Nealio's 15G Nano-Reef Build

Thanks! I've worked hard to make it look nice, so I'm glad it shows!

It's a great way to build a custom stand. The steel structure is very open, functional, and flexible. But at the same time it is very sturdy and easy to work with. The 3 door panels should get made rather quickly once I can get the relatives out of the house.

I doubt it. I've never really taken a liking to SPS, but you never know.

You got your wish!

Well both your wishes came true.

The obligatory FTS's.



I know I need more rock, and I promise I will get some soon. This is 3/4 of the rock out of the 12, I had a couple pieces that need some serious GHA removal.



The livestock from the old 12G. (1 Ocellaris clown, and 1 Peppermint Shrimp)






Some other news.

• Ordered calibration fluid for my PH probe since I accidentally entered calibration mode and screwed it up.
• Should be getting my skimmer and Loc-Line by the end of the week.
• Bought a locking canopy prop so I don't have to try and hold the lid open during tank maintenance. I'll probably install it tomorrow.
• Fixed the "hot tub effect" I had going on with the drains in my sump by installing a reverse durso drain in the sump.
• I had been throttling my return pump due to noise and splashing in the sump, but the reverse durso allowed me to fully open the valve and use the full potential of pump.
• I will probably visit the LFS for some additional CUC creatures.
• Starting planning the doors so I can wrap this build up and start enjoying the wildlife!

 

Just for size reference, what's the footprint of this 17g? Is that a 10g below for the sump(about 10" X 20") ? I like the depth of the water. It gives a different look than longer tanks(obviously), but I like it.

 

You got it. 10g sump and 10g footprint. I believe the tank is 20"x10"x20", so the front of the tank is a square. At least that's what the guy who sold it to me said, I never did measure it. Maybe it's just a 15 after-all lol.

 

i want a 15g tall ;-(

 

I helped out at a LFS store that is moving, and picked up a Coral Banded Shrimp for free today. I plan to go back and doing some more work for them, so we'll see what else I can get to go along with it!

 

I really like this setup. It's different, but in a cool way. Do you have a rockscape planned out?

 

Basically a rock wall made out of medium size pieces with some caves and gaps behind it. I want to try and keep what little bit of open sand bed in the front that I have, but we'll see how it goes.

 

Well the coral banded shrimp didn't make it. It suffered from a bad molt right after acclimating. Went back to the LFS and they gave me credit for it and came home with a Yellow Head Jawfish instead.

I also scored a 2nd hand frag rack that needs some TLC, but I should have that in the tank by the end of the week. I also got the PH probe calibrating fluid and Loc-Line I had ordered from eBay, so once the Halide comes on tomorrow morning, I should have some wonderful new pictures.

 

I'm so glad to have tagged along, Nealio. This is an very nice and extremely neat tank build. Everything looks very professional and it makes me think you do or did some sort of remodeling job. Construction related probably. Or your dad, maybe. I saw that big ass compressor in the garage. Pretty nice!!

Again, congratulations on a very methodical and clean build. Loved the overflow idea and would have never thought of that.

I would like some pics of your reversed durso drain to see how it looks. I have some bubbles going with my HOB overflow and would like to do something like that with the extra pipe I have laying around.

- Mag.

 

I very much appreciate the comments Magnus! I've never done any professional remodeling or building, but I was born into a handyman family, took 4 years of shop class in high school, and worked at an ACE Hardware for several years.

The Air Compressor isn't all that big, and can barely run most of my air tools (I curse that thing all the time). My dad bought it primarily to inflate tires with and blow off his work bench, it's me who uses it for sand blasting, impact wrenches, cut off wheels, grinders, and nailers.

I've had several tanks before that were a sloppy mess of thrown together and ill-fitting/working equipment. Now that I actually had the time, space, and equipment back at my parents house, I was able to finally make my dreams of an attractive tank come true!

I just finished aquascaping for the 4th time in 12 hours, and the tank is a bit of a mess right now, but I'm semi satisfied until I get some more rock and corals. The Coralife skimmer was finally removed, and the Prism is now happily sitting in it's place behind the sump. I also fixed and hung the frag-rack I got for free, and have already glued some of my accidental frags to the plugs. The white grate stands out a lot, and I may take it out and paint it black to try and make it blend in. When the microbubbles and suspended junk get taken care of, I'll snap some new pictures (including some of the reverse durso) for you.

Finally, the new Jawfish is doing well, I stressed him out quite a bit during the aquascaping, but he was able to make himself a proper burrow once I was done. Unfortunately, it's fairly secluded behind one of my pieces of rock and the overflow box, and you aren't able to see him very well. I'm hoping he'll make a new burrow for us all to see once he becomes more comfortable.