Nealio's 15G Nano-Reef Build

pro!!!!!!!

 

Made a lot of progress today, but left the camera at the GF's house, so I'll have to upload the pictures later. Some of the things I accomplished today include:

• Satin Polyurethane the stand
• Attach Metal Halide to stand
• Attach return plumbing to stand
• Siliconed overflow in
• Siliconed the large baffle in the sump
• Painted the back of the tank black
• Fixed Leaks in drain manifold (had forgotten the teflon tape)

I got cutoff by the arrival of my aunt and cousin, and they will be here for a while. So I'm not sure how much work I can get done while they are here. Hopefully I can finish the sump baffles tomorrow, and add sand and water to the display tank.

I found a deal on a used Red Sea Prizm skimmer that I may be picking up to replace the Coralife 65G Super Skimmer. I don't necessarily think that the Prizm is a better skimmer, but the the Coralife is just so damn oversize, it'll be nice to use the little Prizm.

I also did some measuring, and it looks like I can continue to use my Aquaclear 200 (now called "50"). Currently it is being used as a refugium, but I plan to use it as a source of flow (like a powerhead).

All I need to do now is order some loc-line for the returns, buy some salt, and figure out an ATO container that'll fit in my stand.

 

I just purchased some loc-line, so that's taken care of. There is a great deal on ebay out of Hong Kong. A Y, two 4"-ish lengths of line, and two nozzles for $7 shipped. I just had to pick up a pair of NPT to Loc adapters, and I was able to squeek out just under $10.

 

I promise to get you guys some pictures tomorrow, but I forgot my camera AGAIN. Major things happened today involving the tank.

Good news. The tank is setup in the house, and looks great.

Bad news. I have 1 tiny little leak in the return plumbing that I have to fix before I do anything else.

Brief recap of today. Cleaned everything, brought everything inside, got the canopy fans wired in, temp sensors run, RODI made, reassembled the drain plumbing, cleaned and added black sand, installed fuge light, installed return pump and plumbing, filled tank and sump, tested MH vs water temp, hung skimmer, and made several huge messes in the process.

Tomorrows plan: Fix leak, fab up temporary return plumbing to simulate the loc-line I ordered, add DSB to fuge, install heater, add salt, adjust PH, and check for more leaks.

Mondays plan: If all goes well tomorrow, I should be transporting my livestock, AquaClear HOB, and live rock over from the 12g.

Other things on my to do list for later on including fixing an undercut bubble trap baffle by pressure fitting it, drastic reprogram of Reef Controller code, and start building doors to hide the equipment.

Finally, I purchased the Prizm I mentioned earlier for $9. He tested it and said the impeller was vibrating but not turning. I'll tinker with it and see if I can't get it to work after a little cleaning.

 

+1 very nice build al be tagging along on this one to get some ideas for my 15g build coming up (if u dont mind that is)

 

Thanks! You can by all means borrow my ideas, just try not to copy my mistakes lol.

 

Patch has been applied and I'm waiting for it to harden before I turn the pump back on. I went ahead and added 24g worth of salt to the sump. I hope this goes quickly, this waiting is killing me!

 

uhh, any pics?

 

Nope, too busy fixing another damn leak! I glued everything together with the same can of cement except for 2 joints, and one of those was the first leak. As soon as I patched it, the 2nd joint started leaking.

 

o damn that sucks, best of luck goes out to u.