The 10g nano I SHOULD have built a LONG time ago..

[scaast]

So after a few years of piddling around with nanos I am finally building what I have been thinking about for quite some time. So I figured I would do a build thread start to finish.
<br>
10g tank...$9.99<br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000945.jpg<br>
Drilling the holes for the closed loop. I like to use 1/4" acrylic clamped on front and back to be a guide and to also prevent the back from chipping was I drill through.<br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000946.jpg<br>
Back view of mockup. The closed loop will have a mag 7 and SCWD for a wavemaker. I'll use the AquaClear mod as a refugium. I will paint the back of the tank black tomorrow. (you can see my March NOTM entry in the background)<br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000947.jpg<br>
Front view of loc-line...I have 90 degree elbows on the way to allow for a better angle on the returns. The AquaClear refugium will draw water from inside the overflow to provide surface skimming.<br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000949.jpg<br>

I'll post more pics as I get it setup. The tank will have a 150w HQI setup for lighting.

[jbob]

Very Sweet! What are your plans for it?

[scaast]

zoas, clam, and some SPS....and my black & white clown.

[fishwood]

You always have the best builds--I've followed your stuff on the local forum.

[scaast]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12074402#post12074402 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishwood
You always have the best builds--I've followed your stuff on the local forum.
<br>
Thanks Fishwood. I'm glad a 10 gallon tank is only $10. I broke this one right after I posted last night. I need to be more careful when moving and adjusting the loc-line...ended up cracking the tank. I'll pick up a new one and drill it tonight.

[eric65]

I wish I had the skills/patience to build something like that. Great placement of the Aquaclear. Definitely a well planned build.

[FavaBean]

scaast.....can you post your thread again about the ten gallon in the background in the third pic thanks

[scaast]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12074598#post12074598 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eric65
I wish I had the skills/patience to build something like that. Great placement of the Aquaclear. Definitely a well planned build.
Eric...it's really not that hard...just need to plan ahead and mock everything up before you commit to drilling or gluing. You would be surprised how simple it really is.

[nattarbox]

I like the setup with the Aquaclear drawing from within the overflow, great functionality and an easy way to hide the pipe. Looks like a great start.

[scaast]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12074888#post12074888 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FavaBean
scaast.....can you post your thread again about the ten gallon in the background in the third pic thanks

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1194571&highlight=3.5

[scaast]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12075294#post12075294 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nattarbox
I like the setup with the Aquaclear drawing from within the overflow, great functionality and an easy way to hide the pipe. Looks like a great start.

Yeah...the overflow will serve two purposes...surface skimming and hiding the AquaClear intake and also the heater. My goal is to have a clean look without taking up much space. The overflow is just 6X2.5 inches.

[racksteris]

Looks great.

[BigRedSpecial]

Love the surface skimmer idea. I've been trying to come up with something for a while now, but that gives me an idea:)

[scaast]

I tried some pretty stupid ideas on my very first nano, so nothing worked quite right. I am 99.9% sure this overflow is the solution to what I've been trying to do...and a good hiding place for equipment.

[LovinDaReef]

Very nice build, gives me ideas for my next setup.

[btmarquis]

I think I would cut a few slits in the overflow. If not, I would use an aoutomatic top off, or else you might be topping off the water every day. Did you buy the overflow, or make it? I like the idea.

[scaast]

I built the overflow. I have thought about the slits...similar to the All-Glass Mega-Flow overflow. Probably a good idea.

[zma21]

Why not put the bulkhead inside the overflow? Then you wouldn't have to look at both at least.

[scaast]

because a mag 7 attached to that small overflow would suck it dry or overflow my tank.

[Silverdub]

good stuff..

BTW, i see centennial? Are you from Greenfield Park or around the area?

[scaast]

Centennial, Colorado....south Denver basically.

[Silverdub]

ah nevermiond then! but good looking setup, cant wait to see more!

[Jadams]

very cool DIY over flow and closed loop.

[scaast]

I should have this up and running this weekend...I hope. I will update the pics then.

[leebo_28]

weekend is almost over...WHERE'S THE PICS!!!!

[scaast]

I finally have it mocked up...should be able to hit Lowes tomorrow for a few final plumbing parts and have it full of water by Wednesday. <br>
Closed loop layout<br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000956.jpg<br>
Front view<br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000957.jpg

[jbob]

so whats the total cost? it looks great!

[scaast]

Tank $9, Aqua-clear filter $43, stand $64...I already had the loc-line, bulkheads, scwd, mag7 and most of the pvc pieces...I got it all together pretty cheap...I have an orbit 80w PC fixture already...but I want a 150w HQI on top, whatever that will cost me.

[mathias999us]

Looking nice. I'da done a sump though - you essentially went to the trouble already, and you've got the stand for it, put your fuge down there, etc... Definitely going to be a nice 10g though.

[scaast]

I thought about a sump, but that stand is not big enough for a ten gallon tank underneath, and going any smaller wouldn't be worth it...that's why I chose the aqua-clear 70 to use as a fuge.

[LooseHip]

Hey Scott,

What kind of light are you looking for? I have an aquamedic 150w DE pendant and ballast I could sell. It has the hanging kit, a 20k xm bulb 4 months use, and a 14k phoenix 1 month use on it.

PM me if you are interested. Nice setup by the way

[leebo_28]

the aquaclear pump will drain the overflow quicker than it can fill....might want to cut a couple slits lower on the overflow
very nice jus giving my .02

[leebo_28]

the aquaclear pump will drain the overflow quicker than it can fill....might want to cut a couple slits lower on the overflow
very nice jus giving my .02

[scaast]

Yeah...I cut slits in the overflow already...just can't see them.

[Agu]

Cool build and nice job but I'm glad it's in your house and not in mine. With three holes and all that plumbing hanging from the back I would have a hard time trusting that glass to hold up.

Good luck,

[scaast]

That's why it's going to be tested in the garage! lol

[Agu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12185728#post12185728 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaast
That's why it's going to be tested in the garage! lol

Good Plan :thumbsup:

[scaast]

I'm also going to have a piece of acrylic cut to reinforce the back panel...that will ensure it doesn't blowout on me.

[leebo_28]

is this build finished?

[scaast]

It's in the garage right now...bulkheads are leaking a little...once I get that squared away I will post some updated pics.

[dogstar74]

You could always apply a sheet of that window security film that will prevent a blowout. It may not be water tight if it breaks, but it certainly wouldn't be a blowout.

Good luck with it.

[scaast]

Well...it's been in the garage for about a week now...no leaks. I have a 1/4" piece of black acrylic for extra support on the back...I drilled it to match the holes drilled on the tank itself, then ran the bulkheads through both. It's solid. The closed looped is working perfectly...just enough flow with the mag 7 and scwd. The aqua-clear fuge needs a couple of minor tweaks, but all is working well so far. I'll move it into the house and slap the new 150w Sunpod on next weekend.<br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000961.jpg<br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000963.jpg

[racksteris]

Looks really great.

[Harley Fish]

you need a lid of sum sort as evap is gunna be a big problem

[Moosetache]

Gotta say scaast, the best thing in that picture above is the Hockey sticks!

Like the set up as well, I am going to do something similar with a 15G in the way of a closed loop, and also going to run a 20 gallon sump in it as well. Thanks for sharing your work.

[Moosetache]

Gotta say scaast, the best thing in that picture above is the Hockey sticks!

Like the set up as well, I am going to do something similar with a 15G in the way of a closed loop, and also going to run a 20 gallon sump in it as well. Thanks for sharing your work.

[scaast]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12265873#post12265873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Harley Fish
you need a lid of sum sort as evap is gunna be a big problem
I have the AGA Versa-top to cover it. That should slow the evaporation. I'll also be adding the JBJ ATO at a later date to keep water levels where I want them.

[scaast]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12271859#post12271859 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Moosetache
Gotta say scaast, the best thing in that picture above is the Hockey sticks!


Gotta love the hockey! Go Avs!

[BigManBud]

I dont know much about them hockey sticks, but that nano is pretty neat!!

[leebo_28]

Looks great , keep us posted

[Mark426]

Looks really nice....neat work. The only thing I notice ...is thats alot of sand! In nano's 1 inch is max, IMO

[Jan Helge]

Really sweet :)

[scaast]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12283967#post12283967 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mark426
Looks really nice....neat work. The only thing I notice ...is thats alot of sand! In nano's 1 inch is max, IMO

I prefer a deeper sand bed in my tanks.

[scaast]

Moved it into the house and moved the stock from my 3.5 gallon nano into it...I have not aquascaped it yet or put the 150w Sunpod on yet...I'll update it when I do.<br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000967.jpg <br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000969.jpg

[scaast]

Got the new 150w Sunpod and the auto top-off all setup...added a few frags and a little aquascaping. My camera doesn't capture the true color, but you get the idea. <br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000980.jpg <br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000981.jpg

[woodycb]

Looks Great, love the design. How much water is evaporating with the halide shinning on it with the open top.

[scaast]

Around a pint a day.

[Brent F]

Aquascaping looks great

[nanO352]

lookin very nice!

[leebo_28]

Really turned out nice!

[calvin415]

Any updates bud? Diatoms go away yet?

[Taqpol]

What did you use to cut the holes in that glass? Does drilling it significantly lower the structural integrity on those 10 gallons?

[birdman1979]

That's a great tank design. Turned out really nice. Does the 150W halide cause any heat issues for you?

[scaast]

birdman...the 150W doesn't cause any heat issues at all...even during the summer months. I have a $5 walmart fan sitting behind it...temps never go over 78.<br>
Calvin...everything cleared up nicely...I'll post some updated pics soon.

[Endy0430]

nice and clean setup....

[calvin415]

Almost another month gone by... ;) How about those updated pics? :D

[E30 E T A]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12992800#post12992800 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415
Almost another month gone by... ;) How about those updated pics? :D
x2! Great Tank!!

[scaast]

I will post some as soon as I get back into town.

[TheApprentice]

looks great! I have the same tank lying around, but it is empty and out on my porch.......you did a lot better with it than I.

the house looks nice too!

[scaast]

Alright...finally have an update. Still working to get this the way I want it, but it's doing okay so far. I didn't realize my growth was as good as it is until I compared this pic to the previous one posted...the birdsnest is nuts. <br>
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m308/scaast/IM000996.jpg

[Reefer07]

Wow, that is something else....looks real great.
Wish my 10 gal. looked that good hahah....just goes to show though you can't do much with power compacts :D

[scaast]

I agree...I had the Orbit with the PC lights before...it's a good light, but never got growth like this.

[FapMan]

Where you get the black acrylic from?

[scaast]

at a local plastics shop...they cut to size. I would bet you could find it near you at any plastics shop.

[calvin415]

If not check out Delvies Plastics http://www.delviesplastics.com they will cut to size if you give them a call.

[FiSHy sAy HeY]

Nice nano

[Jadams]

nice 10g! Very good growth!

[MyMonkey]

Excellent 10 gallon.

[lilfishbigreef]

VERY VERY Nice, Job well done!!!!!!! your efforts paid off 1000 fold!

Cheers!

[cherubfish pair]

scaast, how long did it take to assemble all your livestock?

[scaast]

Not long really...you can see the dates on the posts...from start to current it went pretty quick...I hit a frag swap here in Denver and it's all grown well since. We have a great reefin' bunch of guys in the Denver/Northern Colorado area, so getting great deals on frags is fairly easy.

[cherubfish pair]

Are you anywhere near Henderson?

[WHiteout]

what is your light set up? im impressed! im currently building a 10gallon! and this is the stuff that makes me want to do it even more

[scaast]

Cherub...I'm in SE Denver area.

Whiteout....it's a 150w Orbit with the stock 14k bulb.

[cherubfish pair]

Does the Orbit have supplemental pc or t5 lighting?

[scaast]

I called it an orbit, but it's actually the Sunpod. To answer your question...no, it does not. It has 12 led moon lights...6 blue, 6 white.

[cherubfish pair]

So, the leds are on at night only? That would look cool!

[scaast]

I leave the LEDs on 24/7...I have to admit...it does look cool at night.

[fewskillz]

Top notch 10! I like it alot, even with all the sand. I'm a SSB supporter myself, yours looks great though. Well done!