DIY 10 gallon rimless refugium

[scaryperson27]

I decided to whip up a simple cheap ten gallon rimless refugium.

I started with a normal ten gallon tank, silicone, and 1/8" glass from home depot. Then after things took off.

Here is the result.



Full Shot:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3346390254_ce49859fc0_b.jpg

Return Section:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3345556731_ce841c7963_b.jpg

Filter Floss and eggcrate on mounts that I made:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/3346390748_32ffca145f_b.jpg

One of the mounts itself:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3345556231_d7247b0b39_b.jpg

Ugly mishap:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3346389998_e56bd83720_b.jpg

In that last picture, what happened is I had drilled the aquarium for a 1" overflow and 1/2" return. That didn't go so well and the return, after the bulkhead was installed, cracked the thin glass. So I cut three pieces, and siliconed one across the top, and two across the bottom.

[runningstix]

1/8" glass..... scary.

[coralnut99]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14585955#post14585955 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by runningstix
1/8" glass..... scary.

Agreed.

I know a 10G itself is made from the stuff, but just consider what goes on in a sw sump. Heaters get moved, skimmers get cleaned, pumps get moved. When the water level is at its' peak on the left side, you should be extra careful not to even bump it with any of these items. It really won't take much. I learned the leasson years ago.

[scaryperson27]

1/8 is what was available at the Home Depot.

I filled it up with water in the bathtub and hit it with my knuckles,and then a hammer lightly.

everything is good. I'm going to put a sponge on the return so in the case that anything does ever knock a panel out, nothing bad will get socked into the return pump.

[uncleof6]

I am confused here, did you break the main tank, or the sump you are building? In either case: OUCH!@**@#!! Other than not knowing what tank you are building this for, and what your ultimate plan is, and 1/8" glass from home depot ain't worth a toot, the only comment I can make is: get rid of the filter floss, it is nothing but a nitrate factory. The same way I feel about any filter media (other than carbon and sand, macro algae) in the sump, to include: shoes, socks, pads, sponges, green eggs, and ham.:D

DIY is loads of fun isn't it.:D

Regards,

Jim

[scaryperson27]

I was going to use it as a rimless ten gallon main tank. The glass on the bottom cracked a little after I had drilled it for a return and installed the bulkhead.

I get filter floss for free so I figured a good way to take care of that is to just change it out every couple of days.

[uncleof6]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14588404#post14588404 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
I was going to use it as a rimless ten gallon main tank. The glass on the bottom cracked a little after I had drilled it for a return and installed the bulkhead.

I get filter floss for free so I figured a good way to take care of that is to just change it out every couple of days.

OK, but I think that you will find, if you do your part, that mechanical media in the sump is unnecessary.

Regards,

Jim

[scaryperson27]

That's only relevant to certain applications.

I am going to be doing a BB cube.

In the case where you are setting up a SPS system, you would want to be aware that Detritus can lead to nutrients.

I'm giving this ten gallon to my friend anyway. It was kind of a practice tank. I'm going to be building my next one from scratch with glass pre ordered. Hopefully it will come out a lot neater. I'm going to be using black silicone.

[uncleof6]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14589271#post14589271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
That's only relevant to certain applications.

I am going to be doing a BB cube.

In the case where you are setting up a SPS system, you would want to be aware that Detritus can lead to nutrients.



It is relevant to all applications. Are you saying that without mech media in your sump, you cannot keep SPS? That would be baloney, absolutely untrue. :) if this is not what you are referring to, please use a quote, so I don't have a heart attack:D

Regards,

Jim

[scaryperson27]

I was focusing on the filter floss part of your post.

I always run carbon, and a phosphorous remover in all my reef tanks.

Along with that, I take attention to Magnesium, Strontium (which hasn't made a noticeable difference for me), potassium, calcium, alkalinity, amino acids, and a few others that I can't recollect at the moment.

[scaryperson27]

My curious side is making me look into vadka. Who knows how that will pan out.

[uncleof6]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14590711#post14590711 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
My curious side is making me look into vadka. Who knows how that will pan out.

TOO DARN DANGEROUS FOR THE CRITTERS IN YOUR TANK! It is not necessary, needed or wanted. Curiosity killed the cat. ARRRRRRRGGFGHHHHHHH%$$@@@##!!!!!!!!!!&%##@. Stick to the basics my friend. Master the basics, before you go killing off precious aqautic creatures that need you to keep them alive. I swear you are sitting there trying to kill me! *heart attack*:D The basics work just fine.

P.S. My previous post stands as written. :)

P.P.S. I see where you got your handle :D

Best Regards,

Jim