Custom 15 Gallon Nano Reef Tank (update 12-09)

[fmontemarano]

that is one nice setup

[NeverEndzz]

Hi, you have a nice tank. I am new to this hobby as I plan to start with 15 gal tank as well. Through your video, I didn't see you use a chiller for your system. How could you maintain your tank temperature for your reef within the ideal temperature range?

[markkrieg]

@NeverEndzz The CF lighting system doesn't put out excessive amounts of heat. A 100 watt heater in the sump is all that's required to keep this at a constant temp. Usually a chiller is used when you have MH lighting adding excessive heat to your tank.

[karlek110188]

beautiful small tank dude....

[Arteolike]

where did you get your overflow box?

[markkrieg]

@Arteolike That's just a drip. It was a 2 gallon water container I got at a local grocery store and I fabricated it to work as a trip tank for top-off. There are no switches and pumps... just a simple DIY drip tank.

[Arteolike]

@markkrieg i mean the OVERFLOW, you know the thing in the back that the water overflows to the stand pipe, into the sump?

[markkrieg]

@Arteolike Oh, the overflow was totally fabricated from a black piece of plexiglass. Holes were drilled near the top and then a Dremel was used to cut them into squares (I don't have a router). The squares aren't too even, but you can't notice when water is running through. Then a heat gun was used to soften the plexi to shape/bend the corners. A hair dryer would also work, but take longer.

[Arteolike]

@markkrieg Thanks. Whats kind of funny if the light is almost as large as the lank and the filter is even bigger.

[markkrieg]

@Arteolike Well, light is very important... and using compact florescent, it takes a lot to emulate something close to a stronger light source. I'm now using LEDs and T5. The large filter/sump increases the water volume. The more water volume, the less sensitivity to changes in salinity, Ph, etc. Also, the less maintenance! I know a guy with little 2 gallon pico tanks sporting an 18 to 20 gallon sump! Small display tank keeps costs down and bio-load down. Large water volume - less maintenance!

[cainemansion125]

fucking awesome!!!!!!!!

[thurrmac]

excellent reef man... good job... my envy ;)

[TheUofAfan]

beautiful setup I would love to get all the specs on that and build one like it.

[markkrieg]

@TheUofAfan What specs are you interested in? I'd be glad to help.

[TheUofAfan]

@markkrieg Where did you buy the tank and did it come with the overflow? Also I have never set up a refugium but need a little help with plumbing any advice?

[Bubbleboy501]

wow that is the biggest light I have ever seen on top of a fish tank. I have a 18 gallon turtle tank and I have like a light 2/3 the size and it works perfectly. I love my little painted turtle. so cute. too bad they only live about 30-40 years, I want them to live my whole life!! :)

[patsfan99]

nice tank

wow you use expensive supplements

look up bulk reef supply

you will save tons of cash to spend in your tank

[tvshowuploader3]

Does turbo calcium helps corals to grow? how much drops and ml u use to feed the corals? what kind of water do u use????

[markkrieg]

@tvshowuploader3 Thanks for viewing! I'm not familiar with turbo calcium. I use C-balance (parts A & B) to help supplement. Calcium need depends on how many corals and invertebrates you have that require it. It's best to buy a test kit and determine your need from that. I use 1ml dose of both parts A & B about twice a week in the vase, which is 1 gal. water mix made from Tropic Marin Pro-Reef salt and RODI water. I feed the corals live phytoplankton that I grow, and also Kent Zooplex.

[jkennedy1007]

wow very nice set-up bud

you should do a bigger tank on top

say 2x2x2 would be sweet

[markkrieg]

Thanks for stopping by! Yeah, that's about the size of my new tank. Not that I planned on it, but this one had a fatal accident when I accidentally dropped the glass lid against the one side, splitting the side clean down the middle! I lost about 1/3 of the life in the process of trying to salvage everything. What a mess. I didn't have time for another custom tank or to repair this one so I purchased something off-the-shelf (25 gallon cube) already plumbed for a sump. I miss my old tank...

[brandon429]

Mark, tanks looks *great and your video editing and clarity are mouthwatering man! Hey you know this must be a re-edition of a previous vid, I remember commenting on this setup before because the build was so clean and clutter-free.

B

[markkrieg]

Brandon, you are a MAJOR inspiration to me! I've been absolutely mesmerized with your pico reef videos! I'm starting my own picos now, as well as a pico planted freshwater tank. To answer your question... yes, this is a re-edition of a previous video. I've kept the old version on my youtube channel so as to compare the progress of my nano. Thanks again for your enormous contribution to the on-line aquaria community! I'm very honored by your comments!

[infamousweasel]

great video ... love the labeling

[markkrieg]

Thanks for your comments, infamousweasel!

[bigmac1417]

Awesome tank and thank you for labeling everything. It was great for a beginner.

[markkrieg]

Thanks for stopping by, bigman1417! I'm glad you found the labeling helpful.