CJ's PNW Micro Reef-Ready Tank (40oz)

[Shanel]

I just finished building my PNW Micro Reef-Ready Tank (40oz), and I’m really excited about how it turned out! I started by installing a white and red LED bar for the refugium. I added a small piece of cheato to help with filtration, and then I set up the AutoAqua Smart Level Security on the return pump to prevent overflow in the display tank.


Next, I tackled some wire management by securing everything with clips to keep things neat. For the aquascaping, I took some Aquaforest rock and flat-cut the backs before using MarcoRocks mortar to attach them to the back wall. I made sure to cover both the overflow and water return pipe with rock. I also found a small rock to fit a frag plug and used some mortar to create a hole for it.


As part of the aquascape, I mixed my cat CJ’s ashes into the MarcoRocks mortar to create a memorial reef in his honor. It’s a peaceful tribute — now a part of the reef where new life will grow — and it brings me a sense of comfort to have him with me in this way.


After that, I added sand to the bottom and filled the tank with water to start the cycling process.


I’m not entirely happy with how blue the light is right now, so I’ve ordered a new one, though I’m not sure if it’ll fit or work properly. Finding the right light for this tank has been a challenge. I’m also researching options for a clean-up crew that will fit in the tank.

 

[kingranch2003]

I just finished building my PNW Micro Reef-Ready Tank (40oz), and I’m really excited about how it turned out! I started by installing a white and red LED bar for the refugium. I added a small piece of cheato to help with filtration, and then I set up the AutoAqua Smart Level Security on the return pump to prevent overflow in the display tank.


Next, I tackled some wire management by securing everything with clips to keep things neat. For the aquascaping, I took some Aquaforest rock and flat-cut the backs before using MarcoRocks mortar to attach them to the back wall. I made sure to cover both the overflow and water return pipe with rock. I also found a small rock to fit a frag plug and used some mortar to create a hole for it.


As part of the aquascape, I mixed my cat CJ’s ashes into the MarcoRocks mortar to create a memorial reef in his honor. It’s a peaceful tribute — now a part of the reef where new life will grow — and it brings me a sense of comfort to have him with me in this way.


After that, I added sand to the bottom and filled the tank with water to start the cycling process.


I’m not entirely happy with how blue the light is right now, so I’ve ordered a new one, though I’m not sure if it’ll fit or work properly. Finding the right light for this tank has been a challenge. I’m also researching options for a clean-up crew that will fit in the tank.

Man, let me say that I love the memorial idea. It'll be cool to have your buddy there with you while you reef!
Is the sand live sand? Or are you seeding the tank with anything to start the cycling process?
Im looking forward to seeing what your plans are with the tank, and watching CJ's Reef come to life!

 

[Shanel]

Man, let me say that I love the memorial idea. It'll be cool to have your buddy there with you while you reef!
Is the sand live sand? Or are you seeding the tank with anything to start the cycling process?
Im looking forward to seeing what your plans are with the tank, and watching CJ's Reef come to life!

I used the sand and water from my other tank. I have a few rocks seeding In my other tank. Then I will add those rocks to the sump. Between the sand and water this should start the cycle.

 

[kingranch2003]

I used the sand and water from my other tank. I have a few rocks seeding In my other tank. Then I will add those rocks to the sump. Between the sand and water this should start the cycle.

Absolutely! Good luck my friend.

 

[UncommonSense]

These are hilarious! I actually found them a few months back when making my first “aquarium” for practice!

Total water volume: 8oz!

 

[kingranch2003]

These are hilarious! I actually found them a few months back when making my first “aquarium” for practice!

Total water volume: 8oz!

I have an aiptasia that would stress that.

 

[UncommonSense]

I have an aiptasia that would stress that.

I built it as a 1:12 scale 180g!

Though; it would have 3” thick glass if that was also to scale…

 

[kingranch2003]

I built it as a 1:12 scale 180g!

Though; it would have 3” thick glass if that was also to scale…

Oh you made it? That's actually really cool. 3" thick would hold the Aiptasia and the rest of my tank. What did you put in it?

 

[UncommonSense]

Oh you made it? That's actually really cool. 3" thick would hold the Aiptasia and the rest of my tank. What did you put in it?

I gave it to my LFS! They currently have a fake cockroach in it on the checkout counter, but I’ve been looking at some low mL flow rate USB powered micro peristaltic pumps, and USB lighting to stick a single freshwater shrimp in it!

 

[kingranch2003]

I gave it to my LFS! They currently have a fake cockroach in it on the checkout counter, but I’ve been looking at some low mL flow rate USB powered micro peristaltic pumps, and USB lighting to stick a single freshwater shrimp in it!

I have no experience with them, but that would be an interesting build. I've heard good things about Fluigent.
I was thinking. Put one stratosphere colony in there and worry about it non stop.

 

[Shanel]

These are hilarious! I actually found them a few months back when making my first “aquarium” for practice!

Total water volume: 8oz!

Lol, I tried to breakdown a 40b and reseal it. It didn't go well. I broke one of the side panels and sliced my finger. I've siliconed plenty of baffles but never a tank. I've been thinking about adding some euro bracing to one if my tanks.

 

[Shanel]

I have an aiptasia that would stress that.

I don't know how these things survive. Just when you think you got them all a baby shows up somewhere.

 

[Shanel]

Have you seen these shrimp before. It says they get 1/4" max. If that's the case they might be ok to put in this tank.

CA Mini Reef Cleaner Shrimp (Self-Reproducing)

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I have this same tank! My wife and I absolutely love ours so I will be following along!

 

[kingranch2003]

I don't know how these things survive. Just when you think you got them all a baby shows up somewhere.

Somewhere on the exact opposite side of the tank too! Yeah, then you have to find an eradication method that works for your tank. I tried the peppermint shrimp route. He definitely ate aiptasia, but he also liked to nip at lps. Oh the struggle..

 

[Shanel]

Somewhere on the exact opposite side of the tank too! Yeah, then you have to find an eradication method that works for your tank. I tried the peppermint shrimp route. He definitely ate aiptasia, but he also liked to nip at lps. Oh the struggle..

I have no foolproof method. You do need to stay diligent in looking for new ones until the problem is solved. This is a long battle not to won in a week. All my frags except a few are removable. If they end up on a plug then I just remove the frag and use superglue and cover the entire aiptasia. When I find them on the rocks, 2 ways of doing this but both require shutting off flow. If alk and ca is down I use a very thick paste of kalkwasser. I cover the entire aiptasia. Leave pumps off for like 30 mins. Option 2 is mix some 2 part epoxy roll it into a ball put some superglue on it and put the epoxy and glue right on top of it. Just bury it in superglue and epoxy. I normally don't use a big piece cause after a few weeks you'll want to pick it off the rock.

 

[Shanel]

I have this same tank! My wife and I absolutely love ours so I will be following along!

If you have any suggestions to make this better let me know. I don't know much about this tank yet. The lighting is an issue right now. Need to get that fixed. I just don't like it completely blue all the time. Hard to see any details if there is too much blue

 

[UncommonSense]

If you have any suggestions to make this better let me know. I don't know much about this tank yet. The lighting is an issue right now. Need to get that fixed. I just don't like it completely blue all the time. Hard to see any details if there is too much blue

A cheap mini desk lamp to supplement the factory blue light perhaps?

 

[Shanel]

A cheap mini desk lamp to supplement the factory blue light perhaps?

I had the same basic idea of getting another small led to offset the blue. I measured the par using an apex par meter. It actually got some crazy high numbers. If I put the light just above the top of the water it was over 500 at about 25% from the bottom. The sensor takes that much height when put on the bottom. When I put the light the farthest distance from the top of the water it still read 115. I thought that was really strange. I ordered this light from Amazon to see what it could do. I might be able to turn up the blues and turn down the whites and still have enough light. Won't know until I try it. It says it's for a 6 to 10 inch tank. This tank is 5.5 inches so hopefully it will work.

 

[Shanel]

So this is how it turned out. The light was about an inch too long. I cut slots in the plastic housing to fit the top of the tank. Also had to cut the ends down on the light bracket to slide them closer together. I plan on filling all the gaps and sealing the light housing with some silicone. I cut a slot in the lid for the overflow sensor. The blue lights are turned all the way up and the white light is at it's minimum setting. It's a little on the blue side right now. I need to get a par reading to see what will grow in there. It's all powered by a smart power strip running on smartthings.