2.8 pico with overflow DIY

Patio · #1 02/07/2006, 01:59 AM

About two years ago the obsession of the picture perfect reef began. This last month my apartment leasing center decided that my well established tank had to go. My guess is they did not like the look of the 20 gallon sump with all the plumbing to the main tank. 30 days without a reef means no form of therapy in my life.(or lots of time staring with mouth open) I decided a few days back I needed some sort of reef in my life. That's when I came up with the idea of a pico tank I can conceal if need be. I work from home and decided a desktop tank would be perfect...

This last weekend I started to fabricate an overflow for my 2.8 pico
The plan is below.

I intend on the overflow doubling as a surface skimmer (very important especially for a pico) and a refugium. I found these micro jet pumps on MD..com they will be my two return pumps.

With only 2.8 gallons to work with I want nothing but reef to show in the tank. ie. powerheads, heaters, HOB.

I will post pics of the tank and the acrylic fabrication Tuesday afternoon.

hope to hear some good input.

Thanks

Patio · #2 02/07/2006, 02:11 AM

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showp...p?photo=153452

Mikeeal · #3 02/07/2006, 02:16 AM

Sounds good. Can't wait to see some pics.

Carl_in_Florida · #4 02/07/2006, 03:41 PM

[welcome]
Patio

Patio · #5 02/07/2006, 03:47 PM

Thanks mike and carl!
I am posting pics soon, maybe an hour

Patio · #6 02/07/2006, 05:32 PM

Heated the acrylic with two heat guns around my template
I made sure to use a straight edge to bend close to perfect
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showp...t=1&thecat=500

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showp...t=1&thecat=500

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showp...t=1&thecat=500

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showp...t=1&thecat=500

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showp...t=1&thecat=500

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showp...t=1&thecat=500

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showp...t=1&thecat=500

Mikeeal · #7 02/07/2006, 11:04 PM

Lookin real good. Time to fill it with some water. What's your plan for corals, and what lighting are you planning on?

Patio · #8 02/07/2006, 11:55 PM

right now i have two 10 watt screw in corallife bulbs. I will take a pick of my desk and show you where I plan on mounting my 20k 70w MH. I will start that project next weekend.

chocolateblnt · #9 02/08/2006, 01:01 AM

why are you making us click links ... open a photobucket account please!

Patio · #10 02/08/2006, 01:09 AM

im on it

Patio · #11 02/08/2006, 01:21 AM

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chocolateblnt · #12 02/08/2006, 02:28 AM

Sick ... I plan on Pico'ing my desk in the future

... what are you gonna put in it? Is that last picture like a hooray we did it picture?

Also why did they not like your tank ... I don't understand, I would fight like hell to keep my tank up?!

Patio · #13 02/08/2006, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chocolateblnt
Sick ... I plan on Pico'ing my desk in the future ... what are you gonna put in it? Is that last picture like a hooray we did it picture? Also why did they not like your tank ... I don't understand, I would fight like hell to keep my tank up?!

Well I did sign the no pet clause in the lease. I later thought what if I get rid of the fish? technically I wouldn't be breaking a no pet clause. Oh well.

I plan on putting in a little of everything. My biggest interest would be the smallest brain I can find. As for a few months down the line with some more mods, SPS dominated. Or as dominated as a 2.7 could be.

Next weekend I am planning on the 20K MH hood built into the top shelf of the desk. (I will fill you in with pics when I can)

Patio · #14 02/08/2006, 02:41 AM

as for the high five, yes that was the finishing move with my friend. That was our first acrylic fabrication. Not as awsome as building a custom motorcycle like OCC but it was fun.

Patio · #15 02/08/2006, 05:43 PM

I got my pumps in the mail I am now working on the plumbing ill post some pics soon.

Patio · #16 02/09/2006, 01:34 PM

I should have some more work done tonight

Patio · #17 02/10/2006, 06:17 PM

Just made the slots wider on the overflow and now it is turning over perfectly

Patio · #18 02/10/2006, 08:52 PM

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supernareg · #19 02/11/2006, 07:16 AM

lookin good man

aural · #20 02/11/2006, 07:57 AM

that is looking sweet! did you make the tank as well?

I cant believe that your apartment complex made you get rid of your other tank. Fish arent like cats and dogs that will mess up an apartment. (i guess unless you are really clumsy with a a 5 gallon bucket of saltwater)

Patio · #21 02/11/2006, 01:43 PM

So I want to do my rock work today. I was thinking doing a reef wall across the back but I am having trouble getting any adhesives to work with the rock. They stick to the tank fine, not the rock. I have tried aquarium epoxy and it just is not cutting it. Egg crate is to thick and I will loose to much display room. Now I am thinking I am stuck stacking my rockwork, and I am bad at aquascaping. Any suggestions?

Patio · #22 02/11/2006, 01:44 PM

Aural: I bought the tank from lfs for $15 you can buy the same tank online. He sells the tanl seperate for 25 http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/prod...oducts_id=1340

Surfzup2k4 · #23 02/11/2006, 03:03 PM

dude, you had the slots cut so nicely.... now they look like total a$$. Why didn't you take time to make it look nice? Idea is awesome though, and goodluck with it. Can't wait to see pics with it stocked.

Patio · #24 02/11/2006, 03:09 PM

you know it had to be done with the 200X turnover. Those pumps are rated over 110gph. you should see the flow it is sick. When the pumps are on you cant even see the slots because the water is so ripply and fast. It looks good guys. They are ugly because I had to route them to about an inch. I might get some video for you to see.

Surfzup2k4 · #25 02/11/2006, 03:36 PM

all that flow really might not end up being a good thing.....