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

Custom 15 gallon nano reef tank with 20 gallon sump/refugium. Compact fluorescent light by Current. Water flow powered by a Rio 2100 pump. Custom plumbing with the return flow being split into a "T" inside the overflow and then out directional arms on each side of the overflow box. A wide overflow grabs as much water surface-area as possible.

Since the initial tank setup I've added a few new corals and gave away some fish to lower the bio load. The tank is very stable now with all water levels testing ideal on a consistent basis for a few months. A ten percent water change is performed about once a month. The drip top-off also doses Kent Turbo Calcium.

Fish feeding includes a rotating mix of O.S.I. Marine flake food and frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and formula two. Kent PhytoPlex and ZooPlex are also supplemented occasionally for the corals.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• nano
• reef
• tank
• aquarium
• custom
• saltwater
• ocean
• coral

[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!

[karlek110188]

beautiful small tank dude....

[cainemansion125]

fucking awesome!!!!!!!!

[thurrmac]

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

[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?