Step-By-Step 10 Gallon Nano w/hang-on refugium,foam background and Custom Skimmer

[Evolution]

Well here starts the venture into Nanos.

I just have to do this. :) So here it goes.
I started the project with a foam background. I've read countless threads on doing this and have loved the results but never had the guts to do it to a big tank. So I'll give it a go with the 10 gallon.

I have spoke to several reefers who have used foam background s and paint in everything from 5 gallon nanos to 300 gallon tanks. Everyone who has used it says the GreatStuff yellow expanding foam is exactly the same as the Black Pond building foam. Just half the price without the black dye. It is 100% non-toxic and reef safe after it dries. And it takes about 30 minutes to dry if it's thick.

The paint is Kryon Fussion Black from walmart. Also 100% non-toxic when dry and completely reef-safe.

So here we go. The pictures don't do it justice but I built alot of overhanging ledges to set corals on, some caves and some random shapes.
Some people have had their backdrops float on them. This is because the foam doesn't like to stick to glass. With proper prep, it will though. I sanded the back panel until it was scratched like crazy then prepped it with 99% rubbing alcohol. The foam stuck like crazy. You couldn't peal it off if you wanted to.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Foambackground001.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Foambackground002.jpg

I forgot to take pictures of the tank masked but believe me, masking the inside of a ten gallon sucks. Here it is after the masking removed:

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Foambackground005.jpg

In hindsight, I should have painted the glass behind the foam first. Since it looks kind of dumb from the side.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Foambackground006.jpg

And the finished painted product.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Foambackground007.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Foambackground008.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Foambackground009.jpg

[Evolution]

And here is the Emporer 350 that I will be modifying into a hang on tank refugium/filter.
I also have some light stuff gathered up and some materials to build a small skimmer. I'm just working it out now.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Foambackground003.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Foambackground004.jpg

I'll post pics with my progress. For now, I got some running around to do then it's over to Bayside to see Colby and grab some sand. Who am I kidding, god knows I won't be able to leave without some corals. :)

[gadgetguy]

Quick question: how do you plan on fitting the intake tube of the Emperor onto the back of the tank with foam that thick??

[Dripline]

Very cool! Boy when you do a project you get right down to it!

I have about 9 lbs of aragonite left...can't think of what i could use it for...want it?

[sphelps]

As far as I always knew, you're supposed to epoxy paint that foam stuff. Even though acrylic paint is non toxic it will likely start peeling off in the water after sometime. After that I believe the foam will begin to break down, which will not be reef safe. But hey that's just what I've read, I could be wrong, but you should double check.

[Evolution]

I found 5 guys on |Reef Central that have done many foam background in their reef tanks. I emailed them and they all said that the foam without painting won't break down. And that the Kryon Fussion paint adhears excellent to the foam.

One guy has had 2 tanks, a plywood 90 gallon and a 280 gallon glass, that have had foam background for over 8 years. One is black pond foam the other yellow foam painted with Krylon Fussion spraypaint. He said he has never had pealing problems and none of the foam has ever broke down. He has cut away areas to plant coral frags and he said the paint never chips because it soaks into the foam and dyes the surface layer. So it comes off with the foam and never in chips.

Believe me, I have always been skeptical of this foam being long term reef safe. Especially the spray paint. But all these guys told me that the GreatStuff foam crumblign and breaking down is a myth created from people using other brands of foam. He said once cured, the expanding foam is a non-toxic reef-safe poly structure that will last forever.

People have had problems with kryon paint chipping off pvc pipe underwater but it is due to inadequte prep.

I was, and still am, skeptical especially since it is so cheap and easy. But I searched out the guys that I could find had done the most foam backgrounds (well, posted about it anyways) and they all said that the problems people worry about are myths. GreatStuff foam and Kryon Fussion Paint worked for their beautiful tanks and expensive corals so I figure I just have to try.

As a precaution, I did email the manufacturer of Great Stuff Expanding foam and Walmart about who to get in touch with about their Kryon Fussion paints. I'll post what I get back from them.

I know this looks completely mad. Expanding sticky foam and spraypaint in a saltwater tanks seems like madness. LOL

[Evolution]

Very cool! Boy when you do a project you get right down to it!

I have about 9 lbs of aragonite left...can't think of what i could use it for...want it?

Sure, I could add it to my refugium which is lacking a deep sand bed. But just hold onto it until your tank is ready for corals. You could bring the sand by and I'll frag you a couple mushrooms or Star polyps for it.

[Evolution]

Ok, time for more pictures.

She is officially setup with sand and a live rock.

I double checked the filter tube clearance and pressed the foam in where there were high spots. The foam is only 2 inches out on the largest ledges and about 3/4" most everywhere else. So the filter tube fit perfect.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup001.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup002.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup003.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup004.jpg

With everything ready to go, I rinsed the tank down and got ready to set it up. I didn't have time to stop by Bayside but luckily I had half a 30lb bag of aragonite sugar sand that I forgot about. So I rinsed it up and added it to the tank. Next I took about 8 gallons of water from the sump on my 55 gallon and added it to the tank carefully with a bowl and a big ball of filter floss in the middle of the tank. You can keep the water almost clear with this method.

Then I made up a couple gallons of RO water and added it to the tank as well. I took some lively looking rocks out of my 55 gallon and a couple base pieces to stack in the center of the tank.

Here was after an hour of the filter running with 4 cartridges (2 fine filter floss). Almost clear.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup005.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup006.jpg

The filter is turned all the way up and really makes some great current in the tank.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup007.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup008.jpg

[Evolution]

And now some close ups of the rock background. Pictures don't even come close to doing it justice. You have to see it in person to appreciate the 3D ledges and textures. I absolutely love it. And it was fast, cheap and easy. I will never set another tank up again without adding a 3D foam background. It's incredible.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup009.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup010.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup011.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup012.jpg

And finally filled to the top with the RO water.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup013.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup015.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup016.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup017.jpg

[gadgetguy]

Wow, you made the decision and got it all up and running it one day!! Seriously, that's pretty impressive!

[Evolution]

And a few more:

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup018.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup019.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup020.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup021.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup022.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup023.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup024.jpg

There are some really nice caves and loads of ledges and holes to set frags and corals in. I am just speachless sitting here looking at it. I can't believe I never tried this sooner. A 90 gallon tank would look incredible with a backdrop like this. And when we get our house this year, and I set my 280 gallon up, she will be getting a crazy 3D background just like this.

I think this picture is the only one that comes close to doing it justice.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Fish/nano/Nanosetup015.jpg

I want to tear my 55 down and do this to it. :)

I'm in love.

[rstar]

That looks really cool Evo! Keep the updates comming! For anyone else thats interested the tank of the month for June 2007 on reefcentral, is an AMAZING tank which used spray foam as well, some people just have too much money! Enjoy! http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-06/totm/index.php

[Evolution]

That looks really cool Evo! Keep the updates comming! For anyone else thats interested the tank of the month for June 2007 on reefcentral, is an AMAZING tank which used spray foam as well, some people just have too much money! Enjoy! http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-06/totm/index.php

I was reading their build thread since the start. They actually cut out the cement floor and trenched their plumbing to the garage cabinet where the mass of equipment is. They obviously have some money because they spent thousands and thousands of dollars on their setup. I thought the garage cabinet and huge frag tank was a bit much but I guess if we had that kind of money, we would probably do it too. :)

She was actually one of the people I contacted about the foam background.

[Evolution]

I'm debating now what to keep in my nano. I've done a bunch of reading in the beginners section of some nano websites.

I was thinking of a pair of small tropical seahourses. But I think that I have way too much flow in the tank. Once I modify the filter into a refugium, it could work though.

I also was considering just using it as a frag grow out tank. but I think I want to put something small and interesting in it, since it's next to my computer.
hmmmm........

For now, I'm gonna just keep researching what I can keep, and watch the tank for any signs of cycling. I'm not expecting much of a spike since most of the water is straight from my main system, the filter cartriges were seeded in my sump and there's about 8 pounds of very lively looking rock from my main tank. Only the sand is new and a gallon or so of new RO water. So I doubt I'll see much for spiking. I'm thinking I should probably get some kind of load in their to fed the bacteria. Probably some snails to start.

I'll start the lighting once I decide what I'm keeping. If I'm growing frags I'll need a quadtube Compact and if it's just a couple little fish, I can get away with a twintube flour. over top.

[Dripline]

Like WOW!

Okay...I gotta see this...when my tank is cycled...I'll trade you my sand for a frag...and oogle your tanks!

[rstar]

Another lighting suggestion i have for you if you are interested, and it will need re mounting, i have a 175 MH ballast and socket, i be happy to let go to you for cheap cheap $40. I also have a 14k bulb for it, but it is likely past its usable age. I once saw a 10g nano with a 175 in it, it looks awesome!

[gadgetguy]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-06/totm/index.php

I looked and that and all I can say is... what the heck is wrong with these people, I thought I was crazy my big ideas. I would never do that to a finished house. Honestly, ripping out walls, ripping up dirt and concrete. It's crazy. First of all, I would have my sump room in the basement (if they have all that money surely they could reno it to accomodate one) and I would build a house all plumbed up. All in the name of reefing but still. Don't you think that a tiny bit over the top? 70' of plumbing...

[Dripline]

I dunno...everyone does something with their disposable income...

...of course that's way over the top in many ways...but so are other 'hobbies'...

What I find more interesting are the hobbies that are universally 'okay' and those considered weird. For example, my SILs boyfriend had a MASSIVE expensive entertainment unit...way bigger than what they could comfortably watch in the teeny house they had...

...no comments...

We however, showed horses for several years...lots of comments...

[Evolution]

Well this was a short-lived adventure. I was starting on the skimmer but I found out yesterday we will likely be taking in a rescued 2 foot Ambanja Panther Chameleon. So I've started build a 6 foot tall enclosure for her.
I have no choice but to take down the 10 gallon. Crappy since it was looking great and I was real pumped about stocking it. 'sigh' I guess giving a neglected animal a good home is more important though.

So I'm draining the tank today. Sorry I can't keep going with the 10 gallon build. It would have been fun.

Cheers,

[Dripline]

...congrats for taking on the chameleon...they're wonderful pets if provided with the right environment...

...but why does that preclude a 10g tank? The tank has to sit for a while regardless...

[Evolution]

It's mostly space limitations. My wife won't let me set a tank up just anywhere. Otherwise I'd have a 90 gallon on the kitchen table. The 10 gallon is in a building room with some other hobby stuff, the office computer, a couple geckos and one of the turtle tanks. It's sitting on a short bookshelf. I have to ditch the bookshelf to make room for the chameleon enclosure and misting system. It's 6 feet tall, 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Plus the misting system needs a holding tank for water somewhere beside it.

I've owner a full grown female ambanja, that was half dead when we got it, she was my favorite reptile I ever owned. She passed away from bone disease due to her previous neglect. I've also nursed a couple mountain horn chameleons and used to breed Veileds. I have always loved chameleons and a majority of them kept as pets are kept inproperly in totally incorrect environments. That is how they got the reputation for being so difficult to care for. It's a myth. They are easy to keep if properly housed, fed and cared for according to their species.

So I have no choice but to take the 10 gallon down. Maybe we will find a house soon and I can set alot more tanks up. Hopefully.

[Dripline]

...no house?

[Evolution]

LOL, ya, no house. We have a really big 2 bedroom apartment. It has a house sized living room, kitchen, dining room and master bedroom. Plus a huge storage room, porch area and extra bedroom (which we use as our bedroom)

We have lived here so long, the landlords and property manager let us keep our animals. They have come in to see them before and are impressed that nothing stinks or is dirty. Especially the turtles (which is a common misconception).

We have a Senegal Parrot that talks up a storm as well.

This is totally off topic but since the tank is coming down, I guess we can talk about whatever we want. :)

Here's a pic of the green monster:

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Lizards/senegal.jpg

Our 75 gallon for a 6" Red-Eared Slider that was rescued from a horrible 15 gallon tank with slime in the bottom. He was fed wieners his whole life and the skin between his toes and around his neck was rotten and red. He was also mentally traumatized. When you would approach the tank his head would shake and shudder and he'd freeze. He had a horrible respitory infection and was weazing like crazy. Stupid people.
It took him 6 months to heal and regain his strength. After that he started feeding by hand and acting more normal. He still shakes and has little "seizers" if he gets really scared but now that he has his new home to get exercise in, a proper diet and proper UVA/UVB lighting with a basking area, he is very healthy and happy.
(The 2 X 5 inch goldfish were 2 of 10 feeders that for some reason, he never touched. He still eats feeders like crazy but won't touch those 2. Don't know why. So they have been living off vegetables and Reptimin pellets. I guess the diet sped up their growth because they are about 2 inches wide and 5 inches long. Huge fat fish. LOL I just can't bring myself to get rid of his buddies.)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/70Gallon.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/Potterfilter.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/Potterland.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/8def40ea-2.jpg

[Evolution]

And another rescue. This guy lost some back toes to a curious cat that batted him around the floor. Also had the typical "little tank with 2 inches of water" symptoms. Respiratory infection, swollen feet and legs, bulging eyes, weak and pyramided shell.

His is an old 60 gallon breeder tank I had donated to me. I customized it to be turtle friendly with UVA/UVB Powersun basking lamp, and a Reptisun 5.0. He also has a waterfall that he loves to play in. He took only 2 months to fully recover. He was 3 inches long when we got him. He's a healthy 6" male now and loves to try and "mate" with anything shiny. :) Even his heater.

This guy, for some strange reason, will not eat fish. No matter how small. Which is strange for a turtle. So his first 6 feeder goldfish are now his tank buddies as well.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/7847f871-2.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/7847f871-1.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/b6e7e998.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/b6e7e998-2.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/familypics048.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Turtles/familypics005-2.jpg

And my little buddy, Rupert. He's about 2 feet long and puppy tame. He lays on my stomach while I watch a movie and falls asleep. He gets to free-roam the apartment when I can keep an eye on him. Generally, he sleeps on the back of the sofa in the sun for most of the time. He eats me out of house and home and we've had him since he was 2 inches long. He tries to act tough but would never hurt a fly. If you rub the bottom of his neck, he falls asleep.

He has a custom made 120 gallon terrarium with 2 X 48" reptisuns and a 150 watt Powersun basking lamp and a custom made misting system.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Lizards/assorted005.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Lizards/familypics002.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Lizards/Dianaspics032.jpg

[Evolution]

And a frog-Eyed Gecko with an attitude problem. This guy is only 5 inches long but he thinks he's a Komodo Dragon. He's calmed down enough to eat from my hand but he used to rear up and jump wildly at the glass when you walked by the tank. Changing his water everyday is always an adventure.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Lizards/gecko007.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Lizards/turtletop023.jpg

Here he's getting peaved that I'm taking pictures.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Lizards/turtletop009.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q253/gfisher2002/Lizards/turtletop008.jpg

[gadgetguy]

Wow!

[Dripline]

Wow is right! How cool is that? Nice that you took on the rescues...the lizards look great!

Nice you have a parrot too! Woohoo! The birds are my all-time favourites...we've had lizards as well...but none at the moment...but I do have my snake...

http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q152/Rue_album/?action=view&current=Ling-2-0207-1.jpg

...my two larger parrots...

http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q152/Rue_album/?action=view&current=FisticuffsEverPekoeWatch.jpg

...and one of my 4 dogs...this girl was a rescue ...

http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q152/Rue_album/?action=view&current=CelChippy1106.jpg

[Dripline]

...*argh* Why is it putting links in??? I'm trying to load the pictures...not the links...and it won't let me fix it...

[Evolution]

Beautiful birds. And awesome snake and dogs.

Nice animals bud.

[MartinShaver]

Another thing you can do for the foam to stick to the glass, and make it hidden is to get a tube of aquarium safe black silicone and butter it on the back. I did that for my vivarium and the foam sticks great. That way you dont ruin a nice 10g tank :)