My 10 Gallon Nano Reef Build

ReeVo · 03/29/2012, 06:19 PM

I've always been intrigued by nano reefs and how beautiful they can be in such a small environment.

So I’ve done a lot of reading and searching and decided to build one. I know what I'm getting myself into and I’m accepting the challenge. This is something that will surely push me towards being a bigger reef hobbyist.
As for my first nano, I’m going to start with a standard 10 gallon aquarium (20x10x12) and custom build an overflow chamber into the left/rear corner. I will not be using a sump in this build but will be using a modded Aquaclear 70 refugium and a Aquaclear 20 with an InTank Media Basket ( http://shop.mediabaskets.com/AquaCle...ket-AC20MR.htm ).

I believe getting rid of surface scum is just another step to having a successful aquarium. The overflow will also be keeping the DT at one water level but also means I have to be careful not run the overflow dry from evaporation.

The modded Aquaclear 70 refugium will be placed in the overflow section. As for the Acuaclear 20 will be placed on the opposite side of the aquarium. I’m going to run cheato and rubble rock in the Aquaclear 70 and Chemi-Pure Elite, Purigen, and a polyfilter in the Aquaclear 20.

I have also built a baffle in the overflow to hold another piece of polyfilter to collect all the scum off the surface. It will, somewhat, decrease the water sloshing sound when water has evaporated.

I have bought 10 pounds of Bulk Reef Supply’s “Reef Saver Rock”, but will probably not use all of it. Don’t really know how I’m going to aquascape it, but I’m going to take my time.

I will be seeding the aquarium with a piece of rock and some sand from my 1.5 year old reef.

But enough of me talking. Time to post some pictures

fpv930 · 03/29/2012, 08:11 PM

Your build sounds like it's going to be great! I wish I would have made an overflow for my 10g nano. Nice work. I will be following the build!

secrest · 03/29/2012, 09:31 PM

I have a feeling this is going to be a cool build. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

ReeVo · 03/30/2012, 12:36 AM

Thanks guys

Im so anxious to fill this baby up.

spicytuna · 03/30/2012, 04:20 AM

Looks sexy. What's your plan for lighting? Any chance of an ato?

Jmoney619 · 03/30/2012, 08:07 AM

Did you cut out the overflow slots yourself?

miniwhinny · 03/30/2012, 08:54 AM

WOW ! Nice and neat..I'm loving it

stonepilot · 03/30/2012, 12:32 PM

Where did you get the black acrylic to make the overflow?

ReeVo · 03/30/2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spicytuna

Looks sexy. What's your plan for lighting? Any chance of an ato?

I'm thinking of going with RapidLeds PAR38 bulbs but the Kessil 15,000K is looking really good to me right now.
I'm most likely going to go with the ELOS ato but not now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmoney619

Did you cut out the overflow slots yourself?

Yes I did. I used a dremel with a router bit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by miniwhinny

WOW ! Nice and neat..I'm loving it

Thanks miniwhinny

Quote:

Originally Posted by stonepilot

Where did you get the black acrylic to make the overflow?

Tapplastics.com
Real good quality acrylic and measurements were right on the dot.
I'll take a picture and show how close the overflow is to the trim. It's barely touching it.

gmate · 03/30/2012, 02:53 PM

This is cool, and makes me want to go tear my black rim off my 10g and then build an AIO system.

Tschupe · 03/30/2012, 09:46 PM

Did you bend the acrylic or did it come like that? Looks sick so far. Nice!

ReeVo · 03/30/2012, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tschupe

Did you bend the acrylic or did it come like that? Looks sick so far. Nice!

Nope.
I bought 2 pieces of acrylic and used Weld-On 4 to put them together. I cut the teeth out before i glued them.
I just sanded the edge and torched it for a smooth finish.

Tschupe · 03/31/2012, 01:57 AM

Then well done sir! It looks like a professional job. Can't wait for updates.

Uncle Elroy · 04/02/2012, 08:49 PM

Speaking of updates ....

anything new to report..?

ReeVo · 04/03/2012, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tschupe

Then well done sir! It looks like a professional job. Can't wait for updates.

Thank you sir!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Elroy

Speaking of updates ....

anything new to report..?

I just recieved 10 pounds eco-saver rock from BRS today and I'm still waiting on my sand. I bought Tropic Eden's Miniflakes (best sand ever) from premium aquatics. Tracking number says it'll be here Friday.

I've already modded my Aquaclear 70 and is ready to go.
Media basket from InTank arrived Friday for the Aquaclear 20. I love the workmanship that went into this basket. I really recommend this basket to anyone who wants to run filter floss, purigen, carbon, or any other media. Awesome product.

In the mean time, while i wait for my sand, I'm mixing salt (Red Sea Coral Pro).

Still contemplating on which light I should buy

I want to try something different.

I will post pictures soon.

griffithimage · 04/03/2012, 11:04 AM

looks good, interested to see how things go without a sump

ReeVo · 04/05/2012, 02:12 AM

Finally finished modding the Aquaclear 70.
I put a piece of 1/4" acrylic as the baffle. The basket it came with worked as good template.

The light I made came from a thread I had read last week and I thought it was pretty clever.

http://mini-reef.blogspot.com/2008/0...t-fixture.html

I liked the concept but it wasn’t as clean as I like it to be. So I did what he did and used the same LEDs, but I used 3/8” tinted acrylic I had left over from my sump build. Made a small box to house the leds, cut the lid and put in a piece of 1/8” clear acrylic so light isn’t dimmed from the green lid of the Aquaclear.
Overall, I think it came out pretty well

ReeVo · 04/05/2012, 02:14 AM

I was also thinking of painting the lid black.
What do you guys think?

Trooper46 · 04/05/2012, 07:29 AM

thats awesome. i am going to steal that overflow idea for my 20XH build.

ReeVo · 04/05/2012, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trooper46

thats awesome. i am going to steal that overflow idea for my 20XH build.

Its great.
Just make sure that you filters tube will reach near the bottom of the overflow.

Trooper46 · 04/06/2012, 06:42 AM

guess i should try to find the extension tubes for my ac70s.

ReeVo · 04/06/2012, 07:32 PM

If you can't find it, you can buy one for like $6.

ReeVo · 04/07/2012, 03:21 PM

Just painted my Aquaclear 70 with plastidip. It came out better than I though.
Here's a few pictures with the lid on and off.

kriv4o · 04/07/2012, 06:16 PM

Very nice project!
Keep up the good work

Do you happen to remember the height of your overflow plexy pieces?

HaKs310 · 04/07/2012, 06:37 PM

AC70 looks bad ***! Like it came off the assembly line!

03/29/2012, 06:19 PM	#1
ReeVo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	My 10 Gallon Nano Reef Build I've always been intrigued by nano reefs and how beautiful they can be in such a small environment. So I’ve done a lot of reading and searching and decided to build one. I know what I'm getting myself into and I’m accepting the challenge. This is something that will surely push me towards being a bigger reef hobbyist. As for my first nano, I’m going to start with a standard 10 gallon aquarium (20x10x12) and custom build an overflow chamber into the left/rear corner. I will not be using a sump in this build but will be using a modded Aquaclear 70 refugium and a Aquaclear 20 with an InTank Media Basket ( http://shop.mediabaskets.com/AquaCle...ket-AC20MR.htm ). I believe getting rid of surface scum is just another step to having a successful aquarium. The overflow will also be keeping the DT at one water level but also means I have to be careful not run the overflow dry from evaporation. The modded Aquaclear 70 refugium will be placed in the overflow section. As for the Acuaclear 20 will be placed on the opposite side of the aquarium. I’m going to run cheato and rubble rock in the Aquaclear 70 and Chemi-Pure Elite, Purigen, and a polyfilter in the Aquaclear 20. I have also built a baffle in the overflow to hold another piece of polyfilter to collect all the scum off the surface. It will, somewhat, decrease the water sloshing sound when water has evaporated. I have bought 10 pounds of Bulk Reef Supply’s “Reef Saver Rock”, but will probably not use all of it. Don’t really know how I’m going to aquascape it, but I’m going to take my time. I will be seeding the aquarium with a piece of rock and some sand from my 1.5 year old reef. But enough of me talking. Time to post some pictures __________________ SFVR Member Cadlights 50G Artisan (Rebuilding/Upgrading) 10 Gallon Project

03/29/2012, 08:11 PM	#2
fpv930 Reef Addict Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Syracuse New York Posts: 166	Your build sounds like it's going to be great! I wish I would have made an overflow for my 10g nano. Nice work. I will be following the build! __________________ 72 Oceanic leaked All inhabitants into a temp 36g tank. http://www.youtube.com/user/adjusterfrank Current Tank Info: Dreaming of a big build

03/30/2012, 12:36 AM	#4
ReeVo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	Thanks guys Im so anxious to fill this baby up. __________________ SFVR Member Cadlights 50G Artisan (Rebuilding/Upgrading) 10 Gallon Project

03/30/2012, 04:20 AM	#5
spicytuna Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 387	Looks sexy. What's your plan for lighting? Any chance of an ato? __________________ Rimless peninsula, Tunze, I-Tech 100, Nextreef

03/30/2012, 12:32 PM	#8
stonepilot Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pensacola, Fl Posts: 51	Where did you get the black acrylic to make the overflow? __________________ Born Southern and Fish by the Grace of God Current Tank Info: Nanocube6

03/29/2012, 09:31 PM	#3
secrest Tired Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 1,148	I have a feeling this is going to be a cool build. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

03/30/2012, 08:07 AM	#6
Jmoney619 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 57	Did you cut out the overflow slots yourself?

03/30/2012, 08:54 AM	#7
miniwhinny Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 723	WOW ! Nice and neat..I'm loving it

03/30/2012, 02:53 PM	#10
gmate CTARS Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Ansonia, CT Posts: 1,916	This is cool, and makes me want to go tear my black rim off my 10g and then build an AIO system.

03/30/2012, 09:46 PM	#11
Tschupe Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: chandler, AZ Posts: 710	Did you bend the acrylic or did it come like that? Looks sick so far. Nice! __________________ TIM Current Tank Info: 29 biocube. Rkl with alc. mp-10. DIY CREE LEDs. Tunze 9002.

03/31/2012, 01:57 AM	#13
Tschupe Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: chandler, AZ Posts: 710	Then well done sir! It looks like a professional job. Can't wait for updates. __________________ TIM Current Tank Info: 29 biocube. Rkl with alc. mp-10. DIY CREE LEDs. Tunze 9002.

04/02/2012, 08:49 PM	#14
Uncle Elroy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 14	Speaking of updates .... anything new to report..?

04/03/2012, 11:04 AM	#16
griffithimage Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Markham, Ontario, Canada Posts: 250	looks good, interested to see how things go without a sump

04/05/2012, 02:12 AM	#17
ReeVo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	Update Finally finished modding the Aquaclear 70. I put a piece of 1/4" acrylic as the baffle. The basket it came with worked as good template. The light I made came from a thread I had read last week and I thought it was pretty clever. http://mini-reef.blogspot.com/2008/0...t-fixture.html I liked the concept but it wasn’t as clean as I like it to be. So I did what he did and used the same LEDs, but I used 3/8” tinted acrylic I had left over from my sump build. Made a small box to house the leds, cut the lid and put in a piece of 1/8” clear acrylic so light isn’t dimmed from the green lid of the Aquaclear. Overall, I think it came out pretty well __________________ SFVR Member Cadlights 50G Artisan (Rebuilding/Upgrading) 10 Gallon Project

04/05/2012, 02:14 AM	#18
ReeVo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	I was also thinking of painting the lid black. What do you guys think? __________________ SFVR Member Cadlights 50G Artisan (Rebuilding/Upgrading) 10 Gallon Project

04/05/2012, 07:29 AM	#19
Trooper46 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Madison WI Posts: 9	thats awesome. i am going to steal that overflow idea for my 20XH build.

04/06/2012, 06:42 AM	#21
Trooper46 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Madison WI Posts: 9	guess i should try to find the extension tubes for my ac70s.

04/06/2012, 07:32 PM	#22
ReeVo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	If you can't find it, you can buy one for like $6. __________________ SFVR Member Cadlights 50G Artisan (Rebuilding/Upgrading) 10 Gallon Project

04/07/2012, 03:21 PM	#23
ReeVo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	Just painted my Aquaclear 70 with plastidip. It came out better than I though. Here's a few pictures with the lid on and off. __________________ SFVR Member Cadlights 50G Artisan (Rebuilding/Upgrading) 10 Gallon Project

04/07/2012, 06:16 PM	#24
kriv4o Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Ocean Pines, MD Posts: 414	Very nice project! Keep up the good work Do you happen to remember the height of your overflow plexy pieces? __________________ 40b DT, with a 20l DIY sump 10g clam lagoon plumbed together with^ 10g stand alone NANO, JBJ 24g NanoCube rescue project

04/07/2012, 06:37 PM	#25
HaKs310 Trust me, I'm a pro. Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,195	AC70 looks bad ***! Like it came off the assembly line! __________________ 12g JBJ NC:RapidLED kit\|inTank Media Basket\|MJ900\|Koralia Nano 240. 5g vivarium:Mexican Red-kneed Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi).