Raymond G's 10 Gallon Nano

[Raymond Gathright]

After several years in the hobby, and learning just enough to get myself into some serious trouble ;-) I've decided to try my hand at a nano, for grins and giggles.
This is just a basic 10 gallon setup, with a standard heater, HOB filter, and a hood with 9 white LEDs. I've painted the back black and sealed it.
I've added 20 pounds of black sand and about 11 or 12 pounds of rock... I'll probably add another 5 or 10 before it's done. I'm in no rush, Its actually been cycling for a few months now.
I'm giving serious thought to making my own protein skimmer, based on the ReefOctopus design. I do fine scale modeling, so I think I can work this out.
I'll end up adding blues and probably some multi-colored LEDs. Each set up on timers. I'll see how that works and go from there.
I know I should have started this build thread a bit sooner. Still,

I'm going to take my time and have fun with it.
Thanks, Raymond

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Congrats on the nano build, it's looking nice!

 

[KorD]

Looks nice so far. I built a large pill bottle skimmer when I had my 3 gal nano. I am glad I started my hand in saltwater with such a small tank. It makes having a larger tank now a breeze..[emoji23]
Is there a reason you want to add more rock work? I like the look of what you have now.

 

[Raymond Gathright]

Looks nice so far. I built a large pill bottle skimmer when I had my 3 gal nano. I am glad I started my hand in saltwater with such a small tank. It makes having a larger tank now a breeze..[emoji23]
Is there a reason you want to add more rock work? I like the look of what you have now.

I don't know, honestly. I'm coming over from a 75 gallon, and it just looks light to me. That, and I don't know if I like the dark piece in the middle.
I may take it out and replace it with a slightly heavier piece, with more holes. My ultimate goal is to have a few firefish in the water column, along with a pistol shrimp and perhaps a bonded pair of very small shrimp gobys.

 

[John Neuzil]

More rock

 

[KorD]

I don't know, honestly. I'm coming over from a 75 gallon, and it just looks light to me. That, and I don't know if I like the dark piece in the middle.
I may take it out and replace it with a slightly heavier piece, with more holes. My ultimate goal is to have a few firefish in the water column, along with a pistol shrimp and perhaps a bonded pair of very small shrimp gobys.

Like you said you are moving from a 75.. remember rock takes up volume, more rock means less critters. You might be able to add another 2 pounds or so or rubble rock, but I would not do more then that.