Tm's 10g nano build thread - PICTURE INTENSE!

tmfreak · 10/02/2006, 07:48 PM

Hello all, i thought I'd share my experiences and feelings as I set up my first 10g nano.

First of all, I have done alot of reasearch from the internet to make this setup as easy and cheapest for me.

So far, I have spent about 30 dollars on this whole setup and I'm very happy. Some of the items that are shown were also given to me by friends. i had to buy the substrate and the rocks and saltwater mix..

The tank is about 2 weeks old and i think i will let it cycle while i buy more gadgets for it

Water parameters:
Salinity: 1.0215
Ph:8.1-8.2
(dont have an actual test kit either..)

Please do not hesitate to comment on my tank and if you have any suggestions!

onto the pictures

I did not take pictures of the actual painting process but it took about 30 minutes to dry and remember to use alot of masking tape or you will get little spray dots on your glass and it will be a pain to take off. I did about 4 coats and made sure no light was shining through it. I used a enamel blue paint used for model cars. I used this because i didnt want to go out and spend 5$ on a can of paint that I already have but if I did have to buy some, i would go with krylon paint.

I found a nice little spot on a table in my room, sunlight does indeed go into most of the tank but i have moved the tank over a bit.

This is the picture where i mixed the salt inside the tank. As you can see, i desperateley need some powerheads for it, which i will be getting soon.

Dont mind the gravel, I thought it would beneficial for some bacteria to grow on and coated it over with a layer of marine sand.. im still thinking whether if was a good decision, I might put some coral gravel on it soon..

That is about 15 lbs of dead rock and 1 little tiny piece for seeding the other ones.. I should ask my friend for some more soon.. I like the texture of those white rocks alot.. Do you guys think it looks natural? and I also know that those white rocks wont stay white for long.. so im ready for that haha

I will get some more recent pictures and will get some filters and DIY projects soon after i have time (school kills)

Thanks for looking!

amiricle · 10/02/2006, 09:59 PM

nice work!

Agu · 10/03/2006, 10:30 AM

Nice start

rbp 4 135 · 10/03/2006, 02:34 PM

looks good, yes you are right that white wont be white for long hopefully it will be all pink and purple! are you going to skim, what kind of lighting?

Henry22 · 10/03/2006, 03:11 PM

Dont put crushed coral over your sand, only use sand. The gravel probaly doesnt matter as its under a couple of inches of sand, but is kinda useless.

tmfreak · 10/03/2006, 04:18 PM

Right now I am using those 10 gallon hoods and bought 2 coralife 50/50 mini compacts from petsmart.. one blew out so its not all that bright, I just bought some 6500k bulbs from walmart made by lights of america. They are as bright and its 8$ for 2 bulbs instead of 14 for one coralife. i might skim, Im putting in about 10-20lbs of lr. I would like the white rock to stay that color buts its fine if it get funky, it will look more natural.

thanks henry for the info!

tmfreak · 10/04/2006, 02:17 PM

ok, new and updated pictures after i fitted some 6500k's into this small hood.. ill take pictures and show you guys how to do it after my camera finishes charging.. lighting is about 40watts with compacts

tmfreak · 10/04/2006, 02:36 PM

a little clearer, camera is acting weird today

2 20w 6500k Lights of America compact flourescents = $8.99
10 Gallon hood and light fixture = $15.99

total spent: $25.00

i am on a very limited budget and this setup will work for you if you're not looking to spend too much and dont mind the excessive heat these things put out.

Water parameters 10/4/2006

ph: 8.2
Temperature: 79 degrees F (i use a small fan to cool the top of the water)
Salinity: 1.021 (water changes often)

Still need to get ammonia phosphate and all that stuff before I add anything else... theyre so expensive..

Mr Sh0tgun · 10/04/2006, 05:46 PM

Nice start. Keep us updated.

tmfreak · 10/04/2006, 06:45 PM

will do

tmfreak · 10/04/2006, 06:52 PM

I need you guys opinions..

Should i add more lr?

Henry22 · 10/04/2006, 08:15 PM

Yeah, I would get a few lbs of live rock, something with alot of life, and if they have them in diffrent tanks in the LFS, then that might be good because it might add biodiversity,and you might want to try a few diffrent types(marshall island, togan, fiji...) I would get a few lbs so it turns your dead base in LR.

tmfreak · 10/04/2006, 08:24 PM

ok thanks

Jordan55 · 10/04/2006, 08:25 PM

The white rock seems a little odd. I guess it is just because of the "average" tank with "normal" live rock.

Not saying it is bad, just you have a different perspective. I would for sure add more live rock to seed the dead rock.

tmfreak · 10/04/2006, 09:11 PM

Yeah, I dont realy like it all white, It looks like someone bleached a reef or something hahah, cant wait till some weird colored corraline and algae grow on it

WarEagleNR88 · 10/05/2006, 11:06 AM

tmfreak, what do you have for water circulation? Any powerheads or HOB filters?

Also in your pictures, is the hydrometer inside of the tank on the right side?

oddiseus · 10/05/2006, 11:17 AM

I recommend the maxi jet series they work well, very reliable, don't add any heat and are quiet.

tmfreak · 10/05/2006, 03:23 PM

Yes, i have a 20 tetra whisper filter hob. I took it out to see if any mods could be done to it. I am going to purchase some powerheads very soon. I was thinking of using an old pond pump that puts out 700gph but im not so sure if that would be a good idea. i could connect multiple t connections with pvc around the tank and that could be my central pump to power all of them

tmfreak · 10/05/2006, 06:42 PM

oh, and thanks for the suggestion oddiseus.

and wareagle, Yes, it is a redsea hydrometer w/ themometer. The themometer only gives you an approximate. it is in no way accurate, it was 14.99 at petsco. the hydrometer can be kept inside the tank for continuous readings or periodically

tmfreak · 10/07/2006, 08:52 AM

Im going to start working on an overflow since I've got a pump working on it correctly. Ill post pictures later today when I'm done

AVALover5498 · 10/07/2006, 09:52 AM

Nice tank...can't wait to see some more pics!

tmfreak · 10/07/2006, 01:18 PM

thanks for the positive cooments! I am almost done with my "wave maker" a 350gph pump that will continually , in a closed loop, discharge a fair amount of water back into the tank.. I bought the fittings and pvc, now I just need to measure and cut

tmfreak · 10/09/2006, 05:14 PM

Time to start working on a surface skimmer, I took a pot that was used to house small plants

cut small slits

glued on a small piece to protect small things from going in, finished product, need to paint!

painted it black.. didnt have any more blue =(

siliconing it to glass

had to switch hosts.. imageshack went down lol

[IMG]http://i12.*******.com/2z87xh3.jpg[/IMG]
you can see my intake tube.. i will post pictures of that DIY soon

[IMG]http://i12.*******.com/2q0qfk1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i12.*******.com/344cmdv.jpg[/IMG]
tada

took about 30 minutes or so

tmfreak · 10/09/2006, 05:23 PM

and I know its extremely crooked but i saved 30 bucks so im happy

tmfreak · 10/09/2006, 05:26 PM

intake for circulation with 350gph pump

[IMG]http://i12.*******.com/2jb4dba.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i12.*******.com/33l32pl.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i12.*******.com/2u44j08.jpg[/IMG]

you can see the intake tube up in that other reply
It is only about halfway finished right now.. need to cut more pvc

this is the process (fairly easy)

[IMG]http://i12.*******.com/2n84xnm.jpg[/IMG]
measured marked and cut

[IMG]http://i12.*******.com/2qsbc01.jpg[/IMG]
i was going to use a circular saw but tried this instead

10/02/2006, 07:48 PM	#1
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	Tm's 10g nano build thread - PICTURE INTENSE! Hello all, i thought I'd share my experiences and feelings as I set up my first 10g nano. First of all, I have done alot of reasearch from the internet to make this setup as easy and cheapest for me. So far, I have spent about 30 dollars on this whole setup and I'm very happy. Some of the items that are shown were also given to me by friends. i had to buy the substrate and the rocks and saltwater mix.. The tank is about 2 weeks old and i think i will let it cycle while i buy more gadgets for it Water parameters: Salinity: 1.0215 Ph:8.1-8.2 (dont have an actual test kit either..) Please do not hesitate to comment on my tank and if you have any suggestions! onto the pictures I did not take pictures of the actual painting process but it took about 30 minutes to dry and remember to use alot of masking tape or you will get little spray dots on your glass and it will be a pain to take off. I did about 4 coats and made sure no light was shining through it. I used a enamel blue paint used for model cars. I used this because i didnt want to go out and spend 5$ on a can of paint that I already have but if I did have to buy some, i would go with krylon paint. I found a nice little spot on a table in my room, sunlight does indeed go into most of the tank but i have moved the tank over a bit. This is the picture where i mixed the salt inside the tank. As you can see, i desperateley need some powerheads for it, which i will be getting soon. Dont mind the gravel, I thought it would beneficial for some bacteria to grow on and coated it over with a layer of marine sand.. im still thinking whether if was a good decision, I might put some coral gravel on it soon.. That is about 15 lbs of dead rock and 1 little tiny piece for seeding the other ones.. I should ask my friend for some more soon.. I like the texture of those white rocks alot.. Do you guys think it looks natural? and I also know that those white rocks wont stay white for long.. so im ready for that haha I will get some more recent pictures and will get some filters and DIY projects soon after i have time (school kills) Thanks for looking!

10/03/2006, 10:30 AM	#3
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	Nice start __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

10/03/2006, 02:34 PM	#4
rbp 4 135 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 181	looks good, yes you are right that white wont be white for long hopefully it will be all pink and purple! are you going to skim, what kind of lighting? __________________ I read lots and post little. Current Tank Info: 30 cube(ish), sps dominant.

10/03/2006, 03:11 PM	#5
Henry22 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 712	Dont put crushed coral over your sand, only use sand. The gravel probaly doesnt matter as its under a couple of inches of sand, but is kinda useless. __________________ 15 Gallon Tall Reef w/ a lonely orange spotted watchman goby Current Tank Info: 15 gallon Tall Reef

10/04/2006, 08:15 PM	#12
Henry22 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 712	Yeah, I would get a few lbs of live rock, something with alot of life, and if they have them in diffrent tanks in the LFS, then that might be good because it might add biodiversity,and you might want to try a few diffrent types(marshall island, togan, fiji...) I would get a few lbs so it turns your dead base in LR. __________________ 15 Gallon Tall Reef w/ a lonely orange spotted watchman goby Current Tank Info: 15 gallon Tall Reef

10/02/2006, 09:59 PM	#2
amiricle Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 175	nice work!

10/03/2006, 04:18 PM	#6
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	Right now I am using those 10 gallon hoods and bought 2 coralife 50/50 mini compacts from petsmart.. one blew out so its not all that bright, I just bought some 6500k bulbs from walmart made by lights of america. They are as bright and its 8$ for 2 bulbs instead of 14 for one coralife. i might skim, Im putting in about 10-20lbs of lr. I would like the white rock to stay that color buts its fine if it get funky, it will look more natural. thanks henry for the info!

10/04/2006, 02:17 PM	#7
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	ok, new and updated pictures after i fitted some 6500k's into this small hood.. ill take pictures and show you guys how to do it after my camera finishes charging.. lighting is about 40watts with compacts

10/04/2006, 02:36 PM	#8
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	a little clearer, camera is acting weird today 2 20w 6500k Lights of America compact flourescents = $8.99 10 Gallon hood and light fixture = $15.99 total spent: $25.00 i am on a very limited budget and this setup will work for you if you're not looking to spend too much and dont mind the excessive heat these things put out. Water parameters 10/4/2006 ph: 8.2 Temperature: 79 degrees F (i use a small fan to cool the top of the water) Salinity: 1.021 (water changes often) Still need to get ammonia phosphate and all that stuff before I add anything else... theyre so expensive..

10/04/2006, 05:46 PM	#9
Mr Sh0tgun Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 138	Nice start. Keep us updated.

10/04/2006, 06:45 PM	#10
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	will do

10/04/2006, 06:52 PM	#11
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	I need you guys opinions.. Should i add more lr?

10/04/2006, 08:24 PM	#13
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	ok thanks

10/04/2006, 08:25 PM	#14
Jordan55 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,208	The white rock seems a little odd. I guess it is just because of the "average" tank with "normal" live rock. Not saying it is bad, just you have a different perspective. I would for sure add more live rock to seed the dead rock. __________________ I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Current Tank Info: None

10/04/2006, 09:11 PM	#15
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	Yeah, I dont realy like it all white, It looks like someone bleached a reef or something hahah, cant wait till some weird colored corraline and algae grow on it

10/05/2006, 11:06 AM	#16
WarEagleNR88 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 388	tmfreak, what do you have for water circulation? Any powerheads or HOB filters? Also in your pictures, is the hydrometer inside of the tank on the right side? __________________ Make your work proud to have your name on it. Current Tank Info: None at the moment

10/05/2006, 11:17 AM	#17
oddiseus Moved On Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 406	I recommend the maxi jet series they work well, very reliable, don't add any heat and are quiet.

10/05/2006, 03:23 PM	#18
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	Yes, i have a 20 tetra whisper filter hob. I took it out to see if any mods could be done to it. I am going to purchase some powerheads very soon. I was thinking of using an old pond pump that puts out 700gph but im not so sure if that would be a good idea. i could connect multiple t connections with pvc around the tank and that could be my central pump to power all of them

10/05/2006, 06:42 PM	#19
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	oh, and thanks for the suggestion oddiseus. and wareagle, Yes, it is a redsea hydrometer w/ themometer. The themometer only gives you an approximate. it is in no way accurate, it was 14.99 at petsco. the hydrometer can be kept inside the tank for continuous readings or periodically

10/07/2006, 08:52 AM	#20
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	Im going to start working on an overflow since I've got a pump working on it correctly. Ill post pictures later today when I'm done

10/07/2006, 09:52 AM	#21
AVALover5498 Zoa Freak Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sioux City, IA Posts: 752	Nice tank...can't wait to see some more pics!

10/07/2006, 01:18 PM	#22
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	thanks for the positive cooments! I am almost done with my "wave maker" a 350gph pump that will continually , in a closed loop, discharge a fair amount of water back into the tank.. I bought the fittings and pvc, now I just need to measure and cut

10/09/2006, 05:14 PM	#23
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	Time to start working on a surface skimmer, I took a pot that was used to house small plants cut small slits glued on a small piece to protect small things from going in, finished product, need to paint! painted it black.. didnt have any more blue =( siliconing it to glass had to switch hosts.. imageshack went down lol [IMG]http://i12.*****.com/2z87xh3.jpg[/IMG] you can see my intake tube.. i will post pictures of that DIY soon [IMG]http://i12.***.com/2q0qfk1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i12.*****.com/344cmdv.jpg[/IMG] tada took about 30 minutes or so

10/09/2006, 05:23 PM	#24
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	and I know its extremely crooked but i saved 30 bucks so im happy

10/09/2006, 05:26 PM	#25
tmfreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 107	intake for circulation with 350gph pump [IMG]http://i12.*****.com/2jb4dba.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i12.***.com/33l32pl.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i12.***.com/2u44j08.jpg[/IMG] you can see the intake tube up in that other reply It is only about halfway finished right now.. need to cut more pvc this is the process (fairly easy) [IMG]http://i12.***.com/2n84xnm.jpg[/IMG] measured marked and cut [IMG]http://i12.*****.com/2qsbc01.jpg[/IMG] i was going to use a circular saw but tried this instead