Dego's First Tank - All-in-one, 3-sided nano

[Dego Red]

For just under a year, I've been stalking the forums to learn as much as possible before building my first reef tank. What began as a 72G bow has been revised to a 30g nano after learning of a job change that will move me across the country. I just finished the tank and stand two weeks ago, so I figured I'd join in. After careful planning, below are the results so far.

The plan:
This tank has always been designed as a show piece, through-and-through. With that in mind I wanted viewing simplicity, with little to no equipment intrusion what-so-ever. I also wanted as much viewing area as possible, hence three viewing sides. The only thing you'll see is a beautiful reef, a handmade stand/canopy, and ONE power cord.

Equipment:
Single 15,000K MH bulb
Six moonlights
Two modified MJ400's
50W Heater (may be replaced with larger, depending on MH heat)
Tunze DOC 9002 skimmer
Upper & lower fans
AC Jr. w/ DC-8, PH & temp probe controlling it all
Provisions also made for extra flow, if needed

The lighting system was actually a dual MH, dual actinic system broken down from the 72G. The lighting should be good for a very diverse tank of LPS, SPS, or whatever else may look nice.

The MJ's will alternate every 3-4 minutes for changing, circular "wave" pattern. At ~1000gph each, they should provide enough flow to support many types of critters, depending on where they are placed with respect to flow.

Livestock:
Typical CUC - snails, hermits, cleaner shrimp
White BTA
Pair of clowns, possibly one or two other small fish or blood shrimp
Misc Zoas
SPS if paramaters will support
Other bright, misc LPS/softies as the tank sees fit

From here I'll let the pics do the talking. Keep in mind this was the first mock up, so nothing is finalized. I'm sure I left out quite a bit, so if you have questions, fire away!

Hood and stand, side-by-side -


Hood rear -


Hood door -


Looking up -


Rear equipment layout; skimmer to reside between the MJ's w/ baffles -


And finally, from the drawing board...


...to completion.


Thanks for lookin!
-Mike

[chrischris]

wow thats really cool i lve the stand and canopy work
cant wait to see it fully stocked

[JY13131]

Oh that is cool!!

[b16drag]

Looking sweet!

[miniwhinny]

Oh WOW !!! I'm so impressed (think I'll drop out of the build off after seeing that LOL) Well done, can't wait to see it stocked.

[Loverotties]

WOW! Amazing!

[Phishnoob]

That is amazing. Hope they have prizes for tenth place this year so I am eligible.

[VWD]

Very nice Tank

[Dego Red]

Thanks for all the compliments guys!

I still have quite a bit of equipment work to do, but I'll post up when the skimmer, screening and sealing is done. And wait till you see what I do with my 20lbs of Marco island dry rock...

[dobejazz]

Very Nice!!

[Doug1]

Very Nice, I have seen a few larger tanks set up similar to this but you have done a spiffy job pulling it off in a nano

[fish.freak]

Way to make us all look lazy two days into the contest!
Do you have any pics of the build Im sure everyone would love to see how you made such a sweet tank?

[fish.freak]

what type of LEDs are those?

[motorslave]

Wow, a standout build! Very nice work, and well thought out.

[Dego Red]

Originally Posted by Doug1

Very Nice, I have seen a few larger tanks set up similar to this but you have done a spiffy job pulling it off in a nano

Its funny you mention that - A friend/member here sent me the link to a 150G setup the same way, but I'd never seen them before. I just thought it was a nice way to make more viewing area from a small tank!

Originally Posted by fish.freak

Way to make us all look lazy two days into the contest!
Do you have any pics of the build Im sure everyone would love to see how you made such a sweet tank?

Haha...definately wasn't trying!

As I was building, I kept thinking "I should be taking pics of this..." Unfortunately it was time consuming trying to squeeze it between the holidays that I was just focused on getting it done.

A quick synopsis:
There's an upper and lower frame made from 2x2's (see pics). The lower 2x2's were shaved to let the ballast box slide in and out, and the forward door is removable via four screws for maintenance if necessary. After that, the two frames were covered with pine tongue and groove, and lined with trim. The vertical sections hiding the equipment are not secured, also for removal if necessary. The upper door just has the tongues removed, and hinges added. All parts were stained and polyurethaned individually before assembly.

Of course I'm over simplifying much of thought that went into all of this, but that's it in a nutshell.

As for the LED's, they may be Odyssea...not sure.

Originally Posted by motorslave

Wow, a standout build! Very nice work, and well thought out.

Why thanks ya!