Minimalist Fluval Edge 6G Hack

[Nano_for_minis]

I've started a 6G tank with the following philosophies, with "eco-reef one" as one of my main inspirations:

1) Minimal Equipment: Heater, Circulation, ATO, and weekly 50% water changes.

2) Clean aesthetic - hide equipment as much as possible. (goes along with having very little equipment in the first place). Along with this goes making the tank fit in with our interior design.

3) As little impact on natural reefs as possible - Captive bred, and locally fragged livestock as much as possible.

4) Fun for my kids, bright colours, interesting characters.


So, here's where we started:

Purchased a used fluval edge off kijiji and have since proceeded to get rid of:
- Filter
- Plastic Bits
- Light (was only half working anyhow)
- Lid

Here's how the tank started out on 04/07/16:


Just got my Rapid LED Par38, as well as a PP (RW) 4 for circulation, and have set those up. Would like to get a small, fully submersible heater that can hide behind the large rock on the right.

Here's how the tank looks as of 04/19/16:


And here's the tank in the room:


Next items:
- Replace heater
- Install Tunze nano osmolator that also came today

Frustrations:
- Why have I not been able to find a line voltage (110V) dimmer that could control my Par38 bulb with a timer and "ramping"? (sunrise/sunset) It doesn't seem like it should be that hard, but it seems like the only way to dim an LED fixture on a schedule is using 0-10v control... anybody provide any insight into this?

Notes:
- The Jebao PP4 is almost too much for this tank. Set at its lowest power setting on the "H" program, it still has to be positioned carefully in order to minimize the sandstorm. I was hoping to use "Else" mode, but it blows the tank apart!