DigitalWeight's 28 Gallon Nano That I Wish Was Bigger

[DigitalWeight]

I am 9 months into this hobby and can't believe how much fun it is (and freakin' expensive - don't tell my wife). I am starting this journal to try to get some sort of timeline that will show my progress over time. As I do, please chime in with your comments, suggestions, and criticisms as I want to learn as much as possible.

That is what I love about this - I work a pretty stressful job and this hobby is a great release from that. It is relaxing in the way that it is all consuming. I wouldn't call it a passive hobby; it requires constant learning, attention, but the rewards are pretty cool.

So, 9 months ago I went nano. Wish I would have gone bigger at the time but who knew. One day I am sure I will upgrade but that time is not now (see wife above).

Equipement:

28 Gallon AquaEuroUSA AIO Nano with lid removed so I can use the EcoTech lights
Homemade Arcylic Cover for AIO built in sump
Matching Stand
JBJ ATO
TLF 150 Phosban Reactor running GFO and Carbon
Slim Skim Nano Protein Skimmer
BRS 4 Stage RO/DI System - 75 GPD
VorTech Propeller Pump - MP10 ES
EcoTech Radion Gen 2 LED Lights

Tank Readings:
Temp: 80
Calcium: 480
kH: 8.0
Mag: 1250
Salinity: 1.026
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 5 (need to get this down)

Next Steps:

1. Build a DIY sump that will fit in the new Ikea cabinet that I built just for this purpose (more on that later).



Some Pics:

Here is where I am at today (first shot is 9 months ago). Still trying to figure out the best way to take pics (need to learn from Kien - that dude is the master) and ignore the particles in the water - moved some stuff around earlier and the tank was still settling.

[kien]

Looking good. That little cube is going to fill in nicely. :-)

We all wish that it was bigger but what can ya do..

[Goatman]

Originally Posted by kien

Looking good. That little cube is going to fill in nicely. :-)

We all wish that it was bigger but what can ya do..

too easy Kien.....


That is most assuredly a mighty fine tank you have there DigitalWeight

[DigitalWeight]

I tee'd up the bigger joke nicely! Well played guys!

Ok, I am planning the sump I am going to build. First time doing this, and after some research I have come up with the attached design. This is going to sit in the cabinet beside the tank so will need to plan the plumbing next (stayed tuned!)

It is a 29 gallon sump which I think should be a good size. Here are my question that I need to answer - if you have any suggestions please let me know:

1. Baffles - the height of the sump is 19" and the two sets of bubble traps has the middle baffle at 16" with 1" off the bottom. Each outside baffle is 14" and go right to the bottom. I am paranoid about flooding so want to make sure the baffle height is right from that perspective.

2. My skimmer is a Reef Octopus NWB110 4" pinwheel - the drawing is based on dimensions. Have I left enough room on either side?

3. I am going to attach a BRS GFO and Carbon reactor - this will go in the skimmer section I think.

4. I am going to get a BRS Biopellet reactor - is that ok to feed and drain into the fuge section.

5. Debating using a UV filter I have had from my freshwater days. Not sure where this will go, but thinking in the skimmer section as well?

6. The inlet area I plan to make a media tray with filter floss and purigen in there.

That is the plan as of now - any comments, suggestions on the above questions, or things I am missing I would appreciate your feedback.

[kien]

What is your purpose for the refugium? If you run bioPellets in conjunction with a refugium you may find that macro algaes will struggle to grow in there.

[DigitalWeight]

Right, because the sole purpose of a fuge is nutrient transport and the removal of nitrates. Looking through your tank journal, looks like you went with pellets over having a fuge. Is one method deemed as better than the other?