Help with Tank.

[MiniPigg]

have decided to go with the 10 gallon glas tank I already have. What I'd like to do it divide the tank up and make one side the display and the other side the filter, skimmer, etc...

The display side I think would be ok as a 7 gallon and the remainder use as the filter,skimmer,etc. seperated by a false wall. Now Im just trying to see whats the best way to go about this.

I am interested in nano reef with a decent clean up crew. I like the idea of shrimp, etc... not sure if I want to add any fish... maybe a couple damsels(?).

I havent decided what to use with this setup... so those with experience please feel free to guide me into the right dirrection. One thing for sure is I am taking enough time and ask questions before I put it all together.

thanks

 

[Meloco14]

That's a great idea. It's something I've been thinking of doing too, to copy my nanocube. It shouldn't be too hard, just silicone in a thin piece of acrylic. You can drill teeth for an overflow and a hole for the return. The display area will be enough room for corals and small inverts, and maybe a small fish. Do you have any specific questions? It seems like you have the right idea so far, and it is definitely feasible.

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds great!

WHat are you thinking of doing for lighting?

I have 96 watts on my 10 gallon and it looks like a hell of a lot of light. You might be able to get away with two 36 watt bulbs and have a decent reef kicking.

 

[MiniPigg]

I havent given much thought on the final lighting setup. But to begin with I'm going to start with two compact fluorescents, 10lbs of sand, and maybe a couple pounds of LR.

My plans are as follows and up for review on the board being I'm still a noob. So this is all open to suggestion.

1) I want to split the tank 70/30 and make one side the area for filter, skimming, etc. This is the part I need the most help with. I can do the display but the other 30% is still in mystery mode. I started off reading and looking at other designs that I thought about incorperating into this tank. But now I think I am more confused then when I started.

2) I have an area where I am going to place this tank so I wont be able to use a stand or route it to a sump... then again thats why I am trying to do it this way. I am going to take the tank and turn it sideways. It is your basic run of the mill 10aga tank 20x10x12. The sump (?) wont be seen as the case I am going to build for it will cover it up. I am also going to design a better hood and such.

3) I want to have a decent cleanup crew. Open to suggestions.


Also I do have a Q about lighting..... these compact fluorescents.... cant you just use the same ones we get at walmart/homedepot/etc?

 

[MiniPigg]

Today I went ahead and bought a ten pound bag of crush corral. The same shop had some rock for just over a buck a pound. Im going to wait on splitting the tank... I am going to use another tank for that and leave this one alone after I get it set up. Still wouldnt mind some feedback.

 

[Anonymous]

If you are making your own hood, you can get a retro kit for a 20" 96 watt PC light that will be enough for you to grow anything you want in that tank. It's $50 on ebay. Just search "96w 20" PC."

All you have to do is wire the ballast to the light socket and a wall plug and mount the light holding brackets inside whatever hood you create and you're ready to go. You need a small cooling fan too. And a reflector can be made from sheet aluminum you buy in the roofing section at home depot.


How's that for input? :wink: