Another nano reef tank build-off

[perpetual98]

I've been lurking over at reefs.org and they're doing a nano reef tank build-off. One of their main rules is that the 'system' can be no more than 20 gallons. Anything under that is fair game. (There's other rules as well, but that's just one of the major ones)

I would like to start a build off (basically because I'm looking for an excuse to set up a tank at work ) but all the people who participate will all start with the same tank.

I was thinking of a few different tanks. They'd all start off dry and couldn't be wet until May 1.

Some of the tanks (In order of my preference) are:

1. JBJ Nano-Cube 12 Original (I'm thinking of starting a group buy on these is enough people are interested)
2. AGA 10G (nice, cheap, found everywhere)
3. Minibow 7 (to be honest, I don't know much about them)
4. AGA 20H or 20L

Any other suggestions?

If anyone is interested, either post here or PM me. I'm working on setting up a little forum specifically for this little adventure.

Later!
Eric

[Cosine]

sounds like it could be fun
I have a 15g AGA empty

[perpetual98]

We're hammering out the details right now. We'll probably come up with the required tank(s) later this week.

Eric

[georgiajams]

I really like the JBJ NC12's. Looking for an excuse to get one. The mini-bow 7's seemed to be *the* nano tank to have just a year or two ago (and still provide a neat look). But those JBJ nano cubes seem to be really popular these days.

[Disco_Jr]

JBJ 24gal Nano DX this tank is 4 gal too big but i love it we set one up 4 months ago and its looking great
40lb live rock
20lb live sand
1 open brain
1 alveoapora or how ever u spell it
9 green mushroom anemones
2 turbo snails
3 margarita snails
7-9 hermits all kinds
1 emerald crab
1 cardinal cleaner shrimp
1 yellow tail blue damsil

soon to get
xeina
true perc clown 1-2
6 line wrass
purple and yelloy fishy i dont rember the name
more asorted corals

http://http://www.clan-gba.com/dj/my...l/IMG_0083.JPG
this is an older pic

[georgiajams]

this is an older pic

Link doesn't seem to work.

[iamdickie]

nano cube 12g jbj

[OodleyBoodely]

how about 2g AGA or 2g hex? I was just planning to try the hex out and have already started planning plumbing, and lighting. Or is this limited to 10-20g size tanks? I have a 20h in storage, I guess I could use it, but I would rather go smaller.

[jeepjon]

How about a 5g standard tank. You can then go from there...with no more than 20 gallons total size...i.e.-no 75 gallon sump on a 5 gallon tank.
How's that sound?
It's not too expensive for our little build off...so that anyone, i.e.-med students can start off too!

[jeepjon]

what will the build off be? i.e-any theme, or just go with it!

[VWD]

So have You guys worked out all the details on Your Nano tank Build off, The size of thank, sump and all or was it 5 gallon with 20 gallon total water, Keep us informed and have a start date and all. Sounds like a good idea and fun at the same time.


Vince

[perpetual98]

There's been a decided lack of interest in the build off. A lot of people excited initally, then the same people not wanting to play by the "rules"

[VWD]

well i was just wondering how it was going to work out . I have never done that small of a tank and was thinking it was a good way to try it, but I am with You as You have to have everyone follow the rules to make it work and be fun.


Vince

[WestPat]

I have one of the 2g hexes, and also a 3g cube. The 2g acts as a counter top refugium with calerpa growing in it, and a couple of mushrooms. I just use the undergravel filter that was included with it, along with a 10w 6500k PC bulb that Wal Mart sells. It has its own ballast and it works great.

My 3g is on the kitchen counter, and has a penguin power filter on it and a halogen desk lamp for now, until I can get a PC bulb for it. I also cut a piece of plexi to prevent evaporation.

I kind of cheat with it though, because I just change 1g of water out of my 75g into it once a week to prevent algae growth.

It has zoo's and a big mushroom, about 3lbs of rock, 2" live sandbed, peppermint shrimp and emerald crab.

Anyway, I would reccomend the AGA 2g hex for a desktop. The key to keeping it going(3yrs) is using calerpa as a nutrient remover. Just harvest the calerpa as needed.

Each of these have about 30-40$ invested into them, and they make for very enjoyable viewing.

Just my two cents on very small nanos.
David

[yardboy]

Is this the only thread about the build-off, as I didn't see anyone not playing by the rules? Anyway, I'd love to get involved. I've been tinkering with the idea of a one coral tank with a group of yellow coral gobies. They are quite cool fish, and so nice contrasting with say an A. vallida.

I've also got an idea for a "ghetto setup" which uses materials found at Home Depot, or on a similar theme, a setup made with only materials sold by a sponsor, so that we could lure some prize money?
I also want to build a setup that centers on a mangrove. I've got a bunch of mangroves I've not allowed to root in the sand, so they are sending out aerials which could look really cool in a mangrove swamp setup.
Perpetual, can we get together and set up the rules, or is there some "nano-club" that I've got to go through.
Personally, I think any size from 0-20 gallons total would do it. Anything bigger isn't normally considered nano-, is it? Have a starting date for when water can be put in the tank, have the contest run for a year, with periodic updates. Have each contestant start a thread for their tank. Some prize at the end, like "Nano-King of the World" or maybe something more modest, like a frag pack, contributed by contestants or sponsors?
Anyway, I'll be glad to help as I've needed an excuse to do this, and I did see some of the threads on other boards, and was impressed by some, and dismayed by others.
Let the Nano games begin!