CalmSeasQuest's 2012 Desktop Build

**anemonekeeper** · 02-19-2012, 02:35 PM

That is one cool nano. It is really well organised, and you definitely used the overflow space very well. If I were you, I would put a wooden box over the filtration end to hide averything, and stain it the color of your desk.

**skinz78** · 02-19-2012, 02:49 PM

Very cool, I was subscribed to your last build and I'm really looking forward to this one!

**CalmSeasQuest** · 02-20-2012, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by gar732

Good stuff! Love the DIYs. I can't wait to see the scape.

Thanks - Me Too!

Originally Posted by anemonekeeper

That is one cool nano. It is really well organised, and you definitely used the overflow space very well. If I were you, I would put a wooden box over the filtration end to hide averything, and stain it the color of your desk.

Thanks, I've considered covering the overflow, but I think the the Mangroves will cover some of, and improve the look of the mechanics.

Originally Posted by skinz78

Very cool, I was subscribed to your last build and I'm really looking forward to this one!

Thanks skinz - I'm hoping this will be a fun one.

I'm pleased to report the little skimmer is "rocking." Although there is little to skim a this point, it's functioning well with about half an ounce of light-colored skimmate in the bottle.

I didn't have as much time as hoped today to work on the tank. The Elos Osmocontroller that I had planned to install today shipped without a return line (unlike it's Tunze counterpart.) After wasting time trying to figure out a way to get it installed with what I had on-hand, I shoved it back in its box and re-installed the Tunze Osmolator which has ran perfectly for the past year.

It appears the cycle is well underway (I'm running the tank at 82 degrees to promote bacterial growth.) The ammonia dosed on Friday that raised the tank to 3ppm is gone, measuring zero with no nitrites detected today. I once again raised the ammonia level to 3ppm today and I'll check it again on Wednesday. It appears the seeded Marine Pure coupled with Dr. Tims bacteria are working well. At this rate, the tank might be ready for livestock in about a week.

**bige** · 02-20-2012, 11:34 PM

That is sweet. You really put a ton of work into this nano. Well done! Just the few inches you showed us left me wanting more. The skimmer is sweet. Where did you come up with the design?

**CalmSeasQuest** · 02-20-2012, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by bige

That is sweet. You really put a ton of work into this nano. Well done! Just the few inches you showed us left me wanting more. The skimmer is sweet. Where did you come up with the design?

Thanks bige - There are a few that are similar - Glazer makes a skimmer very similar to this, but smaller. The Mame skimmer is also somewhat similar but much smaller and very expensive for what it is. The design is basically a miniaturized, airstone-driven version of the Tunze Foam Extraction unit that I use on a 9006 with great success.

**CalmSeasQuest** · 02-22-2012, 12:20 PM

I may have been a bit overoptimistic on the cycle progress. Today I measured .25 Ammonia / 0 Nitrates remaining from the 3ppm dosed on Monday, so we still have a ways to go. I added more ammonia to bring it back to 3ppm and I'll retest on Friday.

Despite there being very little bio-load in the tank, the little skimmer continues to impress...

**cdness** · 02-22-2012, 12:49 PM

Looks really cool! I like the thin and long design and you sure know how to fit lots of equipment in a small space. I think that's one of the most professional looking nanos I've seen in a long time.

**revhtree** · 02-22-2012, 05:09 PM

Very cool!

**CalmSeasQuest** · 02-27-2012, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by cdness

Looks really cool! I like the thin and long design and you sure know how to fit lots of equipment in a small space. I think that's one of the most professional looking nanos I've seen in a long time.

Thanks cdness - I enjoy working with the dimensions on these tanks.

Originally Posted by revhtree

Very cool!

Thanks Rev

The cycle continues - Dosed ammonia back to 3 PPM, strangely although the Ammonia is largely gone in 48 hours, I'm not able to measure any Nitrites. I'm hoping that is due to the pre-cycled Marine Pure. With any luck, I'll be able to retrieve the Picassos from Tal shortly.

Here are a couple quick shots of the display area, although they may generate more questions than answers...

**CalmSeasQuest** · 02-29-2012, 02:50 PM

Ammonia 0
Nitrites .50
Nitrates 10 (5~10 - My eyes aren't sharp enough to tell the difference with API test kits.)

Getting closer - Again added ammonia to bring the tank back up to 3ppm. Hopefully I'll be able to knock out a water change and begin installations early next week.