Ryan_Laps 10gal Build

[Ryan_Lap]

Hey All,

Heres the budget for the $395.45:

Hardware:
Used Hydor Koralia 4 - $40.46
Used 200W Weipro Heater - $15.12
Used 175w Metal Halide Setup(20k bulb) - $100

Livestock:
5 Astrea Snails $1.99ea as per LA. $9.95

Free Budget:
Standard 10g - $20
Tube of black and clear silicone - $10
Scrap Glass/Acrylic - Free
Approx. 8 pnds of Rock - Extra Laying around
Stand - roughly $25
Canopy - roughly $25
Mag Float - $15
Thermometer - $3

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____

Remaining: $229.92

Hard to get a good full tank shot with this type of tank... Ill post from both flat panes consistently for the monthly shot. All other pictures will be in the thread.

15th November 2008
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond030.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond031.jpg

15th December 2008
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/486.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/489.jpg

15th January 2009
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond041.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/489.jpg

15th February 2009
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond002-1.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond001-1.jpg

15th March 2009
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond004-1.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond003-1.jpg

[Ryan_Lap]

This be the empty 10g. Afew beers in there for good measure. Somehow a couple are empty. Its hard work putting a 10g on the counter. haha
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/IMG_4233.jpg

[Ryan_Lap]

Well after a couple weeks of no posting progress is taking place.

First removing the braces from the glass:

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/90g015.jpg

Then the glass is all apart and ready to be siliconed back together

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/90g016.jpg

[Ryan_Lap]

The final product:

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond005.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond008.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond003.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond004.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond006.jpg

The stand you see is not the one Im using. I will be building one tomorrow along with a canopy. Hope to have water in the tank before this weekend so I can play a lil catch up.

[Ryan_Lap]

The Light Im using is a 16" hamilton tech light fixture(28w x 2):

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond009.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond010.jpg

I got it off of a local reefer for $20. Confirmation of price will have to be included I presume at a later time.

[rocketlily]

What a beautiful tank this is going to be!

[Ryan_Lap]

Bit of an update....

Freshwater tested the tank tonight. The koralia 1 I planned on using isnt producing enough flow for my liking thus far. Had an extra 4 laying around so I tried that and I think we may have a winner. Ill see if its too much flow when I finally have rock in there and corals, but its easy enough to change out for others.

Ill be building the stand this evening and hopefully finishing it tomorrow. Still want to have water in it come this weekend.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond011.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond013.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond012.jpg

:mrgreen:


and yes Im getting a few micro bubbles with the larger pump. Im sure the problem will go away once Im running filter floss.

[sphelps]

Looking good dude. Glad it held for you but you're still going to brace the base right? Or are you going to gamble?
You need to run the water level a little higher and that should stop any microbubbles.

[JDigital]

That's a "superman" looking tank!

[Ryan_Lap]

Looking good dude. Glad it held for you but you're still going to brace the base right? Or are you going to gamble?
You need to run the water level a little higher and that should stop any microbubbles.

building the stand tomorrow which with have a 1.5" lip around the base. The I will silicone the tank into the stand. That should be plenty for bracing. I was just making sure there were no leaks.

[Ryan_Lap]

That's a "superman" looking tank!


Maybe something will be flying in the tank........:lol:

[Ryan_Lap]

Another small update.....

Well I didnt meet my hope of getting the tank filled for the weekend. I was watching that Riders game Thursday night. I Finished building the stand. Still have to sand it and paint it. Building the cap will come next week when Im off for a few days and then Im going to get this tank filled.

One more picture....

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond014.jpg

[Scythanith]

Looking very nice man, and I thought I was the only one up at 2am looking at reef forums haahaa!

[Ryan_Lap]

Im sick in the head....sanding an aquarium stand at 2:20 in the morning. Is there a meeting for this type of behaviour? :lol:

[Scythanith]

Haahaa it gets really bad when you use the apartment fireplace hearth as an anvil to pound nails into wood since carpet has too much give at 3am. Neighbours don't like that very much...

Any idea on what livestock you are going to so with, or is it a closely gaurded secret?

[Ryan_Lap]

I have a couple ideas, but the fish in mind run far too high a price tag for the nano I fear. I have a lead on a borbonius anthia for a very very reasonable price. I really would rather not disclose where I got it from though.:twised:

[Scythanith]

Haahaa, I don't need to know. Everyone has their own little dealers they like to use. I find that loyalty leads to better opportunities to get the "rare" stuff that most don't get to see.

Get a oriental helmet gurnard... if your tank was 10 times bigger maybe haahaa! But they you could have a cool "flying" fish!

[Ryan_Lap]

I just think that using a $300 fish in a budget 10g build isnt the way to go. lol
I think Im going to have to use something else. I cant really say I paid $30 for it, even if I did.....

Im thinking of a small angler or a couple small pipefish. Not together of course.

[Scythanith]

Hey man, if you can prove that you paid that much then rock on! Fish aren't super expensive, but the building, tanks, electricity, DOA's etc etc etc are, and that's where Mortar stores costs increase compared to someone just ordering from a wholesaler.

An angler would be very cool but you won't get a lot of movement in the tank for that fish. then again they aren't large tanks so it could be left up to wow factor of the livestock! And lets face it, the right angler looks hella cool!

[Ryan_Lap]

Hey man, if you can prove that you paid that much then rock on!

There lays the problem of saying where I got it then......argh the inner turmoil . :lol: It may be a hit or miss anyways.

Its hard to think of fish for my weeee tank. Having a hard time also deciding on corals.

[superduperwesman]

There lays the problem of saying where I got it then......argh the inner turmoil . :lol: It may be a hit or miss anyways.

Its hard to think of fish for my weeee tank. Having a hard time also deciding on corals.

Thats ok I.m still trying to decide on my stand :)

[Ryan_Lap]

Well I guess im out of this contest. I will explain further when I have more time.

[superduperwesman]

WHAT? NO!... I SAY NO! Backing out is not an option... forget it. Whatever it is work it out. My father and finance aren't even in to fish tanks and when I told them about the contest and showed them peoples tanks they both liked yours a lot. WORK IT OUT!

[Scythanith]

What the hell man, you're tank was looking great! Hope you can figure something out to stay in!

[Ryan_Lap]

WHAT NO... I SAY NO! Backing out is not an option... forget it. Whatever it is work it out

Im honestly too afraid of your tank built to continue......

What the hell man, you're tank was looking great! Hope you can figure something out to stay in!

and yours......:mrgreen:

[superduperwesman]

Just tell us... maybe we can help??

[Ryan_Lap]

Ill have an update with pictures in about 10 min ..........

[Ryan_Lap]

Ok less than 10 min


Got the tank full tonight...looking good......
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond016.jpg

Damn Im impressed.....
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond017.jpg

Uh oh where the tank go????
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond018.jpg

Oh there it is....now why is it sitting in the basement in shambles???
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond019.jpg

Oh thats why.....:cry:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond020.jpg


Fantastic...........

[Ryan_Lap]

Im just glad my girlfriend wasnt home......:biggrin:

[Brettriehl101]

woah how did that happen? it was looking so good!

[Ryan_Lap]

I was sitting on the couch being quite pleased with myself(as usual). When all of a sudden I hear CRACK...glance at the tank and see water flowing at a high rate from the tank. I ran down downstairs (in a about 2 leaps), grabbed a rubber main container and rammed it under the stand. Grabbed every towel out of the bathroom and threw them on the floor. I figure I got about half of the water in the bucket and the other half on the floor. Thankfully none of the water made it to the tv and all those cables. I got the floor all cleaned up and it looks like the laminate will be ok. I figure what went wrong was crappy thin glass.

[superduperwesman]

Yeah where did it break and how? It was looking very nice... I say you got time to rebuild :) Rebuild Rebuild Rebuild

[superduperwesman]

I was sitting on the couch being quite pleased with myself(as usual). When all of a sudden I hear CRACK...glance at the tank and see water flowing at a high rate from the tank. I ran down downstairs (in a about 2 leaps), grabbed a rubber main container and rammed it under the stand. Grabbed every towel out of the bathroom and threw them on the floor. I figure I got about half of the water in the bucket and the other half on the floor. Thankfully none of the water made it to the tv and all those cables. I got the floor all cleaned up and it looks like the laminate will be ok. I figure what went wrong was crappy thin glass.

Good thing you were home... yeah the glass is thin. Did it source from and edge or mid pane? Rebuild Rebuild

[Ryan_Lap]

bottom pain cracked from one end to the other...how, well me looking at it. Guess I looked at it the wrong way. The pump was running and I noticed the tank was vibrating a little. But that should have never made it crack. Crappy thin glass

[superduperwesman]

Ok... let me tell you what you're going to do. REBUILD.. and then put another piece of wood in the bottom of the stand followed by the Styrofoam = Golden = You Second Place Winner ahah

Is there rules for this kinda stuff? Oh wait there is... "Rule 64: If your tank should break within the first week of being filled because you did not put wood in the bottom of the stand you MUST REBUILD"

[Ryan_Lap]

Im thinking of rebuilding....however I dont think I can trust it again in my living room.

[Ryan_Lap]

Ok... let me tell you what you're going to do. REBUILD.. and then put another piece of wood in the bottom of the stand followed by the Styrofoam = Golden = You Second Place Winner ahah

Is there rules for this kinda stuff?

Yah you see. I thought of styrofoam.....then I didnt. I only have a 1 inch lip around the base. I really dont want to rebuild the stand. I think the styrofoam will sit higher than that. I CAN NOT clean water off the floor again....

I think the rule is....no water nov 15...you done....dont think its gonna happen

[superduperwesman]

Yah you see. I thought of styrofoam.....then I didnt. I only have a 1 inch lip around the base. I really dont want to rebuild the stand. I think the styrofoam will sit higher than that. I CAN NOT clean water off the floor again....

I think the pink stuff is only like 1/2 inch and I just wrap the edge with black duct tape. You don't have to rebuild the stand. Just put a 1/2 piece of plywood and some Styrofoam in the bottom and if it pokes out just do the tape thing.

So take the bottom pain out of the tank and find a scrap piece a little thicker for the new base:)

[superduperwesman]

I think the rule is....no water nov 15...you done....dont think its gonna happen

That is 9 days away... not to mention 2 Saturdays.

[Ryan_Lap]

So take the bottom pain out of the tank and find a scrap piece a little thicker for the new base:)


I got somebody on it :biggrin:

[Ryan_Lap]

That is 9 days away... not to mention 2 Saturdays.

True....very very true...I could do it..I just dont know where to put the tank now If I finish it

[superduperwesman]

I got somebody on it :biggrin:


I think I know who, but all I know is it better be after something else is done

[superduperwesman]

True....very very true...I could do it..I just dont know where to put the tank now If I finish it

Oh wait I know... the same spot! The sides will be fine... so just make sure the base is fully supported and you'll have nothing to worry about

Could always add some comfort bracing... and it you're really worried make a base for the stand similar to the top but facing up and line it with black silicone so that way if it breaks again at least the stand can hold some of the water ahah

[Ryan_Lap]

I think I know who, but all I know is it better be after something else is done

Ha, might not get done then.

[Ryan_Lap]

Oh wait I know... the same spot! The sides will be fine... so just make sure the base is fully supported and you'll have nothing to worry about

Fine. If it breaks again...your coming to clean it up.:biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

Good glad your back... and cleanup is what your girlfriend is for ahah

[Brettriehl101]

Good glad your back... and cleanup is what your girlfriend is for ahah

ahahahah

[Ryan_Lap]

Good glad your back... and cleanup is what your girlfriend is for ahah

Oh no you didnt....:biggrin:

Next time Im fully testing it in the basement by the drain for a few days...still standing by that time, then Ill move it to the upstairs.

[superduperwesman]

Here's my old tank.. the Styrofoam just has black duck tape folded over the edge... I know... Styrofoam + Black Duck Tape = sexyfoam

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r227/wea747/IMG_0672.jpg

You can see it in the background here too

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r227/wea747/IMG_0680.jpg

[Ryan_Lap]

Ill try and get it back up....just soooo damn annoying. I cant imagine having a large tank blow out. Id lose my mind.

[Scythanith]

I agree with Wes, just add some 1/2 plywood on the inside lip and some thin foam to suck up the little imperfections and voila, you're good to go!

My guess is (and this isn't a hit against your woodwork) is that the lip wasn't perfectly flat along the entire perimeter and that cause some stress across the bottom pane...... *POOF*

Get back in and put it in the same spot, look good there from what I could tell in the pictures. But I also know what your concerns are. I'd **** a brick if my tank were to pop on the hardwood!

[Ryan_Lap]

I know damn well it was my fault for not putting the Styrofoam. Any tiny imperfection on a piece of glass that thin would make it crack. I guess I gambled and I lost.....Lesson learned.

[rocketlily]

I am really sorry this happened to you. I do know how you feel, as 2 weeks ago I finally had my 90 gal filled and one of the bulkheads started to leak. Brand new hardwood floor. Oh yes, the excitement this can cause. Everytime I clean the glass on the 10 gal and the mag cleaner gets to the silicone in the corner, I start to hear this little scratchy noise. Gets me a little nervous. I'm sure that you'll come back even stronger (and wiser) because of this.

[JDigital]

Damn, sorry to hear this... Hope you can rebuild.. :wink:

[sphelps]

Man it's crazy what can happen overnight.

Hey Ryan, replace the bottom with a piece of 6mm and you'll be good, you won't have to modify the stand. I gotta piece with your name on it :biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

I'd **** a brick if my tank were to pop on the hardwood!

You'd do what to a brick?... But with 10 holes how would you choose?

http://www.innfusion.com/blogimages/Brick.jpg

I hate little stars I never know what people really meant?? :wink: ahah

[sphelps]

Haha Wes, not everyone needs to substitute.

No big deal we'll get Ryan back up and running in no time.

[superduperwesman]

Haha Wes, not everyone needs to substitute.


Hahah aren't you suppose to be working? What about getting me up and running? Ok ok I guess there is enough of you to go around

[sphelps]

Hahah aren't you suppose to be working? What about getting me up and running? Ok ok I guess there is enough of you to go around
I am working, I'll actually be replumbing a 200 gallon tank this afternoon but instead of saltwater this tank holds marquenching oil and instead of providing flow for coral it will provide flow for alloy steel at about 1600 degrees. I hope the principal is the same otherwise I'm in trouble :lol:

Your stuff will be done tonight provided I don't break it again packing it up.

[superduperwesman]

I am working, I'll actually be replumbing a 200 gallon tank this afternoon but instead of saltwater this tank holds marquenching oil and instead of providing flow for coral it will provide flow for alloy steel at about 1600 degrees. I hope the principal is the same otherwise I'm in trouble :lol:

Your stuff will be done tonight provided I don't break it again packing it up.

Dude I'm working too... getting you that oil for your tank. :biggrin:

Nice! Just be gentle this time... my tank isn't your wife.

[Ryan_Lap]

Hey Ryan, replace the bottom with a piece of 6mm and you'll be good, you won't have to modify the stand. I gotta piece with your name on it :biggrin:

Thanks Man! :biggrin:

[sphelps]

Tank is fixed and stronger than ever, 8 times stronger to be exact, well the base anyway :biggrin:

[Ryan_Lap]

Tank is fixed and stronger than ever, 8 times stronger to be exact, well the base anyway :biggrin:

Good Man! Id rather not go swimming in my living room again!:biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

nice! Fill time

[Ryan_Lap]

nice! Fill time

On that note, I just remembered I turned on the RO unit to fill my rubbermaid container for new water about 8 hours ago.:surprise:

Ran downstairs full blast again to find it less than 1 inch from going over.

Holy hell....I think I owe you!

[superduperwesman]

On that note, I just remembered I turned on the RO unit to fill my rubbermaid container for new water about 8 hours ago.:surprise:

Ran downstairs full blast again to find it less than 1 inch from going over.

Holy hell....I think I owe you!


You'd think you would have learned your lesson

but... ok I'll take some candy cane hot chocolate... tell Steve to toss it in with my tank... don't forget the marshmallows preferably little snowflake shaped ones

[Ryan_Lap]

You'd think you would have learned your lesson

but... ok I'll take some candy cane hot chocolate... tell Steve to toss it in with my tank

I dont learn very quick. I already let it go over a couple weeks ago. I need to set an alarm or something when I turn that thing on. Or put it on float valves.

[Ryan_Lap]

New bottom in the tank and so far its doing better than last time. Have the tank currently in the basement and if/when the floor is dry tomorrow I will move it upstairs and get the rock in the tank.

Heres a video instead of pictures. Nothing much to look at....most likely take out the koralia 1 as I dont think I need that much flow and I dont want it in my budget.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/th_diamond023.jpg (http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/?action=view&current=diamond023.flv)

Once I pack the back of the overflow with filter floss the very small amount of micro bubbles you see will be gone.

Im also going to try and finish the cap this week which should finish it off nicely.

[Ryan_Lap]

Got the live rock in the tank the other day. Most likely wont stay like this because I want to have a very solid rock structure. I will hopefully finish the rock work Saturday.

Im also not very happy with the look of the current PC's. Right now Im looking at adding a MH to the tank and making sure that would be suitable.

Im going a little slower than most I guess, but I plan on having a decent amount of corals in the tank come Dec 15th. Still havnt decided on LS yet, but I have some ideas.

Heres a current photo taken from my couch....
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond024.jpg

[superduperwesman]

Nice.... I like the socks also ahah

[JDigital]

Contest Reminder:

**Updated FTS and Budget Required today (Nov 15/08) to remain in the contest**

[Kronk]

Just have to say that idea for reworking a standard 10g tank is AWESOME! nice clean lines with the stand too.

Good luck in the contest.
Ken

[Ryan_Lap]

A little update....

I was not really digging the PC's so I bought a 175MH pendant from a fellow reefer for $100. I will still use the PC's, but I will tear apart the fixture and use the 2 bulbs purely for actinic supplementation. Ive also ordered LED's for the moonlight effect. Hope to have the new lighting all set up for next week and the canopy built to house it all. Its gonna be bright.....:cool:

[superduperwesman]

A little update....

I was not really digging the PC's so I bought a 175MH pendant from a fellow reefer for $100. I will still use the PC's, but I will tear apart the fixture and use the 2 bulbs purely for actinic supplementation. Ive also ordered LED's for the moonlight effect. Hope to have the new lighting all set up for next week and the canopy built to house it all. Its gonna be bright.....:cool:

Whatever mr.hotshot with ur sunglasses.. ur still gonna lose ahah

Should be nice... I wasn't totally digging the random box on top... you worried about heat at all??

[Ryan_Lap]

I was always going to build a cap for the top....I just havnt gotten around to it as Im pretty damn lazy.:razz:

Ill probably run 2 or 3 fans out the rear of the cap. I figure with that heat shouldnt be a problem. If it is I might have to run a ice probe, but I cant even see having to do that until summer/ when the contest is over.

[superduperwesman]

I was always going to build a cap for the top....I just havnt gotten around to it as Im pretty damn lazy.:razz:

Ill probably run 2 or 3 fans out the rear of the cap. I figure with that heat shouldnt be a problem. If it is I might have to run a ice probe, but I cant even see having to do that until summer/ when the contest is over.

Better hope... or it'll blow your budget ahah. Fans should do it?? I only have 5 volts running through mine otherwise they're just too loud, but I did order a speed control for them... hopefully it works

[Ryan_Lap]

Speaking of fans. Did you just buy yours online? Id much prefer to buy them in town, but if I have to Ill buy them online.

[superduperwesman]

Speaking of fans. Did you just buy yours online? Id much prefer to buy them in town, but if I have to Ill buy them online.

Princess auto always has them an the inverters pretty cheap

[Scythanith]

That's why they are noisy, don't be so damn cheap Wes and buy some good case fans!

I bought some stealths from P.C. Place by Grainfields on 8th (I'm sure there are cheaper places if you look hard) and a DC wall plug from The Source... easy as pie and quiet like no ones business when running ~7v.

I feel better now since you have spent another 100 bucks on lighting, now I'm not the only one to blow 1/3 of the budget on lights haahaa!

[superduperwesman]

That's why they are noisy, don't be so damn cheap Wes and buy some good case fans!

I bought some stealths from P.C. Place by Grainfields on 8th (I'm sure there are cheaper places if you look hard) and a DC wall plug from The Source... easy as pie and quiet like no ones business when running ~7v.

I feel better now since you have spent another 100 bucks on lighting, now I'm not the only one to blow 1/3 of the budget on lights haahaa!

I'm sure mine would still be quite at 7 volts but run 12 through those babies and it's LOUD.

Yeah I'm glad I got such a good deal on my lights :D.... I just wish I would have positioned them better

[Ryan_Lap]

Well my light should arrive this week. Im pumped to get it over the tank. Still waiting on the tank to cycle completely before I add anything.

Heres a few shots i took tonight of corals that will be making it to the nano after it cycles.....

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond032.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond034.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond035.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond036.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond039.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond033.jpg

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

Tank cycled yet??

[Ryan_Lap]

Nope..... hopefully next week the latest.

Im going to test tonight ..... maybe. Or not until Thursday...:lol:

[superduperwesman]

Nope..... hopefully next week the latest.

Im going to test tonight ..... maybe. Or not until Thursday...:lol:

So you test yet?? I gave all my test kits away so I'm assuming my tank will be cycled once yours is ahahah

[Ryan_Lap]

I dont know how good that theory is, but...no I didnt test the nano yet. I was testing my other tank last night and ran out of time. I was alos busy trying to get a pesky mushroom to attach to a rock.

Ill test it most likely Thursday. Try to get results of the basics for then.

[superduperwesman]

I dont know how good that theory is, but...no I didnt test the nano yet. I was testing my other tank last night and ran out of time. I was alos busy trying to get a pesky mushroom to attach to a rock.

Ill test it most likely Thursday. Try to get results of the basics for then.


Yeah probably not the best logic ahah

Maybe I'll bring a sample for Colby or Steve to test when I'm back his weekend

[Ryan_Lap]

Maybe a better idea. :lol:

It might be possible your LFS will replace a fish if you kill it and your tank isnt properly cycled. But, I wouldnt bank on it.:razz:

[superduperwesman]

Maybe a better idea. :lol:

It might be possible your LFS will replace a fish if you kill it and your tank isnt properly cycled. But, I wouldnt bank on it.:razz:

ahah yeah I doubt it... who said anything about fish??... oh now he's got you guessing... oh wait.... it's a fish

[Ryan_Lap]

Its either that or a coral. Im sure I know what your stocking. Or maybe youll put a bit of a CUC. Oh my the options are endless.

I also thought of a great idea for another nano, maybe we can get another contest going after this....:biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

I also thought of a great idea for another nano, maybe we can get another contest going after this....:biggrin:

ahha deal... so I'm assuming that you don't care to share??

[Ryan_Lap]

I could share, but then I might have to kill you.......

[Ryan_Lap]

Picked up my new lights from the post office today. Set them up above the tank and wow what a difference from PC's(obviously). Heres a couple pics with the diff lights on the tank. Same camera setting for both. Its hard to get a good pic of the difference...

PC's (2 x 28w)
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond042.jpg

MH (1 x 175w with a 14k bulb)
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond041.jpg

I was thinking of using a 20k bulb and have it on the way, but the 14k is really blue also. Ill have to test them both out.

Have to build the canopy and equip with fans to keep the heat down now.

[OceanicCorals-Ian-]

That is a really nice tank Ryan.......

[superduperwesman]

So are you going BB??

[Ryan_Lap]

yup, no sand for this one

[Ryan_Lap]

A little more progress today. Tank is almost cycled so I will be adding a CUC in the coming week or so. Well on with the pictures...

Got the canopy finished. Needs some filling, sanding and paint then its done.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond043.jpg

Heres the 3 fans mounted in the back. 1 intake and 2 blowing out.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond044.jpg

Heres the MH mounted in the hood. (hopefully heat wont be too bad.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond045.jpg

Heres the tank shot with canopy and MH on. (Tank is a little low on water :lol:. I need to add about 1 inch.)
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond047.jpg

Heres the fans and ac adapter. Im very happy with them as they are super quiet and cheap.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond048.jpg
^^^^^^^^^
(Yah thats my dogs head...she is very nosy :lol::lol::lol:)

[Boomboy]

could you explain where you got the fans from and how you built it?

[Ryan_Lap]

Fans and adapter are from Princess Auto. Cut the ends of the fans for positive and negative. Cut the end of the adapter. Stripped all the wires. Twisted them all together and heat shrunk them. Heres pictures of what the adapter and fans have written on them.....
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond049.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond050.jpg

Not the clearest pics but hopefully you can get the jist of the info.

[Boomboy]

yeah thats great, i need to put fans into my canopy but wasnt sure how to diy. helps out alot, i like your tank very creative. cant wait to see it loaded with corals,

[JDigital]

Canopy looks great Ryan!

[Ryan_Lap]

Canopy all finished! Filled, sanded, and painted. Now to run the new light full time. Getting the first corals in tomorrow. Still deciding on the stock as in fish and inverts.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/diamond051-1.jpg

[Boomboy]

i love where it is located , and the shape doesnt take up much room. looks great. lets some more please.

[superduperwesman]

Yeah it's cool how you can see it when your walking to the kitchen or when your sitting on the couch... at least from what I can tell. How do you feed and such??? Is the hood hinged or do you have to take it right off or is there a some kinda mini door??

[Ryan_Lap]

Yah I have to lift the hood up a bit. The only time Ill have to take the hood off is to aquascape tho. I have a funnel and a tube that I put in the back opening for adding water for top ups and for feeding.

[superduperwesman]

ic... decide on a theme yet??

[Ryan_Lap]

I didnt think we needed a theme? Thats more or less a part of the contest?, but I may just ..... well Im not sure yet. Ill have to see if its too much light for what Im thinking.

[superduperwesman]

I think I made a decision

[Ryan_Lap]

I think I know which way your going...

[Ryan_Lap]

I think Im going full out shroom land. Nothing but shrooms, as many different types and colors I can find. Anything considered or even called a shroom. Im hoping the 175w with the 14k will work. But I have a 20k bulb that may come in handy if its not working out for me. Most of them will have to start off fairly small considering the price layout, but I think given a few months I should be able to get some decent growth.

[Ryan_Lap]

Oh and the tank has been running for about 3 hours with the light on now. Temp has been at 23C constant. Hopefully I can maintain that. The fans seem to be doing the job thus far.

[superduperwesman]

Oh and the tank has been running for about 3 hours with the light on now. Temp has been at 23C constant. Hopefully I can maintain that. The fans seem to be doing the job thus far.

When it comes to fish tanks I have no idea what 23C means??

[Ryan_Lap]

23 celcius or 73.4 Fahrenheit for all those people....... lol

[superduperwesman]

ahah I know but I need to know F

[Ryan_Lap]

Ok I edited it,,.......I just use Celsius since my digital thermometers use it.

[superduperwesman]

cool...so I guess you're good.

Weird... it doesn't say you edited it???

[Ryan_Lap]

True, maybe its because I did it so quick right after? How you think the lighting is going to be?

I also only have the bulb about 3 - 4 inches from the water. Anybody know if I should have a piece of glass between the bulb and the water? Im just worried about the bulb getting wet and breaking? Im not sure.

[superduperwesman]

yeah not sure how easy the bulbs break but if you ask me the light is too much to only use on shrooms. Could have kept the pcs

[Ryan_Lap]

True, but....I have zoas in the nano right now that werent opening at all with the pcs. Now with the mh only on for 3+ hours they are opening. I had another idea for a theme. But it was too unrealistic for price. From what Ive read, if anything the shrooms will grow quicker? If I can think of something else I may do it....

[TheMikey]

You could always try your mad scientist blender theory you were telling me about when I was stealing your RO water...

I mean. You could always make this more interesting >:D

[superduperwesman]

You could always try your mad scientist blender theory you were telling me about when I was stealing your RO water...

I mean. You could always make this more interesting >:D

I say.. bad idea

[Ryan_Lap]

I say.. bad idea

LOL...really? Ive just heard of it working. Not that I would do it. It sounds a lil barbaric. :biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

I think I've seen some threads about this and everyone is always telling the guy not to do it... except this one guy saying YEAH DO IT!

But then I never see any results???

Mushrooms are too much on the price list to chop up

Your call but I think it's a bad idea.... from what understand your better just to frag them before the blender idea

[StirCrazy]

with that light and shrooms they will take over in no time.

That will be a nice lighting combanation for that tank as long as you can keep the heat down. when I went to MH on ly old tank the mushrooms exploded and took over entire areas of the tank in very little time.

Steve

[Ryan_Lap]

with that light and shrooms they will take over in no time.

That will be a nice lighting combanation for that tank as long as you can keep the heat down. when I went to MH on ly old tank the mushrooms exploded and took over entire areas of the tank in very little time.

Steve

Im just hoping I can properly acclimate the shrooms in the beginning. Hopefully I can get them to grow like crazy. I want the tank full and busting at the seams. :lol:

As for the heat. I only have the fans running when the MH is on and Ive been able to maintain a temp 22C(71.6F) night - 24C(75.2F) day.

I also changed the bulb yesterday to a 20k.

[superduperwesman]

ahah I was bored so I just brought you down to a 3 star... but I felt bad after so I figured I should confess.

[Ryan_Lap]

you son of a %&*$#.

[superduperwesman]

ahah feel free to reciprocate

[superduperwesman]

oh wait... I think you already did

[Ryan_Lap]

noooooope:twised:

[superduperwesman]

I just got Steve ahah.... so he's at a 1 star ahah

[Ryan_Lap]

thats mean :lol:

[superduperwesman]

ahah whatever the stars are lame anyway and Steve can take it

[sphelps]

I just got Steve ahah.... so he's at a 1 star ahah
http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1228_sad_person_crying.gif

[superduperwesman]

ahah that lil guy almost make me feel bad

[Ryan_Lap]

First page December 15th FTS posted. Not much to look at yet. Its pretty much just green.:mrgreen:

[superduperwesman]

bump

[JDigital]

Bump.... Feb FTS...

[Ryan_Lap]

I'll get to it. Girlfriends out of the country and she has the camera.

[JDigital]

I'll get to it. Girlfriends out of the country and she has the camera.

Cell phone pic?

[Ryan_Lap]

My cell phone isnt fancy enough to take pics. She just got in tonight. Ill get.....yet

[JDigital]

Ok, your 10 days late posting your FTS... I need one by the end of the today Ryan.