
05/13/2008, 08:31 AM
I appreciate you getting back to me. I'm gonna order these tonight...I'M SO EXCITED!

jmadison
05/13/2008, 09:18 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12515673#post12515673 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by audio101
If only they would make a 12" t5 fixture! +1 And/Or a 18" HO t5 retro kit without the fixture. I want to retrofit 4 18" t5 HO's but i am having trouble locating them.

FreDre
05/13/2008, 09:23 AM
When people say 'retrofit' what exactly does that mean? Something that is an all inclusive, clean fit?

jmadison
05/13/2008, 11:34 AM
It's like fitting a new style of lighting(or whatever youre retrofitting) into a(hood in my case) that was originally designed for different lighting(ie switching from PC to t5 or MH

FreDre
05/13/2008, 04:09 PM
What about the heat on the 18 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 2x20 watt T5 HO? Will that heat my water temp up too much?

uncwalley
05/13/2008, 04:36 PM
I have had no heat issues with my Nova Extreme fixture. To the touch, it is much cooler running than the Coralife Aqualight that I was using previously.

FreDre
05/13/2008, 04:44 PM
With a pico aquarium, will I need an Auto Top Off system? I'm assuming that with a small tank, water evap swings the salinity a lot more? Is there a good, small, CHEAP system out there that people use? Or maybe this isn't even needed if you keep on top of it

uncwalley
05/13/2008, 07:01 PM
You definitely need an auto top off system. You may think that you will stay on top of it, but eventually you won't, or you'll go out of town. By the time you get back, your aquarium is half full and your SG is 1.040.
As far as cheap, I don't know. I have a Tunze Osmolator and it works great.

FreDre
05/13/2008, 08:03 PM
So, their are no auto top off systems for around $50? I just looked up the Tunze Osmolator, and saw prices for about $180

SSpiro
05/13/2008, 08:31 PM
Yes.. there are cheaper.

pudge1515
05/14/2008, 12:47 AM
Your tank is very inspiring. The coral selection is great

FreDre
05/14/2008, 04:35 AM
could you recommend any cheaper ones?

Curve50880
05/14/2008, 04:58 AM
I know aquahub.com has some cheap auto top off systems but I don't know if they are a quality product or not.

Sandeep
05/14/2008, 07:46 AM
The glass top cuts down on evaporation significantly, it has about a 1 inch opening along the back. I add approx 100ml of fresh water to the tank daily. A small auto topoff would be nice when no one is home.

lat0403
05/14/2008, 08:00 AM
I saw a post here where a guy was using a 2 liter bottle as an ATO. You can't get any cheaper than that. I'm not really sure how it worked, but I'll see if I can find the post.

Leslie

FreDre
05/14/2008, 08:10 AM
I'll think about the gravity drip. I just wanted a nice and clean look...and not quite sure if a soda bottle would give it that effect...I'll search the DIY forum for a home made drip...but yes, I am planning on placing glass ontop of it...so that should help too

yousmellsfishy
05/16/2008, 02:39 PM
I just got the Current T-5 18" fixture for my 5.5 tank. I thought you'd be interested in seeing before and after pics . The first pic is with the old Coralife 36W (2 18W 50/50 PC bulbs).
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb188/tmulcrone/PICT0165.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb188/tmulcrone/PICT0166.jpg


Click on the red house for the build thread for this tank.

DheereCrossing
05/16/2008, 06:23 PM
Here you go for the DIY top off for very little money.

DIY ATO (http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html)

yousmellsfishy
06/04/2008, 05:59 AM
updates?

fote03
06/12/2008, 09:56 PM
Great build. I have a 20L that is just waiting to be built.

foofooree
06/16/2008, 11:32 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12675869#post12675869 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yousmellsfishy
updates?
x2:rolleye1:

Sandeep
06/23/2008, 09:32 PM
Latest updated images of the tank. Everything seems to be doing great under the new powerful T5 HO's. Added a few lps and a green recordia to the reef island.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoJun23_08b.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoJun23_08a.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/NanoJun23_08d.jpg

Harley Fish
06/23/2008, 09:34 PM
your tanks are amazing i take my hat off to ya your a legend

fish

John7429
06/23/2008, 09:37 PM
I thought it looked good when it was first put together...

It looks even better now.

:eek2:

AwkwardParrot
06/26/2008, 06:49 AM
Sandeep, How thick is the Plexi glass, and what are your dimension?

Deathwish238
06/26/2008, 07:01 AM
Very nice

Acan Lord
06/26/2008, 12:07 PM
That is an awsome tank i really like how you did the in tank refugium.

Jadams
06/26/2008, 05:54 PM
nice!

Endy0430
06/26/2008, 07:16 PM
very cool......

chuck22689
07/22/2008, 09:27 PM
im not sure if you still check this thread but if you do i love your tank and am building one off of your design i just have one question. if you don't mind me asking how far off the bottom did you leave the divider in your sump

your tank is amazing and an inspiration. thank you

gsxunv04
07/23/2008, 02:38 PM
i just began building my 10g with in tank fuge/sump. thanks for the idea and ill be sure to post a link when I get it running.

leagues58
07/23/2008, 03:08 PM
This tank idea just solved my "how to take a saltwater tank to college" problem

Sandeep
07/28/2008, 02:02 PM
Gap between the sump and refugium compartments is about 4cm.

VCReefer26
07/28/2008, 06:49 PM
wow...i'm in love! simple is sometimes better! and in this tank it shows! i love not seeing anything other then the tank!

lampcov
07/30/2008, 02:24 PM
Sandeep-

I'm sorry if I missed the answer to this skimming the thread, but is the fuge wall clear, or did you paint it black also? There's really no pics from that angle that I can tell. If you did, I assume you used the Krylon that bonds?

Thanks,
Marc

Sandeep
07/30/2008, 02:39 PM
The partition between the main tank and the refugium/sump is not painted as it's hard to see anyway. Also being clear it allows additional light through from the main tank to reach the cheato in the refugium.

Hungriee
07/31/2008, 10:40 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12808763#post12808763 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sandeep
Latest updated images of the tank. Everything seems to be doing great under the new powerful T5 HO's. Added a few lps and a green recordia to the reef island.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoJun23_08b.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoJun23_08a.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/NanoJun23_08d.jpg


That is an awesome looking tank.. What kind of light fixture is that?

TheApprentice
07/31/2008, 10:13 PM
what do you think about the 1x18watt current PC 12 inch set up?

Does that have enough light for zoanthids and things like that??

Also is it going to have that actinic blue look to it? or just the white "sun" like look?

TheApprentice
07/31/2008, 10:14 PM
also what type of silicone did you use on it? what size drill did you use for the output of the MJ400?

thanks the tank is amazing!

TheApprentice
07/31/2008, 10:18 PM
or is the 18 inch t5 one have more light than that? its like 61 bucks. and the 2x18 watt PC is 100.

yousmellsfishy
08/01/2008, 11:17 AM
Apprentice,
Look back at my post on page 5 of this thread for a comparison between my Coralife twin 18W 50/50 PC fixture and my NOVA Current T5 HO fixture. Better light, runs cooler, sleeker fixture. Go with the T5's

TheApprentice
08/01/2008, 11:32 AM
nice! thanks I think i will go with that for sure.

I have PC on my other tanks, but it would be nice to try out the t5

Sandeep
08/06/2008, 09:46 AM
Agreed, go with the Current USA 18" T5-HO, it makes a world of difference. May be a bit more expensive, but worth it and the tubes have a much longer lifespan than PC's.

I used regular aquarium silicone and it seems to be holding up fine, although I would spend some time to find out there may be a better adhesive to use between the acrylic and glass, I'm not sure?

kernyboy
08/06/2008, 11:24 AM
does yur tank over heat? how do you keep the temp right?

kernyboy
08/07/2008, 08:40 AM
Hey All, I built a similar tank last night based on this specs. I wanted the divider between the main tank and the sump refugium to be painted. I dont know of any aquarium safe paints, so i did the next best thing.

Since the divider is plexi, I used 220 grit sand paper and sanded the hell out of it in circular motion. The finished effect....

frosted glass!! Looks pretty cool. Don't know what it looks like with water and lighting yet. Still waiting for the silicone to cure.

Mikes_aquatics
08/11/2008, 10:51 PM
how many watts was the first light that you had on the tank?

MyMonkey
08/12/2008, 09:26 AM
Looks better every day. Where did you pick up that new 18 inch T 5 fixture? Looking for one as well.

FiSHy sAy HeY
08/12/2008, 08:23 PM
Sanddeep,

So is that just a 5.5 gallon tank?

montanabay
08/15/2008, 07:51 PM
is the Nova Extreme Pro a full 20" end to end?

the lamps are 18, but in the pics it only looks to overhang 1/2 or so.

Thanks,

Josh

FUA
08/15/2008, 09:46 PM
nice finished look to display tank

bsagecko
08/16/2008, 06:34 AM
just a suggestion but if you dont want to be able to see into the fuge compartment use colored acrylic you can get it online and maybe at your local hardware store........ a 24" x 24" sheet goes for like $4~$7 and it comes in a wide variety of colors if i remember the website i will post it..........

Sandeep
09/06/2008, 06:46 PM
Here are the latest updated pictures of the tank.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoSep06_08a.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoSep06_08b.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoSep06_08c.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoSep06_08d.jpg

apt220
09/06/2008, 07:04 PM
I've been checking this thread for a while. Very cool tank. If I'm ever important enough to have an office at work, I'm going to put somehting like this on my desk.

Nice work.

HomeSlizzice
09/06/2008, 11:16 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13303621#post13303621 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sandeep
Here are the latest updated pictures of the tank.

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoSep06_08a.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoSep06_08b.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoSep06_08c.jpg

http://www.tulwar.com/imagehost/PicoSep06_08d.jpg

looking GREAT man :D

mayo-92
09/07/2008, 03:49 AM
real nice

Clarkii01
09/07/2008, 12:08 PM
Very nice.

cherubfish pair
09/07/2008, 06:43 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12555010#post12555010 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DheereCrossing
Here you go for the DIY top off for very little money.

DIY ATO (http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html) DC, what did you mount your i-float Float Switch to? Piece of acrylic? Can you show a pic?

DheereCrossing
09/08/2008, 09:05 AM
That ATO is actually not mine. The person who made that is also a acrylic fabrication master so, yes, he made an acrylic bracket to hold the switch at the correct level for his application. I'll see if I can find you a picture.

DheereCrossing
09/08/2008, 09:13 AM
In the DIY ATO link above, the bracket he made is an L shaped piece of acrylic with a hole drilled for the switch and the other leg of the L extends to the height of the tank to keep the switch at the correct sump water level. He also explains that the switch needed to go in the middle of the sump so he had to make a bracket that would span the tank from side to side.

The photos are the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th on this page: http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html

cherubfish pair
09/08/2008, 09:35 AM
Thanks DC :)

sal9012
09/08/2008, 12:40 PM
go to cadlights (around $39)

tripinpn01
09/08/2008, 11:46 PM
that lil tank is amazing. much better looking then alot of those large tanks out there. well done

joe faria
10/08/2008, 06:21 AM
Stunning little tank...

updates?

Congrats,

Joe Faria

phoman
10/29/2008, 04:38 PM
This is very inspiring.... I think I have a 10 gal. lying around somewhere.... ;)

cperez155
10/31/2008, 01:28 AM
What happened to the yellow Clown Goby? I didn't see it in any of the new pics. Any new updates?

1DeR9_3Hy
10/31/2008, 08:02 AM
Thanks SD for the insipiration, i just setup mine identical to yours. But after looking at mine, then yours....i need to do some work lol

TRIP23
11/06/2008, 07:06 PM
Any updated pics???

TRIP23
11/14/2008, 11:35 PM
Sandeep i was wondering if you dose you tank or are you just doing water changes???

adolfo425
11/15/2008, 04:52 AM
Very Impressive setup i decided to build a tank like yours, with the all in one feature. I went with 1.8 gallon tank hopefully i can fill my tank with colorful corals and maintain my tank to be as clean and colorful as yours.


Adolfo

Sandeep
11/15/2008, 07:02 AM
Clown goby refused to eat and eventually died. I've had no success with them eating anything, even though I've tried three times before using delicious cyclopeeze and garlic. Yellowtail damsels are fantastic, very hardy, active and intelligent.

Current inhabitants include:
1 - yellowtail damsel
3 - blue porcelain crabs
1 - porcelain anemone crab
2 - hermit crabs in main tank
2 - hermit crabs in sump

Yes I dose the tank due to the LPS, here is my weekly routine:

Sun: Change 1 gallon of water, use Trop Marin salt
Mon: Add a bit of Kent Superbuffer-dKH powder to bring up the alkalinity to the 8.0 range
Tue: Add a bit of Kent Turbo Calcium pellets to bring up the Calcium to around 400
Wed: Add 1ml of Kent Essential Elements & 1.5ml of DT phytoplankton
Thurs: Small bit of Formula 2 Flake Food for the damsel & target feed the porcelain crabs with a flake each
Sat: target feed ricordea and blasto with some mysis in each mouth, mixture of cyclopeeze & remaining mysis for entire tank

Each day add about 60ml of fresh water to counter evaporation.

5galnanoreef
11/15/2008, 12:32 PM
updated pics?

maddmaxx
11/15/2008, 06:52 PM
sandeep thank you for posting your routine...i am going to be setting up a 5.5 in the next of weeks. and i wasnt really sure on how to manage this tank. i am not a newbie, i would have figured it out, but this helps out with my planning. i was considering just regular water changes then tinkering if i didnt like the results. but your routine helped out. thanx again

cameron91806
08/18/2009, 05:40 PM
what kind of light is on your 20g

cameron91806
08/18/2009, 05:40 PM
what kind of light is on your 20g

Sandeep
08/18/2009, 09:12 PM
I have two fixtures on my 20g. One is a Hagen Glo T5-HO twin tube and the other is a Current USA T5-HO twin tube. All corals have been healthy and growing like gangbusters under this lighting.

minireef75
11/16/2015, 07:28 AM
How did this thread die? What happened?

BMMMW
11/17/2015, 03:22 PM
Love the Pico. Looks so clean and fun to have at work. What do you do for water changes? I can't imagine they have RO at work?

I guess you could just bring a cup of water from home and that would be enough. :)

JC8390
11/19/2015, 08:48 AM
That's a really cool tank.

Reverse_Reefer
11/19/2015, 02:59 PM
This is great lots of inspiration. Love little pico tanks like this.