Nano Build

[TikiDan]

For some stupid reason, I feel the need to set up another tank.

I have been reading alot about DIY rocks with pond foam and I have an itch to try it out.

The Plan: Take JBJ Nano Cube DX and make a mini reef for my room.
Build DIY rocks with a combination of Black Pond foam, Sand and real rock.

I am not sure how long this project will take so just bare with me :

Here is what I accomplished today.

Built the frame for the rock work. The frame is removable in one piece, so I can build it outside the tank and and place it in the tank when I am done. Doing it this way, If I ever need to take it apart it should be pretty simple.

If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks

- Dan

 

[Apon]

Are you going to leave the egg create white or color it black? Have fun.

 

[TikiDan]

It might be a good idea to paint it black in case there are any gaps. What paint should I use?
Now that I am looking at my pictures, I think I might take 1 or 2 squares off of each side to make sure I have enough clearance to clean the sides.

 

[kinetic]

krylon fusion black paint should do the work =)

 

[jkreefer]

sweet man!!!

 

[TikiDan]

I'll try to squeeze it into the tank today and add some water

 

[TikiDan]

Alrighty, got everything trimmed and squeezd into the tank. It looks so cool!!!

The way the pond foam dried, it kinda looks like cooled lava!

Mixed up some water, and everything looks great.

let me know what you think.

 

[zepplock]

Looks dark ;-)

 

[bookfish]

I like it. Reminds me of 'Eua where there is live coral growing on lava rock.

 

[TikiDan]

Now all I need is a MH reflector and some time.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Neat!

I have an 18g Via Aqua that needs to be redone like this

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Hmm... so does that foam make the structure want to float up in the tank? Do you need do do anything special to keep things in place?

 

[TikiDan]

I kinda wedged it underneath of the output nozzle on the right side to ensure that it would stay put. It was also a pretty tight fit getting it into the tank

I also added 5 pounds or LR rubble to it to keep it down. all in all, I am extremely happy with the way it looks.

If you wanted a more natural look I would go with white foam over black. I am still stuck on the lava look though.

Once it starts to grow coralline and algae I am convinced it will be incredible.

 

[TikiDan]

Added a fish, just a green chromis but he look good in there. I also changed the pump out with a maxi jet 1200. And I want to say that it has so much more flow now!!!
Aquatic Central had a frog fish about the size of a marble that was BRIGHT red! but it was sold
He would have look awesome in there!!! Oh well.

I will take updated pics when I get a chance.

 

[TikiDan]

While I'm waiting for tank to mature, I decided to start building a canopy!

Here are the first few pics of the build.

 

[TikiDan]

And, I found a light at Costco for 9 bucks!

It is an outdoor flood light, with 4 Power compact bulbs coming out of a standard light bulb socket. Putting out 65 watts!

 

[TikiDan]

As for the canopy, this is what I got done today

Notched the back support beam so the hinges would sit flat

Cut the lid out

 

[TikiDan]

Updated FTS

Its starting to look pretty good.
I decided this will be my Zoa and Paly tank.

 

[TikiDan]

This shot is a little closer so you can see how the foam is starting to grow "stuff"

 

[TikiDan]

Here are a couple more for today