70G Shroom Tank and Workspace

[NanoCrazed]

Finally got around to finishing the stand for my dedicated shroom setup. 70G DT + 30G sump.

Originally had a whole "pimp my ride" version of a tank stand build planned but wife was adamant that I don't skin the stand, even though this is in my version of a man-cave (detached office). So I had to can the drawer with work surface and storage for my fragging tools and plugs, etc. Though, I may add a hidden sliding table later. At least I managed to get my lounge chair in front so I can chillax and watch shrooms all day... more on that later...

I did, however, extend the design at the last minute by another 12" width-wise to leave room for a grow out / experiment tank...ormaybe I will move one of my other nano tanks next to it...(strongly considering my nem tank upgrade to go here).

I went with the usual 2x4 design with crossbeams top and bottom, with a 1/2" birch plywood topper on each.

One coat primer and two coats semi-gloss black, plus a thick 1/4" yoga mat from Walmart ($34, and cheaper than the DIY mat from BRS) cut to fit under the tank and sump forsmoothing purposes finished off the structural setup for the primary system.

Planning on using the space below for my ATO reservoir, and might move my current shroom nano there for special grow out or QT.

Plumbing will be next...

Equipment:

70G acrylic frag tank , 3 overflow baffles + return
30G eshops sump
300W Fluval E300 heater
Jebao DCP3000 return

Haven't decided about whether to use a skimmer. Bought a vertex but may use this on my larger DT upgrade build (though found a 65G setup for a great price so may save $$ and go 65G vs the 85G setup, excluding sump... decided to give up my Red Sea 625 XXL dream to leave more room for other dedicated species tanks
.. but I digress)

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

This looks great so far! Nice and simple

 

[NanoCrazed]

After spending hours at Lowe's/ OSH / HD, I finally manage to get everything I needed to plumb... but after doing a test fit, I realized that there wasn't enough space for hard plumbing a bean animal without scooting up the tank more than I wanted.

Plus two of the elbows already installed in the bulkheads wouldn't come out, and I didn't have the time to get new ones to replace.

So, would up ditching a full bean animal and modifying it a bit to work with my setup /constraints. One full bean animal drain and happy mediums for the secondary andemergency...and using mostly PVC soft tubing.

Aquascape-wise, I wanted to go with as much of a lagoon biotope as possible -- it is a shroom tank after all . For starters I put two anchorrocks in the corners with one of them poking out of the surface...just need to be mindful of the water line in a power out so I keepshrooms below that.

Did my first full and system test last night to dial in the sump and flow... everything lookspretty good!

Still need to figure out my light mounting situation with this eurobrace on the tank...

Here's a shot of what my tank experience is ultimately going to be... my favorite comfy chair from RH in front. And debating onwhether to install a sliding working surface for working in front...or holding cold bevvies

Eye level shot, sitting in my chair

 

[NanoCrazed]

Couldn't decide on arrangement so for now grouped by electus/jb/kryptonites; discos; riccs; named bounces; bounces with potential; misc rhodactis ; st Thomas

 

[NanoCrazed]

Natural sunlight lit tank during the day... saving $$ on lighting! And, the shrooms seem to love it...

 

[NanoCrazed]

Ugh. Just got home from a long trip work trip to discover some of my shrooms and bounces melted. my ATO hiccupped and the salinity in my tank was 1.035 sg

Sigh....

 

[Ahbaloch]

What ato do you have?

And how long were u gone for,