DIY AIO 5gallon nano

[This guy is Extra Salty]

So I was a bit bored at work and was like hey let’s build something I figured why not better than dying of boredom..

I found a few pieces of acrylic and decided to make a “prototype” AIO.. about 15 minutes later coming off a laser cutter and some weld-on

Go ahead and critique it I know some of the pieces are not plumb but that’s just aesthetics.

After waiting 72 hours for the acrylic to fully cure, I water tested. With it full I do not have any sides that are bowing which is promising.

No leaks I’m going to see what I’m dealing with tomorrow, granted I used scalding hot water to test the seams as a factor for design failure.

I will update later this week

 

[pelphrey]

Looks great! It would take me 2 months of free time to build something this great!

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

Looks great! It would take me 2 months of free time to build something this great!

Thank you! It was a design that I was kicking around in my mind for the past couple of months. I used all scrap acrylic and built it during my lunch

I think my next thing is going to be a dosing container.

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

I managed to find a 90gph pump and got it up running it’s very nice using a laser cutter for exact measurements the flow going through the weird are sweet.. this might become a mini nem tank unless someone buys it lol

 

[theatrus]

I managed to find a 90gph pump and got it up running it’s very nice using a laser cutter for exact measurements the flow going through the weird are sweet.. this might become a mini nem tank unless someone buys it lol

Second the laser cutter and effectively just hitting print out of CAD.

My mere 30W would mostly take two passes with the thicker material but it also controls the fan-out kerf if you refocus on the second pass.

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

It is .220 material one pass on the laser is fine I didn’t want a fire but if I was running it on a thermwood I would’ve done a second pass it looks cleaner IMO.. but also i don’t like running thicker material on the laser but good to know

 

[theatrus]

It is .220 material one pass on the laser is fine I didn’t want a fire but if I was running it on a thermwood I would’ve done a second pass it looks cleaner IMO.. but also i don’t like running thicker material on the laser but good to know

Mine is an Epilog 12x24. .220 is about my limit too, still useful for small sumps.

 

[Ranjib]

Awesome

 

[Katrina71]

Is it for sale?

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

Is it for sale?

It will be, after I run a few more tests.


I’m planning on making a couple more as time permits me. PM me if your interested in one

 

[Diamond1]

I like it!
The only thing I see is the return pump outlet is higher than the weir teeth and will cause a lot of micro bubbles.
Maybe make the weir teeth shorter or add a baffle to the front of the teeth that is adjustable so you can raise the water level?

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

Thanks for the input I will make future ones with a lower return outlet.

But I found an extra hydor flow generator that works beautifully with the setup. No splashing or micro bubbles..

If it gets more traction I could make a media rack/insert for it also

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

A good friend of mine bought one of the prototypes for his store countertop and asked for a custom lid.

What do y’all think?
I think I might do the reverse etching on it cause it will make the image more crisp

Tank with lid:

paper weight:

(It was a test I accidentally cut the circle out on the lid and had to start over)

 

[theatrus]

I would have engraved the logo on the lower edge on the front panel. This may just cast some weird shadows when lighted

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

I would have engraved the logo on the lower edge on the front panel. This may just cast some weird shadows when lighted

They wanted it in the middle of the lid, precisely for the shadow/diffuser effect.

 

[Captain Quint]

I like this a lot. How many have you made?

My first two acrylic builds were rudimentary at best but my last was really nice.

I have some pics of it somewhere on the forum.

I do see you making these for sale and I believe you could/would sell some units.

 

[theatrus]

They wanted it in the middle of the lid, precisely for the shadow/diffuser effect.

Love to see some in action pics! Might be cool

 

[Diamond1]

Or a video!

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

I like this a lot. How many have you made?

My first two acrylic builds were rudimentary at best but my last was really nice.

I have some pics of it somewhere on the forum.

I do see you making these for sale and I believe you could/would sell some units.

I have made roughly 10 units of the 5 gallon that friends and family has purchased for their office, some paid a bit extra to have etching done on the back wall or lid.

Love to see some in action pics! Might be cool

I will let you know when my friend (Corallivore corals) uploads a pictures/video of it in action.

Thanks for all the input!

I’m making some minor changes. I’ll post a picture of the media insert that may/may not come with it. I’ll probably just up the price and include it.

 

[This guy is Extra Salty]

Sneak peek!
11 gallon AIO