Nano Cube rebuild

RiaanP

RiaanP

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another project :thumbup:

I received a nano tank from NJ.
Well a old tank. Can not look a gift horse in the mouth.

Anyway stand. Most likely need a new top, or throw away.

10944e7f91a40f9af.jpg


But the problem is that the back glass is cracked. Was drilled for sump outlet, but it cracked most likely because it was over tighten or bumped against the bulkhead.

10944e7f91a3f1e9a.jpg


Here, she is naked - stripped.
 
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Interested to see what you are going to do with this! :)
*tags along*
 
what are the plans for it Riaan?
 
Most likely be a counter top tank. In kitchen.

First have to see what skimmer I can get that will work nicely.
 
Seahorses.... that is an idea.

Plans.
I will built this tank up, and give it away to a friend. Got it for free. Friend have to get whatever extra is needed. Will see what I can throw in at the deal. I got basically everything extra.

But what I need

  • New back glass - no problem
  • Skimmer? anybody know what fit, even if its external or behind the tank. I'm redoing the back panel anyway, so If I can get something in that can work. Any ideas please.
  • Small circulation pumps. Seio perhaps. Maybe 2, depending on what I get out of the return pump.
  • Return pump
  • 2 new 39W PL tubes (white plus actinic combined)
Have to figure out why the built in LEDs or night globes does not work.

But first anybody with skimmer ideas?
 
Why not just drill the back glass then the friend can plumb a small sump with a TS1
 
Tank most likely will be on the kitchen cabinet.

And the back glass was drilled. Cracked due to the fitting either being over tight or bumped against. Do not want to built it up only to end up exactly where it started.
 
Tank rebuild. Back pane refitted and the sump plastic goodie back in place

10944e88919e06287.jpg


could not get my hands in to neatly do the silicone on the plastic goodie, but this is the back of the tank and I do not care ;)

10944e88919def104.jpg
 
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belindamotion said:
Did you adjust the size for a Skimmer to fit..? Or kept the original size..?
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kept the original.
I used a dremmel and removed the inside edge of the rim above the centre chamber Skimmer fits in easier. And my hands can go in as well. I have to cut the skimmer suction legs off to make it narrower.
already built a bridge support out of eggcrate that will act as a floor for skimmer to stand on. With bio balls and ceramic rings underneath. Well, so far that is the idea. Skimmer fits in nicely with just enough clearance to close the lid. Will post better pictures when I do the wet test.
 
Would that be the 3rd Chamber..? I was told that if a Skimmer fit's to "snug" you "restrict" the flow..which basically defeats the main objective..is that so..?
 
Second chamber, skimmer is 8cm wide, chamber is 15cm wide, more than enough flow past the skimmer.

will test it, if I can get the skimmer into first chamber, that will be a bonus. But yes, then it might restrict the flow a bit.
 
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looking good there!

i modded my little skimmer with a better venturi and pump, works like a charm, but i do 25L every 2 weeks

what lighting you going go with?
 
dallasg said:
what lighting you going go with?
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the default is 2* 36W PL tubes. Actinic and 10 000K combo. Most likely would use it as is.

The LEDs does not work. Hood in the car. Hopefully I'm able to stop by Communica this afternoon to see if I can get replacements. Electronics + DIY + my hands does not go too well. I can do everything else, but not electronics.
 
i wouldnt even get the LEDs working but rather add a 10w T8 actinic tube for night lights, those 2 little LED did nothing
 
dallasg said:
i wouldnt even get the LEDs working but rather add a 10w T8 actinic tube for night lights, those 2 little LED did nothing
Click to expand...
OK, the LEDs should just give enough light for night time viewing. Moon light. Or is it not even worthwhile?

The light unit got an external ballast. With two wires of 5 core (if I remember now correctly), entering the hood. It drives a small PC board inside the hood, that drives the fans and those two little LEDs. The LEDs are wired from PC board to LED 1 to switch on the hood to LED 2 back to PC board. If you switch the ballast off (got its own switch at the side) then the fans also stop, but the LED part do have 12V power.

Putting the ballast on a timer, then all power will be lost. That is the stupid part. The LEDs can be switched via the button on the top.

With my fast electronic background, that's what I figure out.

So yes, I already thought about driving the LEDs via another line coming in. If I have to do that, I can just as well spend the effort in adding a small T5/8 actinic or LED strip that is just enough for night time viewing.

@dallasg any other ideas around the lights?
 
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i left the 2 compact FL in there, i moved them to make space for another one, using a normal t8 ballast, i also added a t8 actinic 10w, then with that i was able to keep some plating monti and birdsnest in there with LPS etc

i am thinking of adding a 150w MH above the tank, with 30cm space in between, supplimented with 4 10w t8's
 
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