Much has changed...
First off, I have now definitively decided to go with the Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion 20 gallon tank (see my previous entry for my deliberation about this). I have also decided that I should be following a philosophy of "buy the best thing, once" instead of starting with cheap equipment and upgrading over time. As a result, nearly my entire inventory of proposed equipment has changed, and I'm excited to bring an updated version of that, shortly.
In the meantime, I discovered the forum nano-reef.com. Part of me thinks this site makes my entire blog idea redundant, since I could just create a tank journal on their site to follow the progression of my project. And I may do that. However for now I am going to keep this diary going in the interest of recording more about my thought process and philosophy, rather than just photos and quick descriptions.
I got some ideas from the nano-reef community about equipment choices and this post is an update on that. First, I bought a stand. After considering nearly every option from purpose-built tank stands, to mid-century modern furniture, to a custom made aluminum uni-strut (80/20) design, I finally settled on the Brimnes cabinet from Ikea for several reasons. First, it's cheap, I picked one up for just under $100 with tax. Second, like all Ikea furniture, it will be easily modified. Third, I really liked the height. At just over 36" it will be the perfect height for me to reach all the way to the bottom of my tank without having to use a stool, but it is also tall enough that my son will not be putting his hands into the tank.
In terms of modifications, I'm planning on some minor structural reinforcement of the top with 2x4s, adding leveling feet to the bottom--since my floor is nearly 1/2" out of level over the 30" width of the stand--and finally some modifications for electronic placement, auto top-off (ATO) support, and locking functionality to keep small hands away from any chemicals or equipment stored inside. You can see a couple sketches of the top and feet modifications, below:
That's it for now. Keep an eye out shortly for a post on updated equipment plans, and another post on how these items will play into the overall water flow and electronic approach to the tank.
In the meantime, I discovered the forum nano-reef.com. Part of me thinks this site makes my entire blog idea redundant, since I could just create a tank journal on their site to follow the progression of my project. And I may do that. However for now I am going to keep this diary going in the interest of recording more about my thought process and philosophy, rather than just photos and quick descriptions.
I got some ideas from the nano-reef community about equipment choices and this post is an update on that. First, I bought a stand. After considering nearly every option from purpose-built tank stands, to mid-century modern furniture, to a custom made aluminum uni-strut (80/20) design, I finally settled on the Brimnes cabinet from Ikea for several reasons. First, it's cheap, I picked one up for just under $100 with tax. Second, like all Ikea furniture, it will be easily modified. Third, I really liked the height. At just over 36" it will be the perfect height for me to reach all the way to the bottom of my tank without having to use a stool, but it is also tall enough that my son will not be putting his hands into the tank.
In terms of modifications, I'm planning on some minor structural reinforcement of the top with 2x4s, adding leveling feet to the bottom--since my floor is nearly 1/2" out of level over the 30" width of the stand--and finally some modifications for electronic placement, auto top-off (ATO) support, and locking functionality to keep small hands away from any chemicals or equipment stored inside. You can see a couple sketches of the top and feet modifications, below:
That's it for now. Keep an eye out shortly for a post on updated equipment plans, and another post on how these items will play into the overall water flow and electronic approach to the tank.
Love the sketch!! -L
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