New 30 Gallon Nano Tank Journal

[Vitaminz]

Well, had success with my 10 gallon nano, now getting the itch for and upgrade....

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/newtank007.jpg

This is a picture of my current 10 gallon tank with the new t5 light setup I bought for the new tank, once it is setup. FYI LOVE the T5 compaired to the compact fluorencents.....

So I went on Kijiji, and found myself one hell of a deal, a 30 Gallon Hex front tank with stand for $35, how could I pass this up? lol

I went and picked it up on Friday afternoon and brought it back to my office, after my boss gave me a look like oh gawd another fish tank....*Evil Grin*

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/newtank001.jpg

This is a picture of it brought into my office, dirty girl eh? As you can see it came with a T12 light, Thus why I went out on bought the new T5 setup....

I got to work cleaning it....man what a chore!

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/newtank004.jpg

Much better now....*whipes sweat of brow*

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/newtank006.jpg

This is a picture after I put in all the water and live sand....Cloudy with a chance of meatballs???? nah just cloudy....See what it will look like on monday morning.

I put in the following hardware for temporary, until the tank cycles:
Hydor Koralia Nano Powerhead (240 GPH)
Aquaclear Powerhead 802 (400 GPH)
Aquaclear 70 Filter System

This is it for now, will update when tank cycles.....

[saltwaterseahorses]

koool sooo far!

[Vitaminz]

So finally had the time to do some upgrades to my tank, and having it fully cycled now...yahhhh... So I moved everything over from my 10G over.
So the first thing that I did was to pickup a Coral Life Super Skimmer (65g). I was very nervous at first, trying to find the sweet spot, so it wouldn't overflow the collection cup, which it did the first night...grrrr... One of the biggest flaws in this, was you have to shut off the pump in order to take out the collection cup in order to empty it. I thought this was retarded, so being a DIY guy, I thought I would improve on the design....*evil grin* So I went to Home Depot and picked up of all things, was a pvc 90 degree threaded electrical conduite. They didn't have anything similar under the plumbing section, don't ask..... So I broke out my handy drill and drilled me a hole, 3/4 " thru the plastic, and attached rubber gaskets on either side. And Viola, an emergency overflow that drains into a bucket hidden by the stand.... Never have to worry about the collection cup or finding the sweet spot again.

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/004.jpg

So here are some pictures of all the lifestock transfered over with the new T5 light:

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/001.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/003.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/002.jpg

[galeas]

very nice so far. it looks like you will have a great tank soon :)

[Vitaminz]

So Picked up some new frags and a clam!!! Here are some pictures of my recent procurements:

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/001-2.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/002-1.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/003-1.jpg

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/New%2030g%20Nano/004-1.jpg

[mseepman]

Looking good...just make sure you don't rush it too quickly...slow and steady builds the most beautiful tanks.

[Vitaminz]

Update 6-16-2010

Got some new live rock today, now up to about 35lbs of live rock..... Also got some hitch hikers along with the rock, some star fish.
Had my anemone split as well, now I have 2 of them....YAHHHH.... Now for the pictures:

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010001.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010002.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010004.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010006.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010007.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010008.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010009.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010010.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010011.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%206-16-2010/FishTank6-16-2010012.jpg

[skabooya]

looking good

[Vitaminz]

Tank Update 7/6/2010

Picked up a new light, as I found the dual T5 weren't cutting it. Is it just me, or do you spend alot of this hobby, searching for better equipment?? lol So the new light, I don't know who manufactures it, or if it was somebodies DIY project... But it is a 14k 150 watt MH with dual T8, so much better than just the T5. The clam is doing very well, had to move him down after I installed this light.... Re-arranged the rocks...never ending aqua scapping....lol

Here is a pic of the new light...
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-6-2010/001.jpg

Picked up some new frags as well
1 small colony rock with the golden eye, green, and some green button paly's and Green Star Polyps.

Here are some new pics of the frags:
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-6-2010/007.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-6-2010/006.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-6-2010/004.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-6-2010/003.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-6-2010/002.jpg

[TheMikey]

It looks like your clam needs to be higher up and closer to the lights. You said it's a dual T5HO fixture? What bulbs are you running? If it's one daylight and one actinic, you need to pull the actinic out and get a bulb with better PAR rating. If you want to replace with a bluer bulb, I'd suggest either a UVL Super Actinic, or an Aquascience 22K bulb (or similar). Up a few posts back the clam was about the middle of the tank with its mantle open but was looking a little brown. I'm thinking that your lights are powerful enough pending that the clam is higher still in the tank.

[Vitaminz]

Hi Mikey,

Thanks for your concern and your advice I would have followed, if I still had the T5's. I actual switched out the T5HO for 14k 150 watt MH with dual T8 (Fiji Purple) I moved the clam back down, because with the MH it was closed all the time, since moving it, it stays open all the time now. I will post new pictures tomorrow afternoon, since it is about time for and update.

-Jeff

[Wayne]

WOW thats a great looking DIY light! Did you notice the water temp rise or is your building air conditioned?

[snow1]

I like this build, nice and clean look to it.:) Are you going to get some more fish?

[Vitaminz]

WOW thats a great looking DIY light! Did you notice the water temp rise or is your building air conditioned?

My building is air conditioned, haven't noticed and change in temp...

[Vitaminz]

I like this build, nice and clean look to it.:) Are you going to get some more fish?

Actually have more fish in th tank, will post pictures tomorrow. Alot has changed....

[TheMikey]

Oh, I must have missed the new light you put on. I just assumed the T5s were still there. Looking forward to seeing the tank progress!

[Vitaminz]

I Thought it was about time for an update, frags are doing amazing and growing nicely! Had a little bit of a hair algea from leaving the blinds open over the weekend....stupid sun light.....lol Got that under control, just reduced my lighting period from 12 hours to 8 hours, and pick up some mexican turbo snails. I have some Cree Q5 LED's on order and going to continue with the DIY light, by adding those to the light with the drivers of course...just had an itch for a DIY project.....Will update onces those come in. And now for the pictures:
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-28-2010/DSC09706.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-28-2010/DSC09716.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-28-2010/DSC09715.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-28-2010/DSC09714.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-28-2010/DSC09713.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-28-2010/DSC09710.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-28-2010/DSC09709.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-28-2010/DSC09708.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%207-28-2010/DSC09707.jpg

[md14]

Nice looking tank, just a word of advice with the new drain you installed in your skimmer, it could end up doing some damage especially with that brand of skimmer as there quite prone to overflowing. If your skimmer continues to over flow it will keep emptying into your emergency drain which could result in a lot of water being drained out which would suck, as I've seen one of those skimmers empty out 10-15G's easily

(Ignore me if im totally wrong lol, it way to early in the morning)

[Vitaminz]

Nice looking tank, just a word of advice with the new drain you installed in your skimmer, it could end up doing some damage especially with that brand of skimmer as there quite prone to overflowing. If your skimmer continues to over flow it will keep emptying into your emergency drain which could result in a lot of water being drained out which would suck, as I've seen one of those skimmers empty out 10-15G's easily

(Ignore me if im totally wrong lol, it way to early in the morning)


Thanks for the advice, Since this is in an office environment, would rather it fill up the bucket below the tank using the emergency drain, instead of filling up the cup all the time.... More volume in the bucket, than in the cup...atleast that is my logic. Also had to think, death of a reef would be cheaper to replace, then all the carpet and equipment in my office and the offices below me..... Just my 2 cents worth....

[Vitaminz]

So my Ultrabright CREE Q5 LED's came in the other day....yahhhhh....
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/008.jpg

So my first task was finding an enclosure for this....spend alot of time looking for this, but found it at Princess Auto:
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/006.jpg

So I placed some foam in the bottom and place the LED and Heat sink in, just barely fit....
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/010.jpg

This one is the bottom view with the diffusor in:
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/011.jpg

So I attached some Female bullet connectors to the LED wires:
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/012.jpg

All Done with the connectors, now to place everything inside:
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/015.jpg

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/013.jpg

Now connected all my lead to a 12v power source and viloa, we have light!
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/017.jpg

Placed some glass that I had kicking around, on top of my existing light:
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/018.jpg

Now Placing the boxes on top of the glass:
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/020.jpg

So here is what the tank looks light with only the LED's on:
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/022.jpg

Not to shabby with just 2 LED's...hehehehe Here are some pics with all the lights turned on:

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/023.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/DIY%20LED%20Light/024.jpg

[Wayne]

Awesome job on those LEDS. They almost look like they were factory built! Very nice looking tank so far!

[Vitaminz]

Thought it about time to update tank pictures, just replaced my 150w 20k MH bulb, that one hurt the pocket book.....You know what I will have to admit that I was always a fan of never replacing a bulb unless it was burnt out....But after today, I was proven wrong....what a difference.... And of course I had to do the smart thing and take down the light to replace the bulb and had to test to make sure it worked, before putting it all back together.......yeah we can all guess what happened....it worked!!! Still seeing spots.... Atleast I marked the date I changed it on the box with the old bulb, that way I don't second guess when I changed it. Yeah I have my moments, but who doesn't??? lol

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%209-1-2010/TankUpdate09012010001.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%209-1-2010/TankUpdate09012010016.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%209-1-2010/TankUpdate09012010015.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%209-1-2010/TankUpdate09012010003.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%209-1-2010/TankUpdate09012010002.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%209-1-2010/TankUpdate09012010004.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%209-1-2010/TankUpdate09012010005.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%209-1-2010/TankUpdate09012010009.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%209-1-2010/TankUpdate09012010012.jpg

[Wayne]

Really liking this thread build :) The tank is looking good and your filling it out nicely.

[Rbacchiega]

Coming along great! Going to be a really nice looking tank

[Vitaminz]

So I thought it was about time I broke in my new SLR camera and take some high res photo's. Added a few new corals from a generous reefer, you know who you are! lol

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1182.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1181.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1201.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1200.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1198.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1196.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1195.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1193.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1192.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1191.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1190.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1189.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1186.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1185.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1184.jpg
http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/Vitaminzs/Tank%20Update%209-16-2010/_DSC1202.jpg

[reefwars]

looking good buddy glad i can help:)that favia looks great in there:):)

[phi delt reefer]

looking good man - always appreciate a solid DIY :biggrin:


DIY CHALLENGE?

rip out those t8 tubes and take apart your T5 fixture and mount them where the t8's were (use the t5 reflectors as well)

add a couple royal blue leds too :)