So for a couple years I have admired my cousins IM10 Nano. Now that my 2 kids are 4 and 7 and I finally am getting caught up on the home projects I finally have my home office set up. Well just finishing it up as I am starting this. I had looked at the RS reefer 170 of the IM20 Peninsula. IM20 ended up being the one as I can view and have more of a 270degree view which I liked. Too bad they don't make them 15" tall.
At any rate when I picked up the tank I spent some time sorting through the 6 cases of rocks at my local store and brought this home. There is about 24lbs of rock in what you see. I have a vision for the scape after looking for a long time lurking on people photos and build threads while I was deciding on jumping in. I really liked the branched rock in the middle to bridge it together and also create lots of areas for coral growth along with fish spots. I though that I would break one rock up for parts to make it all work but I'm fairly pleased with it as I see it. The top of the rock is 2" from the water line nearest the filter and 3.5" at the end. There is at least 1" of space at any point on the rocks to the long sides of the tank. The stick, I took a few broken parts along with the only one with a multi stem. I like the look but wanted more elevation on the base and I have glued one section as I am holding it in the photo. Rock is all dry live rock. I do need to pick a sand still, will put in an inch or so of sand. Thinking a whiter sand. With the dark rocks they will all pop more.
I played around a little with the rocks and with whats here I cant get much different look unless I create more of a mass with them all. As it sits I have different views from all 3 sides of the tank. The sticks I don't want to attach to any rock as the look then just seems less natural
With this layout I have plenty of areas that will be lower light and the tops for high light corals. I got a deal on a Hydra 26 from my local shop and will mount from the ceiling on this. I prefer the clean look that way and can put in a protein skimmer ( I think the Icecap K1) should I need to.
I need to see what my evaporation will be once I get it up and running but want to do some sort of ATO as I need the ability to leave it for a day or so in my busy times. Also for vacations so I don't need a daily checking.
A few things I still need to buy
Cobalt 75watt heater.
Filter cartridge and media to swap the sock (Need to research best media still. Boyd looks promising.
Sicce 1.0 pump and use the stock one for the ATO
ATO - So far the Icecap looks best as it has the overfill safety. Really don't want a float in the tank.
Lowered output adapter and maybe the random flow generator.
Down the road either the Ecotech MP10 powerhead and battery or the cheaper version minus the program ability. Forget the brand. Its about 80.00. Its basically my backup when there is power outages to keep the flow and also be able to keep a better flow in the tank too. I do like the program ability but also might just want to keep it simple.
Goals for the tank are to house a few fish. 1 or 2 Clowns and 1 or 2 other small guys what exactly I am still unsure as I wont be getting much for fish for a few months.. Some snails, maybe a crab for cleaning and I really like the banded starfish. I was instructed at the shop that starting the tank with the live rock, sand and a dose of Dr Tims will get me going.
One thing I am concerned of is the light. So I know it will be dialed in and set for the tank. I'm more looking at the overthrow of light to the sides. Do any of you mask or make a shade for the sides? As this is on my desk, a 3'x5' antique drafting table I prefer not to have the blue hue on my work all day or the PC screen. Also what is the general thoughts to height off the water? I'm thinking 18" so I have access to the tank and its not real high above my eye level while I am seated. If I went 12" high then Ill need to make a latch setup that I can pull it away from the tank for cleaning and work.
I'm in Hazlet so if there are any local guys Id love to know!
At any rate when I picked up the tank I spent some time sorting through the 6 cases of rocks at my local store and brought this home. There is about 24lbs of rock in what you see. I have a vision for the scape after looking for a long time lurking on people photos and build threads while I was deciding on jumping in. I really liked the branched rock in the middle to bridge it together and also create lots of areas for coral growth along with fish spots. I though that I would break one rock up for parts to make it all work but I'm fairly pleased with it as I see it. The top of the rock is 2" from the water line nearest the filter and 3.5" at the end. There is at least 1" of space at any point on the rocks to the long sides of the tank. The stick, I took a few broken parts along with the only one with a multi stem. I like the look but wanted more elevation on the base and I have glued one section as I am holding it in the photo. Rock is all dry live rock. I do need to pick a sand still, will put in an inch or so of sand. Thinking a whiter sand. With the dark rocks they will all pop more.
I played around a little with the rocks and with whats here I cant get much different look unless I create more of a mass with them all. As it sits I have different views from all 3 sides of the tank. The sticks I don't want to attach to any rock as the look then just seems less natural
With this layout I have plenty of areas that will be lower light and the tops for high light corals. I got a deal on a Hydra 26 from my local shop and will mount from the ceiling on this. I prefer the clean look that way and can put in a protein skimmer ( I think the Icecap K1) should I need to.
I need to see what my evaporation will be once I get it up and running but want to do some sort of ATO as I need the ability to leave it for a day or so in my busy times. Also for vacations so I don't need a daily checking.
A few things I still need to buy
Cobalt 75watt heater.
Filter cartridge and media to swap the sock (Need to research best media still. Boyd looks promising.
Sicce 1.0 pump and use the stock one for the ATO
ATO - So far the Icecap looks best as it has the overfill safety. Really don't want a float in the tank.
Lowered output adapter and maybe the random flow generator.
Down the road either the Ecotech MP10 powerhead and battery or the cheaper version minus the program ability. Forget the brand. Its about 80.00. Its basically my backup when there is power outages to keep the flow and also be able to keep a better flow in the tank too. I do like the program ability but also might just want to keep it simple.
Goals for the tank are to house a few fish. 1 or 2 Clowns and 1 or 2 other small guys what exactly I am still unsure as I wont be getting much for fish for a few months.. Some snails, maybe a crab for cleaning and I really like the banded starfish. I was instructed at the shop that starting the tank with the live rock, sand and a dose of Dr Tims will get me going.
One thing I am concerned of is the light. So I know it will be dialed in and set for the tank. I'm more looking at the overthrow of light to the sides. Do any of you mask or make a shade for the sides? As this is on my desk, a 3'x5' antique drafting table I prefer not to have the blue hue on my work all day or the PC screen. Also what is the general thoughts to height off the water? I'm thinking 18" so I have access to the tank and its not real high above my eye level while I am seated. If I went 12" high then Ill need to make a latch setup that I can pull it away from the tank for cleaning and work.
I'm in Hazlet so if there are any local guys Id love to know!
