20G mixed nano

[Canuckgod420]

This is my entry into the nano contest #2

Its a 20 Gallon Hagen tank with a DIY overflow section in 1 end leaving approx 15 gallons for the display.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_8385-1.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_8394.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9628.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9644.jpg

[tinatom]

Did you do the acrylic yourself? Can't wait to see more.

[BlueAbyss]

Oooh, black silicone!

[karazy]

the pictures ave been either moved or deleted?

[Canuckgod420]

I think I like the way the overflow worked out, its pretty basic but it should serve its purpose. I added a secondary overflow in the back to create 2 seperate chambers, 1 side will house some rubble and the heater and the other side has the return pump. This is going to be a skimmer less tank so I need to figure out some sort of filtration(although I think I will have a low fish count) to help remove particles floating in the water. Did a leak test and am happy to say no water leaked from 1 chamber to the next...woohoo!!
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9670.jpg

My return pump is very simple, a MaxiJet 900.
I built a return with parts from my work, 1/2" wirsbo and some 90's.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9675.jpg

Then I cut a piece to cover the rear section(to avoid algae growth).http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9678.jpg

[tinatom]

Have any thoughts to what live stock you are going to add?:twised:

[Boomboy]

very nice and clean. i love the look cant wait to see some water and rocks in all of these.

[Canuckgod420]

well I got the stand stained last night...I think it worked out pretty good, the wife wants doors on it but I dont think it needs it.
Next I have to figure out how to hang my light overhead.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9684.jpg

[Canuckgod420]

So I think I figured out what to do with my lighting, I had a piece of black acrylic(1/8"), a few cuts here, a few cuts there, some mythelene chloride...ta da....hood/light support:biggrin:
It turned out pretty good, but the acrylic was pretty roughed up so I sanded it and painted the outside with some flat black krylon paint.....turned out nice. What do you all think?
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9691.jpg
Then i figured there should be some airflow to keep my lights cool so I cut a hole for a fan I yanked from an old computer tower I had.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9695.jpg
I just realized that I havent explained where the tank is gonna go and what kind of lighting I am using for this:neutral:
I have a sunlight supply new wave T5 24" fixture 4 bulb so it should be good for pretty much anything I want to keep in this tank.
I'm setting this up next to my desk so that makes it a 3 sided viewable tank....hope it looks good in its final position.
I have about 20 pounds of rock curing in my sump for about 3 months now so it should be cycled and ready to go.
Anyway hers a pic of the tank in its spot.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9751.jpg

[BlueAbyss]

Very nice! Looking very clean indeed :biggrin:

[Canuckgod420]

Thanks eh!!!
Funny thing is I'm just winging it as I go along.....I'm quickly finding out how much I enjoy working with acrylic.

[Canuckgod420]

I did a little modification to my hood/light stand.....I didnt like the fact that it was black on the inside, so I painted the inside with white krylon paint...seems to be more reflective now...:smile:
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_9746.jpg

[Canuckgod420]

Pretty sure the rock I have for this tank is cured by now(2 months) in my display sump, so I think this weekend I will be putting in.

[tinatom]

Do we not get to see what your rock structure looks like? Any thoughts on inhabitants?

[Canuckgod420]

So I've been thinking about what to do in this tank for filtration...obviously there isnt any room for a skimmer, but I wanted floating particles to be removed at the least. So I built a little hanging basket from acrylic to fit inside my second chamber of the overflow...figure I could use filter floss and carbon or whatever else I want.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_0038.jpg

[Canuckgod420]

.

[hockey nut]

I'm following along and looks pretty good so far :) . Keep up the good work.

I think I will enter the next nano contest if Christy hosts another one.

Just didn't have time for this one.

Cheers

[Canuckgod420]

Well I finally got the rock out of my sump, lots of neat shapes so I figured I could come up with something interesting. I really didnt want the pile of rock look so out came the drill and the zap straps. This is whay I came up with.....I like it. Then for fun I threw in a couple of frags just to see what it looks like.
Right side
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1454.jpg
Front
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1465.jpg
Left side
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1466.jpg
Now to get some sand and I am set:razz:

[bignose]

How many rocks did you strap together? I like how it looks.

[Canuckgod420]

Theres 4 pieces, about 18 pounds

[JDigital]

Sweet scape!!

[Canuckgod420]

thanks....I'm happy with how it turned out.
Never realized how much I like the 3 sided view.

[JDigital]

thanks....I'm happy with how it turned out.
Never realized how much I like the 3 sided view.

Anything more than 1 is great.. :mrgreen:

[Boomboy]

looks great man, are you going to add sand??? man this is going to be a sweeter looking tank than it already is, and good choice on the lights.

[Canuckgod420]

looks great man, are you going to add sand??? man this is going to be a sweeter looking tank than it already is, and good choice on the lights.

Thanks eh!
I am going to add sand, saw some bahamas oolite at J&L that look really nice and fine so I think I'm going to add it.
I really like this light fixture, almost a 100 watts and no heat! Mind you that fan I am using really pushes a lot of air.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1490.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1487.jpg

[Jack]

I have the same light - it's great. What bulbs did you go with?

[Canuckgod420]

This is the order of lights
Giesemann Aquablue +
UV 75.25(pink and 10k)
UV 454(blue and 10k)
Giesemann Aquablue +

[bignose]

That last picture looks like you have a oil slick on the top of your water!
I got to start a nano again:biggrin:. Nice tank

[BlueAbyss]

Looking very good!

[Canuckgod420]

Thanks guys
I just added the sand....WOW what a sandstorm, I'll post some pics when it settles down.

[Millepora_Maniac]

Looking great. I hope that light works 'cause if it does, I might have to switch from MH to T5.....But probably not!!:wink:
Can't wait to see the photos with the sand in it! It must have settled out by now.
How much have you spent so far?

[bignose]

Has the sand storm cleared yet?

[danny zubot]

Yes, lets see some more.

[Canuckgod420]

Wow its been almost 3 weeks since I last updated!
Well after adding my sand I just couldnt wait to start adding livestock.....so heres what I have so far.

Right side
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1871.jpg
Front view
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1881.jpg
Left side
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1897.jpg

[Snaz]

Looks REALLY nice. Can you post a pic of the tank from a couple of feet back? I'm interested in seeing how your custom fan solution, the T5 hood and the tank look as one piece.

[Canuckgod420]

heres a shot no flash
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1916.jpg
heres with flash
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_1923.jpg

[Snaz]

Very nice.

[bignose]

I would never leave the computer if I had a tank beside mine! Looks really nice.

[Canuckgod420]

thanks guys

[Myka]

Very nice looking. Great rockscape.

[Canuckgod420]

Well as you can tell by the pics, I dont have any fish in this tank.
Any ideas on what I could put in here, maybe a pair of something small.

Thanks

[Snaz]

http://www.marinecenter.com/fish/pseudochromisdottybacks/fridmanipseudochromisredsea/

I'm a big fan of this fish. Look for the eyestripe!

[bignose]

catalina goby

[Canuckgod420]

cant do the catalina....wont survive in water temps over 70

[Canuckgod420]

Thought I would post some close up pics of my inhabitants so far....
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_2089.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_2086.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_2079.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_2068.jpg

Thanks for looking!

[Canuckgod420]

oops...forgot one, I hope this colours up, it was so nice in my display until......

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_2075.jpg

[Millepora_Maniac]

Looking Good!! looks like you're getting some growth!

[triggereef]

Hey!

tank looks great by the way!!

i was thinking either a pair of skooter blennys, mandrines, or twinspot gobys along with a six line and mabey a couple cardinals..(bangji cardinals or pajama cardinals)

That would look absolutly amazing in there!:mrgreen:

[BlueAbyss]

Looking awesome! I love that chalice (correct me if I'm wrong, the coral in pic 4 above?) and those orange zoas are awesome.

[Coincidentally]

That chalice is absolutely beautiful. I am going to hold out for one that looks like that!

[Canuckgod420]

I have another larger piece of that chalice that I believe I am going to frag up soon.
If anyone has interest, let me know.

[Snaz]

I have another larger piece of that chalice that I believe I am going to frag up soon.
If anyone has interest, let me know.

Yes please, I would like two pieces please.

[Coincidentally]

I would love a piece! do not have a chalice yet been waiting for real looker like that one:biggrin:

[ribbie]

looks great man.

really digging that chalice :)

[Canuckgod420]

I'm gonna frag it this weekend, so they should be ready in a week or so.

[Coincidentally]

YAY!:rockon::laluot_29:

[Ron99]

If you have enough I would love a frag too.

[Snaz]

Yes please, I would like two pieces please.

Seems popular. I'm just requesting one now so another reefer has a chance. Thanks!

[Millepora_Maniac]

Hi man, how 'bout a trade for that purple tipped green polyped thing from the "brown out sale" at Oceans...:idea:

[Canuckgod420]

Millipora maniac....you already have 1 remember?
but I think the duncan needs a bit of a trim:mrgreen:

[Navarchus]

Holly Moses.....sweet looking nano!!!

[Canuckgod420]

thanks!!

[JDigital]

FTS?:mrgreen:

[christyf5]

FTS due today!! :biggrin:

[Canuckgod420]

Heres my FTS for the month.....growth is slow, but I'm happy with the way things are moving along.
The hot weather a few weeks ago didnt really effect the tank(to my suprise), I guess my fan and hood system works better than I thought.
I pulled 2 of the sps frags on the top rock cause they didnt seem to be doing so well, but the little milli is growing right along.
Also, I have a fish now.....got a bi-colour blenny, I sit here at the computer staring at the tank, he sits on the rocks staring at me....lol, its kinda funny.
Anyways, heres a shot from each side.....enjoy:biggrin:
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_3135.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_3144.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_3161.jpg

[BlueAbyss]

I'm looking at your new pics and I just realized that I have similar zoa frags... the reddish orange with light blue centers look almost exactly the same. I also have a frag with a green fringe, blue ring, and orange mouth... your's has the blue and orange reversed. Have you decided if you'll be adding a fish (or two)?

[Canuckgod420]

I added a bi-colour blenny.....what a character.:lol:

[BlueAbyss]

OMG /facepalm... I realize now I read that in your post (Duh).

Blennies are very neat fishes. I looked at a couple blennies in Calgary but decided I wanted something smaller.

[tinatom]

Looking sweet, now when you gonna help me with my tank.:lol:

[Canuckgod420]

I was just checking out some tank photos and am impressed with some of the growth rates....
July 16 09
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_2056.jpg

August 15 09
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_3149.jpg

[Canuckgod420]

Well I guess it about time I added another full tank shot.
Not much happening lately, been kinda tied up with the main display rebuild.
I had to remove the pink milli frag I had on the top rock, it was starting to bleach out from the base up.
Anyways, here it is for this month.
Right side
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_3743.jpg
Front
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_3744.jpg
Left side
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_3767.jpg

[JDigital]

Looking great! Are those Aussie duncans, they are big! :mrgreen:

[Boomboy]

great shots of your tank, it really makes a difference on how we perceive your tank. i love that the chalice is front and center on the end shot.

[Canuckgod420]

Thanks for the nice comments.

Yes those are duncans, started with 1 head, now theres 23.

That chalice is my favorite piece....pics just dont do it justice.
I had another piece of it, so I fragged it and now the frags are all slowly losing flesh....hopefully a couple will survive ( some members here where hoping to get some).

[Canuckgod420]

Heres a group shot of the front of the tank
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_3757.jpg

[Boomboy]

Thanks for the nice comments.

Yes those are duncans, started with 1 head, now theres 23.

That chalice is my favorite piece....pics just dont do it justice.
I had another piece of it, so I fragged it and now the frags are all slowly losing flesh....hopefully a couple will survive ( some members here where hoping to get some).
i dont blame them, i would want a piece if i could get my hands on one. i got out for a little while because i moved and lost mostly everything so i didnt want to set it back up now im setting up a 25G and slowly make my way to a 40 or 50G breeder tank, with a unique twist. what kind of camera are you using?? and on what settings? just curious do you have actinics on your tank? maybe get a shot of that if you could for us.

[Ron99]

Looking good. So are we the only ones left in the contest?

[BlueAbyss]

I'm still in, I believe. But I think I'm voting for this one anyhow :lol: Those duncans are too awesome.

[sharuq1]

So beautiful! I love the duncans.

[Canuckgod420]

thanks for the great comments!!

I do have an actinic bulb in my fixture...only problem is all the bulbs are controlled by one cord/timer. I also have a pink bulb in there as well but I think I'm gonna replace it with another actinic, that should light up the duncans and hammer a little more.

[Mr.nintendo]

Love the tank!

[Canuckgod420]

Well I cant believe I missed updates for october.....
Looks like I didnt even take any pics until now.....doh!
Heres what I have for today
right side (view from my desk:biggrin:)
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4456.jpg
middle view (view from wifes desk)
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4463.jpg
left side
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4508.jpg
I know everything looks blue, somehow I managed to reset my camera to default and i'm still trying to get it back to my prefered settings.

[Canuckgod420]

The echino is coming along nicely:lol:
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4467.jpg

[BlueAbyss]

Looking great, that hammer colony looks pretty happy :biggrin:

[Ron99]

Looking great. Beautiful chalice. I wish I could find some nice ones at an affordable price. It makes J&L's $200 "ultra" chalices look like lumps of mud.

[Delphinus]

What a great little tank! Can I ask you a couple questions.

Are you feeding your duncans in this tank? (For me the temptation would be far too great to feed them.. and everytime I've done a small tank I alway send up overfeeding and then have a messy little tank on my hands).

Which brings me to my next question because .. wow is your tank ever clean. Not a lick of hair algae, cyano, or diatoms, or valonia, or caulerpa. What's your water change schedule like and how much do you swap out at a time?

If this tank isn't proof that you can do a nice nano tank without a skimmer, I don't know what is.

Also I'm curious how you have your heater setup, is it fit into the back chamber or do you do without a heater?

[Canuckgod420]

Wow, those are some great questions!!!

I feed my duncans once a week, I use a turkey baster with the return pump off, and I usually give them 2-3 mysis shrimp each. Very time consuming but well worth it( as you can see!)

There is a little algae growing on the front of the top rock, looks a little like hair algae but purple. There is also a little sprinkling of brown on the sand, but really thats about all I've had to deal with(knock on wood)
I do 5 gallon water changes every 2 weeks.....thats it.

And yes, the heater is in the overflow chamber with some LR rubble.

Thanks for the most excellent compliment!!:mrgreen:

[Canuckgod420]

This is my acan from top down.
Anyone know what kind of acan this is?
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4524a.jpg

[BlueAbyss]

A gorgeous one :wink:

[Canuckgod420]

Another close up:smile:
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4480a.jpg

[bignose]

very nice zoas. I have some very similar to those. Don't zoas look so much nicer in a macro picture.

[Canuckgod420]

Yes I very much enjoy a zoa macro shot....especially when they are mine:mrgreen:
Heres a couple more.
Thanks for looking.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4486a.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4518a.jpg

[Skimmerking]

This is my acan from top down.
Anyone know what kind of acan this is?
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4524a.jpg

Yuppers its the kind that should be in "MY TANK" love it man tank is looking Sweet

[Canuckgod420]

Thanks:biggrin:

[Canuckgod420]

Close up of my alien eye chalice......
Frags for sale soon, just waiting for them to grow out a bit.
PM me if you are interested.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4512a.jpg

[lastlight]

Love your zoa macros as well as the super low (yet long) ledge you have in your tank.

[tinatom]

I would love a frag of the chalice. I'll give you $50 for a frag.

[Canuckgod420]

deal, let me know when you want one.

[muck]

Your alien eye chalice looks fantastic.
I had one years ago but for the life of me can't recall what happened to it.

[Canuckgod420]

Thanks

I dont even remember where I got it. I've almost lost it a couple of times, but its always come back strong. One of my favorite corals for sure:biggrin:

[Canuckgod420]

I have to admit, I never really liked softies, but this little guy was all brown in my wifes tank, but it had a hint of green in it, so I put it in my nano back at the end of september and its really coloured nicely.
What kind of coral is this?
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4672a.jpg

[Canuckgod420]

anyone?

[JDigital]

Looks similar to a Kenya Tree.

Tank is looking awesome though! So clean!:biggrin:

[Ron99]

If it's green under regular lighting it could be a palau nephthea like the one I have. If it's only green under actinics then maybe a kenya tree as suggested.

[Canuckgod420]

Its green under the regular light.
For some reason I'm having trouble getting the white balance right with the camera on this tank....but yeah its always green.

[Ron99]

Maybe a green finger leather. I have one that kind of looks like that too. Is it stiffer like a leather coral or more swayey like a kenya tree?

[Canuckgod420]

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4858.jpg

[tinatom]

Wow, I wish that was the veiw from my desk. Beautiful. Want one of the frags from the chalice. :razz:

[Millepora_Maniac]

Man do those zoo's ever pop under those T5's!! Looking good!!:mrgreen:

[christyf5]

Don't forget you'll need a final pic for December 1, thats next Tuesday! :biggrin:

[saltynuts]

where did you order your bulbs from. name i like the color.
might have to pull the nano out!

[Canuckgod420]

The bulbs are 2 URI 24" 24W 75.25 T5 Fluorescent Bulbs and 2 24" Powerchrome T5 - AquaBlue +. I bought them at j&l aquatics.

[Canuckgod420]

Well I guess these are my final pics for this contest, I dont know which pic to use as this is a 3 view tank.
Thanks for everyone who took the time to comment on my build, I hoped you all enjoyed this thread.:biggrin:
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4819.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_4869.jpg

[saltynuts]

first pic is killer!

[BlueAbyss]

I lose :wink:

[Canuckgod420]

Thanks:lol:

[tinatom]

All I can say is Wow!

[Millepora_Maniac]

nice, Very nice, We need three photos, there's three sides to the tank!

[christyf5]

Final tank pics tomorrow Dec 1st (I see you've already got yours here but am compelled to type this anyways :razz:)

[Canuckgod420]

Guess its about time I posted another pic.

August 10 2010
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk180/Canuckgod420/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_8366.jpg

[noirsphynx]

WOW!!! It looks amazing!!!!

[Canuckgod420]

Thanks

Your tank looks amazing too!!!

[tinatom]

Looks Great

[gobytron]

you definitely have the magic touch...

great eye for 'scaping too.

your original 72 is one of my all time faves and your newer version is pretty spectacular for being only a year or two old.

This is just another nice 1 for you.

[Canuckgod420]

Thanks man!

I really enjoy the time I spend on my tanks.

[Canuckgod420]

Well I tore down this tank today and moved everything into my main display.
Now its time to sell this setup.

20 gallon tank with custom overflow system
100 watt heater
Maxi jet return pump
24" 4 bulb T5 fixture
Custom built 2x4 stand, stained dark

$250.00 OBO


Thanks for looking