2ft resurrected

[MbmC]

So I recently decommed my 2ft tanks, and set up a 4x2x2. But looking at the tank and all the equipment lying around, I knew I just had to do something about it. Found an excuse, and my parent's agreed that their hall needs a tank

So I sent my old 2ft x 20" x 20" 10mm tank for some modifications. The last LFS who had it made for me did not include any bracings or overflow box. So I decided this time I'd want a central overflow box, and predrilled holes on both sides of the overflow for returns. I had to have eurobracing added on as well...

Gonna use a SCWD to alternate the return flow between the 2 holes...

[MbmC]

Full setup as seen. Decided to setup a 1ft cube tank for Apisto right next to the marine tank...Will use a 9W light on the 1ft cube, and parasite off the lighting scatter from the 6 tube DE fixture that I will be using for the marine tank. I think the freshwater plants will be relatively happy with that arrangement

[MbmC]

Managed to get a FOC 30"x17"18" sump tank from bro orsony, courtesy of meatloaf... Thanks guys...

Looks bigger in water volume than even my display tank. Since I had so much space to play with in the sump, I decided to DIY some more partitions. Added 1 strip above the 1st partition, so that water will enter below the surface level. Needed to add another partition to be able to compartmentalise fully the 2nd compartment. Then added a 3rd partition across the middle compartment to sub-divide it. Will fill both up with at least a 4" sand bed, then grow chaeto in the back compartment, while keep a living refugium in the front compartment. What should I keep in it?

Decided to make use of the pre-existing hole in the side of the sump tank to run an external return pump (Eheim 1260). Only problem is, the doors won't close after that. Gonna have to get some carpenter to cut a few holes in the doors, make it look like an original design

[MbmC]

So that's it. Drilled all the holes in the cabinet myself, laid the foundations for the piping work which I should manage to complete in a few days.

Live rocks from my previous setup have been FW dipped, sunned, scrubbed, and dried out completely. I'm fed up of having to deal with pests. So I'm gonna really take my time and run in this system, no more express run in with live rocks and live sand. 6 months, if my patience doesn't run out before that

So this will be one really long journal of a journey, as much for my own recollection as it is to share

[vt_snowman87]

good stuff bro!

wishing u all the best, this will be one great tank in the making..

[ReDDeviLs]

looks good bro!!

[jervismun]

Looking real good Can't wait to see it fill up

[MbmC]

Filling up the sump tank. Finally managed to find the black corrugated piping that I've been looking so long for

[MbmC]

A short 15sec clip shows how the SCWD splits up the output from my single Eheim 1260.

[MbmC]

Preview of my rockscape, tank standing next to my 1ft planted cube which I was working on at the same time too

[MbmC]

Just for completeness, a picture of my planted tank

[MbmC]

This is the link to the 15secs clip...

[nuclear_fibre]

Very nice!

[Firestarter]

You might wanna tape up the top part of the tank to hide the ugly waterline with black tape.

Btw, whats that black colour mat thing you're using under the LR?

[MbmC]

I will be hiding up the waterline eventually, but not with black tape. Will get someone to make black acrylic tops to fit both tanks.

That's not a mat, that's black egg crate. I'll be pouring sand over the egg crate so that it's hidden. I use it so that the rocks don't slide and move all over the tank. More stable rock structure that way.

[vt_snowman87]

the black egg crate is a very good idea.. i shall remember to use that method the next time i start a new tank..

btw bro, how do u intend to cope with those salt sprays onto your DE t5 tubes.. or is it extra labour every week to clean it, like i'm doing to mine now.. tedious..

[MbmC]

Extra labour. Probably won't do it every week though, too much of it

But I don't think there's any solution to it.

[tansk]

Very nice setup..its a good size to go for SPS

Can use the planted tank for refugium also.