Secret Santa Nano Build Give Away!

[VSVP bet]

Hello All,

I though the R2R secret Santa idea was great. Recently I have sold a lot of my old aquarium gear (filters, old tanks, lights, etc.) and have accumulated some funding. The only thing I didn't sell was a 5gallon marineland cube. After contemplating what I would give for the secret Santa, I decided to give the tank away and use the money I made from selling used equipment to fund the build. I encourage everyone to sign up for the R2R secret santa, it seems like a fun idea.

Here is the link to sign up. The directions are simple.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/r2r-secret-santa-2018-official-registration-thread.507489/

So, here I will show off the build. I will redo the tank with a new pump, light, and filtration system. It will be the perfect desk aquarium. Who ever I get for secret Santa, will receive this tank shipped in time for Christmas!


Below is the tank.

I started the deconstruction last night. I removed the back panel and assessed the filtration section.

The next step is to re seal the glass and start planning the new and improved filtration system. I have done many AIO tanks so this system will not just be thrown together. I promise by the end of this build, it will be a perfect nano system.

I encourage all suggestions and everyone to sign up for secret santa !

 

[dantimdad]

Very cool!

You rock!

 

[Oscaror]

This is awesome! +Respect

 

[Sorcha2]

That's so sweet.

 

[VSVP bet]

I guess step one is to check the seals, so far so good. I'm going to let it sit full for 2/3 days. As it is a small tank, I have already made good headway with the new filtration system.

I ordered a new pump and light, will post pictures as they arrive.

 

[VSVP bet]

Made a lot of progress this weekend, the light should arrive tomorrow with the pump (took advantage of black Friday). My question is has anyone ever shipped a tank like this? I will likely pack it in foam or something to that degree, I want to make sure it arrives to the person intact. Thanks.

 

[dantimdad]

I have never shipped one maybe @reefsquad can help.

 

[VSVP bet]

The light arrived. It is an ABI 12W bulb. Since this is a give away tank, I didnt want to break the bank on something like an AI light or a Kessil (i think this can be understood), so to stay on budget, I ordered this bulb. I was actually very impressed on the quality of the light. My goal was to allow someone to setup a softie, LPS, mushroom dominant tank, this light will definitely achieve this result. I am constructing the fixture as we speak. Pictures soon to come.

The filter overhaul is also going well, just waiting on the pump before I silicone in the new AIO system.

 

[dantimdad]

I hope you get me. I need a nano on my desk the opposite side of the planted tank.

 

[andyg1960]

I might have to step up my $20 worth of Snickers gift.....

 

[VSVP bet]

@dantimdad that would look cool, we will find out soon enough!

 

[dantimdad]

Lemme just tell you that you got me and save us the suspense. LOL!

 

[VSVP bet]

Here is the light on the tank. It gets great coverage, no dark spots at all. It is a really deep whitish blue, perfect for LPS and softies.

I have started on the filtration system. If you scroll up, you can see what the back of the filter panel looked like before. I notched out the foot for the media slide. I do not know why it was a solid piece, to begin with, it seems to really obstruct water flow and filtration, but no more. Also, I removed the bars from the back of the panel, I am going to install two acrylic baffles, allowing for a heater to reside in the second chamber. I will post the new and improved media slide once it sets.

 

[JoshH]

I might have to step up my $20 worth of Snickers gift.....

I'll take that ;Drool

 

[VSVP bet]

I might have to step up my $20 worth of Snickers gift.....

Id take that aswell!

 

[VSVP bet]

Made a lot of progress this weekend and the nano is looking good. Pictures soon to follow. As the secret santa messages have gone out, I know who the lucky winner is.

 

[siggy]

Made a lot of progress this weekend and the nano is looking good. Pictures soon to follow. As the secret santa messages have gone out, I know who the lucky winner is.

Very Nice! Merry Christmas