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bfessler 
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 Topic: Tricked out 10G
Posted: August 08 2009 at 11:10pm |
After attending the Acrylic Workshop today I was itching to try something new. Then I saw Lyscer's 10G Build and I realized I have a 10G sitting in the garage gathering dust and a couple of clown fish I need to remove form my 20G so I decided to make a special home for my Maroon and Percula Clowns.
I have always wanted to try a coast to coast overflow so I decided to incorporate one into the design. Here's my objectives and some pics of the finish product.
1. All in one filtration.
2. Surface Skimming via Coast to Coast.
3. Mechanical and chemical filtration incorporated into the design.
4. No Hang on stuff.
To accomplish this I sized the overflow box to accept a standard Sponge Block for Mechanical filtration. Carbon or other filter media can be placed in a bag in the overflow box and under the sponge. I used a Rio 600+ pump to power the filter and used Lock Lines for return. Besides the pump and lock lines I used some left over black acrylic from my last project and painted the back black. I was able to finish it this afternoon.
So what do you think?
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Burt
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MadReefer
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Posted: August 09 2009 at 12:11am |
Very cool.
Looks like nice clean work.
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sanddune600
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Posted: August 09 2009 at 12:29am |
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are you going to use the hiatt system on this
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Andy Jorgensen
My number is four three 5 7 six four 8 0 three four
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bfessler
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Posted: August 09 2009 at 12:38am |
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I will be using a modified version of the Hiatt system. I'll put the TBPC carbon in the filter box and some PH Rock under the gravel. The Rock and Sand I am using is already fully cured so usig the Right Now Bacteria is just a precaution at this point.
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Burt
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Mike Savage
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Posted: August 09 2009 at 9:38am |
That turned out GREAT Burt!
Mike
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bfessler
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Posted: August 15 2009 at 1:40pm |
Started up the tank yesterday.
DIY ATO
I didn't want to spend the money on a controller or ATO for this tank so I made an ATO out of a rubbermade canister and some tubing. The unit works surprisingly well. When water level drops air is introduced into the top of the canister and water flows into the tank. When water rises flow stops. I added a ball valve to assist in filling the canister. Total cost for tubing, canister, and all fittings was $17.00.
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Burt
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Sitaga
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Posted: August 15 2009 at 2:04pm |
Will the little ball vale fitting seal against a rounded surface? For example a 5 gallon bucket.
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Tons of livestock including fish, coral, and inverts currently in stock. We also have Reeflo pumps, SeaChem additives, Brine Shrimp Direct foods, and ATI lighting in stock.
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Jeremyw
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Posted: August 15 2009 at 2:27pm |
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can you maybe post a little more on that ATO like how to do it, so that i can do one as well! I like that idea !
Looks great BTW!
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bfessler
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Posted: August 15 2009 at 3:25pm |
Here are the instructions on the ATO
Supplies Needed
1. Air Tight Canister, Jar or other container. It must be rigid enough to hold it's shape under the vacuum created by water trying to drain into the tank.
2. Tubing, I used 1/4" tubing to deliver water to the tank and 3/8" tubing for air.
3. Quick connect fittings for tubing. These should be MPT on one side to thread into the canister
Instructions.
1. Drill holes for the top and bottom fittings. Use a drill slightly smaller than the male threads on the fitting. I used a 7/16" Drill as the threads on my 3/8" fitting were just over 1/2"
2. Thread the fittings into the canister. Because the hole is smaller than the threaded fitting you will have to press quite hard while twisting to get the fitting into the hole but if its tight enough it will create an air tight connection. This is important to maintain the negative pressure inside the canister. If air leaks you will have to seal the connection with a good sealant like marine goop or locktite stick'n seal.
3. Connect the tubing to the fittings and run the top tube to the location you will use to level the water line and the bottom tube to the tank. It is important that the return tube be below the water line or air will back up through the tube like a sparklets bottle and release water.
4. Using a ball valve on the bottom fitting will make filling the canister easier. Close the ball valve and fill the canister with water.
5. Position the canister above the tank so gravity can feed water to the tank.
6. Make sure your air tube is set to the water height you want to maintain and the return tube is in the tank and open the ball valve. You now have an inexpensive ATO.
Note if water slowly runs into the tank while the air hose is submerged you have an air leak somewhere. Check your fittings, Seals on the fittings and lid to the canister. If the system is air tight water should only be dispensed into the tank when the air line is exposed to air.
Good Luck
Burt
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Burt
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I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping.
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bfessler
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Posted: August 15 2009 at 4:08pm |
Important.
Make sure your container is air tight. The lid on the Rubbermaid Container I used was not air tight. When I tested the ATO it appeared to work but then I noticed that the water level was going down slowly over several hours while the air tube was submerged. I teste the fittings for leaks and they were all fine so I filled the canister with water and inverted it. Next I sucked air from the top bottom tube (now on top) and noticed air leaking around the Rubbermaid Lid. I now need to find a better container but the principle behind the ATO is sound.
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Burt
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ksarcury
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Posted: August 15 2009 at 9:27pm |
Call your Tupperware Lady Burt. Those puppies seal so tight I can barely get them closed!
Very cool idea. You should demo it at the next meeting.
Kenna
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90 gal. reef
12 g. nano w/acans
34 g. salano system
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bfessler
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Posted: August 15 2009 at 10:55pm |
I picked up a 2.2 liter water bottle from smiths for $3.99. The twist on top seems to seal well so I'm giving it a try. I was able to remove the sport bottle nipple on the top of the bottle and screw down the fitting for tubing right into the lid. I used Weldon and locktite cement to make sure nothing leaks this time. Will be trying it out tomorrow morning. Overall its a cleaner install than the last one.
Wish I was going to be at the meeting to show it off but I will be in CA for work. I'm sure I'll miss out on a lot of great ideas.
Burt
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Burt
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bfessler
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Posted: August 16 2009 at 8:26am |
Here is the new ATO. The cost of the water bottle was half that of the rubbermaid canister and it works great 
Edited by bfessler - August 16 2009 at 8:26am
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Burt
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bfessler
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Posted: August 16 2009 at 12:30pm |
Just introduced the odd couple into their new environment. They really seem to like the new diggs.
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Burt
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nwreef
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Posted: August 16 2009 at 12:32pm |
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that is a cool little tank. wish you werent so far south of me, lol, id like to see it in person. I mat have to try that for my percs.
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Chad A.
20g nano in progres
Member~ A.A.A. ( Aquarium Addicts Anonomous)
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bfessler
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Posted: August 16 2009 at 12:50pm |
Hay Chad,
Thanks for the compliment. Feel free to come by any time you make it down this way.
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Burt
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spitdrumr
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Posted: August 16 2009 at 1:47pm |
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Burt I love the way this tank is looking! Where can you find the acrylic you used for the overflow. Thinking about building one myself!
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Chad Larsen
75g Reef
24g JBJ Nano
3g Picto
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Sitaga
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Posted: August 16 2009 at 1:59pm |
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Well.. I guess that answers my question... it will seal against a rounded surface.
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Tons of livestock including fish, coral, and inverts currently in stock. We also have Reeflo pumps, SeaChem additives, Brine Shrimp Direct foods, and ATI lighting in stock.
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bfessler
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Posted: August 16 2009 at 5:26pm |
Hi Bill,
Sorry I missed that question.
It should seal around a rounded surface as long as the threads are tight enough. A 5 gal bucket would work very well as the plastic is pretty thick. I sealed around the ball valve fitting with Weldon (Acrylic Solvent) and then applied a coat of Loctite Stik'n Seal just to make sure because the bottle is so thin.
Burt
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Burt
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I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping.
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bfessler
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Posted: August 16 2009 at 5:30pm |
Hi Chad,
I got my black acrylic at Regional Supply in Salt Lake. You can also get it at Delvies. If you give them your cut list they will cut it to size for you.
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Burt
An equal opportunity reefer,
I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping.
[email protected]
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