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Unread 09/10/2012, 06:01 PM   #76
chad p
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What a cool little setup. Man, years ago I would have never thought that a standard 10 gallon tank could make a cool reef tank but now I see it's definitely possible.

Use a little caution with the magnet. A while back I bought a used JBJ ATO and the previous owner used a pair of magnets to weigh down the float switch for the top off container. They were basically the size of a domino and they were covered in like a heat shrink tubing with the ends filled in with hot glue and they were hot glued to the bottom of the float switch bracket to weigh it down on the bottom of the container.

The reason I say to use caution is because when I set everything up on my tank the light stayed on telling me that the float switch was in the down position like the water was empty. However the float switch was up. I tried everything and then I finally removed the magnets and then the float switch worked correctly. When I would put the magnets back where they were it would indicate that the switch was up again. I have to assume that the previous owner got it to work with the magnets but for me it was clear that the magnets were interfering with the setup.

Sorry if this is a long winded explanation but just saying you might want to have a plan B in mind. Keep up the good work with the tank. It's great inspiration for future DIYers.


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Unread 09/10/2012, 11:15 PM   #77
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dont use a magnet. mine goes off when my algae scrubber is a few inches from it. so using a magnet right next to it will definitely affect how it floats, rendering it useless. i recommend adding a tab to hook onto the glass and secure it with a plastic screw.


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Unread 09/11/2012, 12:42 AM   #78
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Thanks for the heads up guys. I actually extended the body of the holder to about 6" long because a magnet will be the cleanest way. The magnet is from a Two Little Fishies algae clip I had laying around.


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Unread 09/21/2012, 04:24 AM   #79
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Update!

UPDATE!

Well I set up the ATO today and it works great. I could not be any happier.
No more topping off 2-3 times a day. Waking up in the middle of night to sloshing sounds lol
I extended the acrylic tab so the the magnet will not interfere with the switch, and so far so good. I'm using my old Two Little Fishies algae clip. Can't get anymore aquarium safe than that.

My CUC has really cleaned up the tank. Cleaned the glass, stirred the sand, everything I expect from a good CUC.
I ordered it from reefcleaners.org and I would definitely order from them again. They arrived alive, packaged very well, and even gave me extras These guys are awesome!
I got the 5.5 gallon kit just because I didn't want to overstock on snails when there isn't much food available. But I basically got the 10 gallon kit because of all the extras lol
It's a mixture of dwarf ceriths, Florida ceriths, small nerites, and small nassarius snails.
I got all snails because I've had a lot of rouge hermits already. I may get a 2-3 scarlets, still debating.

Only live stock I have at the moment is a Black Ocellaris Clownfish, Fire Shrimp, and a peppermint shrimp.
Had a piece of aiptasia growing and the shrimp took care of it within 2 days.

I will be getting a PAR38 12-3W Cree LED bulb from OCReef. That's when i'll start stocking up on corals. I really can't wait for that. Might start off with a few mushrooms, zoas, ricordeas, and a few LPS. I'll make my way up a monti or acro later on.

I'm doing weekly water changes. 1 gallon a week.
My parameters are:
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 5ppm
Phosphate: Undetectable
PH: 8.0 - 8.2
Temp: 78-80 F
Salinity: 1.024 - 1.025

I am using Red Sea Coral Pro so my calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium are pretty high. I'm not checking those at the moment but I will soon once I get my LED light.

I hope you all enjoy the pictures.




















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Unread 09/21/2012, 09:24 AM   #80
dominik2233
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Hi, are you using an air pump to top up the water?


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Unread 09/21/2012, 01:10 PM   #81
ReeVo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dominik2233 View Post
Hi, are you using an air pump to top up the water?
Its an aqualifter pump, not an air pump.


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Unread 09/21/2012, 07:56 PM   #82
dominik2233
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ReeVo View Post
Its an aqualifter pump, not an air pump.
Thks. This product is not available in my country. We are using 230v.


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Unread 09/22/2012, 01:03 PM   #83
RL206
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Right on bud, this is an awesome set up.
I had similar ideas/plans but your idea is way better, hope you don't mind stealing some of your ideas
I'll be using a 15g!
Keep up w/ the updates bud, this is cool, good job on everything, everything looks clean and legit.

Also, where did you come across the your overflow? If ya don't mind


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Unread 09/22/2012, 01:36 PM   #84
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dominik2233 View Post
Thks. This product is not available in my country. We are using 230v.
Oh, that sucks

Quote:
Originally Posted by RL206 View Post
Right on bud, this is an awesome set up.
I had similar ideas/plans but your idea is way better, hope you don't mind stealing some of your ideas
I'll be using a 15g!
Keep up w/ the updates bud, this is cool, good job on everything, everything looks clean and legit.

Also, where did you come across the your overflow? If ya don't mind
Thanks bro
I don't mind at all lol
I built the overflow myself too


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Unread 09/22/2012, 04:34 PM   #85
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Very good job. I'm impressed.


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Unread 09/24/2012, 07:43 AM   #86
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Its coming along great!
I just finished my overflow thanks to you!


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Unread 09/24/2012, 01:51 PM   #87
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Thanks guys and your welcome : )


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Unread 09/24/2012, 04:44 PM   #88
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would you consider making and selling another one of those ac70s?


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Unread 09/24/2012, 05:33 PM   #89
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Do you get a lot of bubbles from the AC dumping back into the display? I have a 10G that I would like to set up again but with the old Aqueon filter I had it was constantly causing bubbs.


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Unread 09/24/2012, 06:31 PM   #90
ReeVo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joem1cha3l View Post
would you consider making and selling another one of those ac70s?
Sure
PM me if your really interested.


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Originally Posted by GooGs View Post
Do you get a lot of bubbles from the AC dumping back into the display? I have a 10G that I would like to set up again but with the old Aqueon filter I had it was constantly causing bubbs.
Well every HOB filter dumps bubbles in the tank. The closer the water level in the tank is to the filter, the less bubbles you will get. I rarely get bubbles because the filter is about a 1/4" away from the surface of the water.
These AC filters are great though. Much better than any other HOB filter I have used.


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Unread 09/26/2012, 08:38 AM   #91
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How are you liking flow in the tank w/ both filters running and the powerhead? I'm assuming that's a 240 or 425 Hydor right?

I'm just waiting for overflow pcs. in the mail, so I should be mixing water by next week!

I'm just debating on what the 240 or the 425...


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Unread 09/26/2012, 01:30 PM   #92
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RL206 View Post
How are you liking flow in the tank w/ both filters running and the powerhead? I'm assuming that's a 240 or 425 Hydor right?

I'm just waiting for overflow pcs. in the mail, so I should be mixing water by next week!

I'm just debating on what the 240 or the 425...
The flow is exactly what I was hoping for. Not so much where the overflow can't handle it but enough for the surface of the water to be clean.

The powerhead is a koralia 240. 425 is a bit much for a small 10 gall with 2 filters . I'll find out once I put in some corals. See what they like best.


GL on your build.
Let me know how it goes.


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Unread 09/26/2012, 02:00 PM   #93
Fretfreak13
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I love your scape!!!

I want a ATO just like yours, but I'm horrible at DIY stuff. I have the aqualifter already and everything, but so far every float switch I've ever seen would definitely not fit in my tank. Oh well..maybe some day I'll figure it out. Haha


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Unread 09/27/2012, 12:44 AM   #94
ReeVo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fretfreak13 View Post
I love your scape!!!

I want a ATO just like yours, but I'm horrible at DIY stuff. I have the aqualifter already and everything, but so far every float switch I've ever seen would definitely not fit in my tank. Oh well..maybe some day I'll figure it out. Haha
Thanks Fretfreak13

I can build you one if you'd like.


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Unread 09/27/2012, 11:04 AM   #95
nwnugget
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This thread has inspired me. I wish I had known half what I know now when I first set up my 12 gallon nanocube.


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Unread 09/27/2012, 07:09 PM   #96
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This thread has inspired me. I wish I had known half what I know now when I first set up my 12 gallon nanocube.
Im glad it did
Could be time for an upgrade.


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Unread 09/27/2012, 10:01 PM   #97
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Im glad it did
Could be time for an upgrade.
The 55 gallon and the 29 gallon sump-to-be are sitting empty in the living room waiting for me to build a stand and buy quality components.

I was thinking one of these inexpensive DIY nano tanks could be a side project to scratch the itch during the waiting periods once the 55 is under way.

I commend your attention to detail.


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Unread 09/28/2012, 03:18 AM   #98
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Looks awesome! I'm thinking of doing something similar. How exactly did you bond the acrylic overflow to the glass tank? I've googled and can't find a good answer. Some people were saying you can't because the acrylic will flex and break the bond if you use silicon....Anyways, I'd love to know how you did it. Thanks!


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Unread 09/28/2012, 09:27 AM   #99
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I was curious about that as well, I hope that my acrylic is thick enough, but I feel that it being on the corner it should be stable enough, so I feel it should hold up.
I'm just going to take my time bonding the acrylic to each other, tracking # says it will be here tonight, so I'll know here pretty soon haha


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Unread 09/28/2012, 09:46 AM   #100
nwnugget
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Quote:
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Looks awesome! I'm thinking of doing something similar. How exactly did you bond the acrylic overflow to the glass tank? I've googled and can't find a good answer. Some people were saying you can't because the acrylic will flex and break the bond if you use silicon....Anyways, I'd love to know how you did it. Thanks!
I believe the advice to not bond acrylic to glass is more for the people who try to use acrylic as the sump barriers. Using acrylic would allow for flex and an eventual degradation of the bond. Aren't most overflows made out of acrylic and bonded to the glass?


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