Kogo's executive nano

[Kogo]

the time has come to start my 5.5g build thread.

this will be an office tank containing hardy, mid to low light corals and inverts.
filtration will consist of live rock, circulation, and weekly water changes.

equiptment: Coralife 18w mini pc
rio 180 mini power head (will watch for temp issues)

Theme: the tank was constructed using decorative molding and 1x2 pine stock.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_0977.jpg

i treated the wood with a chestnut finish, followed by a coat of sanding sealer (sanded with steel wool), and finaly coated with a spray clear polyurathane to seal aqainst moisture.

i originaly planed to build an internal overflow similar to that used by 2salty in another thread, but was concerned that it would lead to evaporation problems over the weekends. instead i went with a shorter design that will conceal the powerhead and prevent sand from entering the pump intake

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_0984.jpg

i also added a peice of eggcrate to the top in order to keep snails or other miscelanious creatures out of that area. it will also allow me to reclaim some of the area lost to the pump housing.

you can also see that i covered the plexy with oyster shells and sand. i felt that this would create a cleaner, more natural look. i hope to hide as much eqiptment as possible as it would be unsightly in a tank this small.

i have a feeling that this tank will evolve as the project continues, but here is the tank as it sits now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_0988.jpg

the equiptment is part of a gift (to arive via UPS), and at the moment i am happy with the choice. however, in the future i may upgrade the pump if i cant get the flow i need and possibly retrofit a 70w mh into the coralife fixture instead of pc.

anyway let me know what you think. any coments are welcome.

thanks for looking


also, anyone with a simple auto topoff solution for this tank please chime in

[coyoteseven]

A simple top-off that can be made any size to fit your needs:

A Simple DIY Kalk Dripper by Agu Lukk (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/nftt/index.php)

[blacksh33p]

i really like the wood work around the top and base, nice job. have you thought about adding a small hob filter just to run some carbon and maybe a sponge to catch stuff floating aorund. it would also help with circulation and you could hide the heater back there if theres enough room.

[grimmjohn]

Nice Kogo!! Can's wait to see it stocked () : )

Cheers,

grimmjohn

[Kogo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6389873#post6389873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blacksh33p
i really like the wood work around the top and base, nice job. have you thought about adding a small hob filter just to run some carbon and maybe a sponge to catch stuff floating aorund. it would also help with circulation and you could hide the heater back there if theres enough room.

thanks for the compliment. i dont think a HOB is needed. when i do water changes i use airline tubing on the end of a small acrilic tube to clean out corners and crevices and i keep a brine shrimp net handy to fish anything noticable out if i have to. as for as heaters, in south florida there is never realy a need for heaters, even in winter.

im also a fan of nylon socks. if i need carbon for any reason i just fill a sock and drop it near a pump intake. in this tank, carbon can go right in the pump area with no problems.


grimmjohn, good to hear you chime in... hows everyone at RRMAS.

[227]

You need 2 make a bunch of those and sell them!

[silver17jo]

great wood finish. Compliments tank well, would love to see it up and running.

[grimmjohn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6390181#post6390181 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kogo
grimmjohn, good to hear you chime in... hows everyone at RRMAS.

Oh ya know, Same'ol, Same'ol () : )
Not much changes too fast here in Arkansas () : )

When you get that tank going I can send you those hermits I got from you LOL, been through a few dozen snails but those guys are still going strong () : )

Hope everything is going great for you in Florida () : )

cheers,

grimmjohn

[Kogo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6390230#post6390230 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 227
You need 2 make a bunch of those and sell them!

the thaught had crossed my mind .... LOL

[Kogo]

i found an old maxi jet (1200) in the junk box. it fits perfectly in the pump space,but i think 290gph might be overkill.

any opinions?

[Kogo]

just purchased a lockline return (@LFS). it splits off so i made one short arm and one long arm. this should spread my flow out nicely.

still waiting for lights and pump to arive.

[Kogo]

playing around with the maxi jet.... way to much flow. it also raised my temp to 86F.

back to waiting for UPS, and the rio.

[Carl_in_Florida]

I think you will have similar issues with the rio but we will see.

How is that box thing going to work? Will the powerhead be in thre and shoot straight up? I am not familiar with 2salty's tank.


Carl

[Kogo]

yeah im woried about the rio too. any suggestions for small pumps if the rio doesnt work out.

the box is designed to hide the powerhed and keep sand away from the pump impeller. it will also serve as a convinient place to use carbon if the need arises.

water will pump into a lockline forked return and hopefully give a nice even flow to the whole tank.

[Carl_in_Florida]

I used a minijet in my 6 and was able to keep the temp ~82.

I kept it as high out of the water as possible though.

Carl

[Kogo]

that may end up being the way i have to go. i realy like my hidden pump idea, but im willing to take it out if i have to.

ill check out minijets while im on lunch

[Kogo]

the minijet 606 looks good. that will be what i try next if the rio has heat issues. i can always use the rio to mix saltwater. that is if it ever arives.

[AIMFish]

It looks nice and I'm anxious to see it lighted and stocked. A closed loop system came to mind using a small maxi-jet mounted externally (using 1/2"CPVC maybe?) when you were discussing heat issues but it sounded earlier like you were trying to avoid externally mounted things? :confused:

[Carl_in_Florida]

Do you know the dimensions of the 5.5? I am debating what to set up as an office nano/pico


Carl

[Agu]

16X8X10 high

I'm using two tunze minis in a 5.5 fwiw

[Kogo]

will the small pumps run externaly?

im mostly trying to avoid HOB and visable equiptment, so a CL is not out of the question. the question would be more about my drilling skills.

what kind of flow do the tunz mini's have?

[Carl_in_Florida]

I use a via aqua for a closed loop. I know other that have use maxijets. That may take down the temp and flow issues.

Carl

[Kogo]

well, i thaught this would be a simple project....... oh well. i might need to do some more PH research.

carl,
how good are you with a dremmel .... if the need arises ive already got the diamond bit and a local bulkhead source.

[Carl_in_Florida]

That is a really simple mod.

Carl

[Sugar Magnolia]

That trim is awesome! I really like the mini-jets for that application. The suction cups are on the bottom of the pump and the output on the top rather than the sides like micro-jet's and maxi's.

[Carl_in_Florida]

Kogo - are you still "in the industry"?

carl

guess i should have pmed the q but oh well

[Kogo]

no problem with the q (it's disguised well enough), i got out this fall to concentrate on work in the educational field. it was fun, but i needed to be doing other things.

this semester im teaching telaclass (over the phone) to students unable to attend school. its a great job,and i get my own office plus a seperate cubicle.

its like im in my own little nano!

[Kogo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6413470#post6413470 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sugar Magnolia
That trim is awesome! I really like the mini-jets for that application. The suction cups are on the bottom of the pump and the output on the top rather than the sides like micro-jet's and maxi's.

the mini jet also has an adjustable flow built in, wich is nice. i may end up reording the mini-jet. im also thinking about the 12" coralife PC, but if im having heat issues it might be better to stick with the 9" pc. right now the tank water stands at 78F without lights or pumps. the office AC is considerably cooler than the house so that should help.

who can figure these things. with the house AC set at 80F, my 10g with MH runs at about 80, and the 210g FW with PC's and two mag 9.5's runs at 84 (the africans love it BTW).

every tank truly is different.

[Carl_in_Florida]

I thought you got a masters in engineering

Carl

[Kogo]

im working on a masters, but not engineering. im studying school guidance and counseling. afterwards ill start working on a PhD

[Carl_in_Florida]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6416435#post6416435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kogo
im working on a masters, but not engineering. im studying school guidance and counseling. afterwards ill start working on a PhD

Figured your loan repayments wern't enough already? I have a good friend who is a guidance counselor at Lake Worth High.

where did you order your supplies from?

Carl

[Kogo]

big als online (free shiping sale) the light was $25.00

ps. i like the tagline update.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Heat is a problem for sure. I just replaced my 2x13W which had a fan, over my 2.5 with a Current Dual Satellite 2x18W but it didn't come with fans. by the end of the day the temp goes from 80 to 84. I need to pick up a couple of fans to install. Thankfully the hood came with the fan vents already in it.

[Kogo]

hopefully the 2x 9w will not cause any heat issues and ill be able to keep some low / mid light stuff just fine. i would like to upgrade to the 2 x 18w but that will greatly reduce the ability for heat to excape the tank (the way its set up now anyway).

[Carl_in_Florida]

Don't know if you caught this post

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=6420915#post6420915

Probably similar to what you are looking at doing.

Carl

[Kogo]

yeah, my idea was loosly based on that concept.

[Carl_in_Florida]

dooh!

[2Salty]

Sweet.
Looking real good Kogo

[Kogo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_1069.jpg

ok, ... it's been awhile sience the last update and as you can see ive made some changes.

i decided the built in pump house was to big and distracting, so i took it out. there is still some silicone residue thatwill be removed when the tank is moved to the office.

i also decided to upgrade the light because the heat issues i feared did not materielize. the only problem is that it is 1/16" to small to fit flush in the canopy, but im not overly concerned with it and may not make any adjustments.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_1070.jpg

all in all, i am much happier with the 2 x 18w.
but, dont wory about the 2 x 9w light ... that was quickly claimed by my mother in law.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_1075.jpg

everyone in the house seems pleased with the progress so far

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_1072.jpg

and my daughter is even giving tours of the "shishies".

so far the temp range is 78F - 80F and the only mobile occupant is a peppermint shrimp. i may add a couple snails or tiny bluelegs over the weekend.
no levels tested at this point.

ok .... one last shot

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_1074.jpg

[Agu]

Looking good :thumbsup:

[mobert]

nice!

[Sugar Magnolia]

It looks really nice Kogo!

[Cutiewitbooty]

wow nice job, looks really awesome!!

[Carl_in_Florida]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6496193#post6496193 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kogo
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_1069.jpg


Found another way to squeeze in some FW photos huh?

Lookin nice. Do you plan to take this to work?

CArl

[Kogo]

yes, i plan on taking it in to work once i have a few corals and the tank is nice and stable.
also, i want to be sure my service rutine wont spill water or make a mess either.

side note: the digital thermometer i baught at Walmart is now functioning properly... for now ....

side side note: i tryed joining a cichlid forum, but posters there are even more obnoxious than us nanosnobs ---- they dictate stocklists, criticise excessivly, and heaven forbid you should use the wrong scientific name ...... long story short ....ill just post an occasional FW pic on RC and hope its tolerated.

[Kogo]

right now im thinking of adding some red shrooms, and orange zoanthids i found @ LFS. any other suggestions...

anyone local with unmounted frags (softy or LPS)?

[FishWife1]

That is gorgeous! You really should sell that woodwork for nanos. Who knows, lots of people have managed to make a nice side-line or even a full-time paycheck out of building stuff for tanks.

The only problem I see is that the base and hood are so pretty they might distract people from looking at what's inside the tank - just kidding - it's all beautiful.

I can't wait to see how it progresses.

Laurie

[Carl_in_Florida]

I got those loose frags I promised. One small ric and a small orange shroom.

Carl

[gsrracer]

interesting

[Kogo]

the idea of building a dozen or so tank frames has occasionaly crossed my mind.

ill likely build a matching one for my Mother in law's 2.5. hopefully after building a couple ill have any kinks worked out and be able to build a few to sell to local LFS's.

carl,
whats a good evening to pick up the frags. this time ill do the driving....

[Carl_in_Florida]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6499520#post6499520 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kogo

side side note: i tryed joining a cichlid forum, but posters there are even more obnoxious than us nanosnobs ---- they dictate stocklists, criticise excessivly, and heaven forbid you should use the wrong scientific name ...... long story short ....ill just post an occasional FW pic on RC and hope its tolerated.

Found the post . . . quite funny.

Third- it's Pseudotropheus Demasoni.

Please, please, please can I come back?

NOT

[Kogo]

i hung out there for a few weeks, and dialoged with a few good guys, but overal it was a pretty dead site.

[Carl_in_Florida]

I have not found many forums as lively as RC

Though their search features work


Carl

[Sugar Magnolia]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6536149#post6536149 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Carl_in_Florida
I have not found many forums as lively as RC

Though their search features work


Carl
:lol:

[FlyGTI]

Kogo, the trim looks very nice. Perhaps I missed this earlier, but how do you plan on stocking it?

[Kogo]

i plan on adding low to moderate light corals that are very hardy (due to it being left unatended for the weekends).

thoughts now for corals are xenia, shrooms, zooanthids, button polips, green star polip, yellow star polips.

i plan on picking up some coral at the local frag auction this week, and moving the tank to the office next week.

[aural]

very nice (as always), kogo... looks very clean. almost makes me want to start another nano. :)

[Bullredchaser]

Looks very nice for the office.Maybe add a clown or a neon goby?

[Kogo]

never had a neon goby ... might be a good idea.

aural,

nanos are like jello .... there's always room for more!

[Kogo]

just a couple update pics

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/51.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/52.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/53.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/55.jpg

so far everything has been running smooth.

temp is steady at 75F, and aside from a slight film on the surface the water is quite clear and the corals are growing.

evaporation is minimal and even after a three day weekend i only needed to replace about 1 large drinking glass worth of water.

there is some drama between the elongata and the pink paly's. the xenia actualy seem to be fighting the current to fight with the paly

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/54.jpg

its quite interesting to watch (like a slow motion battle royal). somtimes, if the pepermint shrimp lingers to long under the xenia, it will even sting the shrimp and he will shoot off behind the rocks.

I love having a tank at work!

[Agu]

Kogo,

Hows the condensation on the light fixture ? I ran mine for three days and discovered that the light was dripping wet every morning from condensation overnight. Granted it has an acrylic lens but it's still a risk of wrecking the light fixture.


BTW, if you ever make it over this way I have some frags that would look great in that tank :D .

[Cutiewitbooty]

i thought xenia doesn't sting? Nice looking though!! Its still soo clean :D

[jasutton]

great work...i am always happy when we can find more ways to make up for this countries lack of a siesta!!

if you plan on selling the hood and base let me know...i need to kiss up to my girl friends mom and this might just be the thing! she is quite an animal lover...

good work!

jamie

[Kogo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6820503#post6820503 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Agu
Kogo,

Hows the condensation on the light fixture ?


BTW, if you ever make it over this way I have some frags that would look great in that tank :D .

the AC keeps the room quite cool so there is minimal evap and no noticable condensation or salt kreep at this point. also the 12" light leaves room on the edges for evaporated water to escape.

as for frags... always worth a road trip. maybee i can grab "Carl from florida" some weekend and head out that way.

[Kogo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6820509#post6820509 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cutiewitbooty
i thought xenia doesn't sting? Nice looking though!! Its still soo clean :D

it might not, my assumption that it stings is based soley on observation, the zoantids that it was touching for extended periods seemed to be swollen on one side.

[Kogo]

jasutton,

this is the tank i ended up building for my mother in law.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_1161.jpg

i think im going to build several more frames and try to sell them at the local shops or on ebay.

[Carl_in_Florida]

I might acutally be taking a business trip to the left side of the state.

Looking good matt

[Kogo]

thanks Carl,


p.s.
check your voicemail

[Agu]

Not to be picky (boat anchor in a reef) but why do you have the extension with the valve on the powerhead ?


Carl, When are you going to be on the best coast ?


:D

[Kogo]

i had to use a valve to reduce water flow. without any restrictuion the tank was a whirlpool.

for the next tank, ill use a smaller pump and run it with no nozle at all.

[Cutiewitbooty]

I might acutally be taking a business trip to the left side of the state.

Where in SW Florida are you headed to?

[Carl_in_Florida]

My company is beginning to do a lot of business with clients in the bay area. I will have to go visit them eventually.

Matt, I just got your message today. I will call you back.

Carl

[Cutiewitbooty]

Like around tampa bay, is that where your talking about?

[Kogo]

i guess its a good time for some updated photos.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/5.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_1905.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/kogo/100_1822.jpg

[bennerkla]

I really like those fans, but watch out for your xenia and button polyps, they are taking over.

[dzhuo]

where do you get those sea fans? are they photosynthetic?

[IsThisNameTaken?]

those are gorgonians, no?

[Fishfreak218]

gorgonians... and also the species name of that kind is Swiftia exserta
and no its not Photosynthetic

[Kogo]

i got the gorgonian at the LFS. i think it was $35 or $45 for a very large piece. i cut it up into about 6 pieces. three are in the 5.5g one is in the 2.5g, one is in the 20g and one is in carlinflorida's tank. they seem fairly hardy as long as you feed them alot. i put in some DT's to get the polips open and then add a bit of cyclopeze.

[Kogo]

oh and they seem to like being right in the current best.