Dave's "Junk" Nano in 90

dtpollard · May 27, 2012

I had originally had this going through a cycle and kept having problems so I took it down due to another large project. I took it to a local club meeting recently where it was a hit as my portable frag display (worked fast in a pinch even with only 1/3 of the lights working). I will start to post pics as the work progresses this weekend. I thought I would revive this project for the contest.
Here is my original first photo to get it started.

BarbH · May 27, 2012

Awesome Dave, looking forward to seeing what you do with this :D

danielsreefs · May 27, 2012

That's really cool look good lucky cant wait to see how it comes out

revsgirl · May 27, 2012

That's awesome!! Lookin' forward to seeing it come along! :)

Manners · May 27, 2012

Wow very creative!!!!

revhtree · May 27, 2012

HAHA! YES! I can't wait for this seriously.

saltwaternoob · May 27, 2012

Way better use then the bucket Skimmer!

saltwaternoob · May 27, 2012

You have a DIY?

sprinklerdudes · May 27, 2012

pretty cool, where did you find the acrylic?

mallorieGgator · May 27, 2012

Win for originality for sure! lol! I can't wait to see how this turns out!

dtpollard · May 27, 2012

Thanks everyone. I really like this little guy too. The acrylic was a pharm co. trash that I saved. I had trouble with my old lights which were salvaged from old coralife fixtures. At work last week I had to replace a bunch of light fixtures that were 13 watt CF so I am going to use those ballasts with 9watt CF bulbs. It will have 2 10K and 4 Actinics and a couple LED night lights if the budget allows. I have the rock work in my sump currently to reduce the cycle time. I plan on working on the lights tonight so I will post some more pics. This is a complicated system and the new cambered sump will help things alot plus I just ordered a JBJ Nano-Zap for it too.

dtpollard · May 27, 2012

Here is the link to the original build thread.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/nano-reefs/83086-daves-junk-nano.html

dtpollard · May 28, 2012

Worked on this a bit tonight so I took some pics.
First part of the cooling system: Antec 3 speed 12V PC fan.

This shows the exterior cooling intake vents. I used where the handles were because the bucket has two layers there so by cutting them this way nothing can get out not even much light but the air flows in as directed.

This shows the vents on the inside. The lower vents are where most of the air will enter the canopy. Designed this way to increase water contact with the freshest coolest air. Just on the other side of the acrylic sheild in the half cut PVC air connector you can see a few small air slits designed to pull heat away from the bulbs; you cant see the upper exterior slits from the inside because they are behind the PVC.

Here are the new (used) 13 watt ballasts that will run the 9 watt bulbs. Still gotta wire them up but got them mounted.

fishguy95 · May 28, 2012

This tank is very interesting and very creative. Can we see some pics of the filtration. Do you still have the same rock work as in the old thread?

wysiwyg · May 28, 2012

goodluck in the contest love your creativity dave

Mike&Terry · May 29, 2012

Love your ingenuity, Dave! Looking forward to following your progress.

-Mike & Terry

dtpollard · Jun 11, 2012

Well I got the lights working today. It took a little creativity but they all fired. 1 10K, 1 50/50, and 4 Actinics. All 9 watt PC. Perfect 3 to 1 ratio. :)

dtpollard · Jun 11, 2012

I am going to try to start my coral plan so I do not exceed the limit.
Livestock Plan start.

Frogspawn
Green/Purple 2 heads $30
Nuclear Green 1 head $15

Mushrooms
Blue Disco 2 polyp $20
Red/Blue Dot Disco 1 polyp $10

Palys
Nuclear Green Paly 3 polyps $15
Purple Death Paly 3 polyps $15

Acans
Common 4 heads $20
Nice 3 heads $30

Favia
Red/Green War $25
Prism $25

MISC.
Meteor Shower Cyphastrea $25
Nuc Green Candy 4 heads $25

Chalices
BGM 2 eyes $40
Miami Hurricane 4 eyes $50
4 Color WM 2 eyes $40

to be continued. :)