Davesgt’S 20L AIO project!

[Davesgt]

Ok everyone I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time, so I finally quit procrastinating and did it lol. I started off purchasing a Deep Blue Aquatics tank with black seals because to me the black just looks very clean. Plus I lucked up and found a tank stand for $20. Not sure who makes the stand but I do know I had to go back through it and make sure all parts where extra secure and to smooth it out for a fresh coat of black paint. The overall look turned out great!

 

[Davesgt]

I wanted to get this project off to a custom start by talking to a good friend of mine who has a laser jet machine and try to build my own AIO setup. Well with some good ideas from him and I we decided to keep it simple but effective. I have large hands so it has to be easy for me to clean and needs to serve the purpose. We decided on a 4” sock setup and 1 slotted baffle for water to pass through which will allow a great place for bio-media to go. (The bottom corners are rounded to make a snug fit and allows for smooth transition of silicone.

 

[Davesgt]

Next step was to decide on Rock-scape plus sand choice. After contemplating for several days I decided on black sand and to use Real Reef Rock. I like the man made aspect of the rock and the fact the color, ph stability, and custom shape factors are there. I used the base rock mixed with arches and branch rock to make a scape. I also kept some branches to place once the main rock is where I want it.

 

[A+Aquatics]

I am tagging along for the ride on your new system here, excited to watch your build project come together @Davesgt

 

[Gareth elliott]

Also following, have same size tank

 

[Davesgt]

Ok I’m a little behind on what all I’ve done but here goes nothing. I started off by installing the overflow setup, which I came upon a few snags like how to seal it. I used black silicone and wanted it to look professional and my finger was not giving that smooth look to the silicone LoLOLOloL. I found a pieces of rounded cardboard that gave me the look I wanted so that fixed that problem. The next thing was I ran te tank with RO water and found an extremely small leak insid the overflow area. So I drained the tank and sealed the inside as well, which eliminated the problem.

 

[Davesgt]

After all of this I waited for it to cure. I then added sand and the main rock. The scape is not completely done so there will be changes. Once this was complete I added a ground plug, I am a believer of these. Then added a AI Prime led fixture to the filtration side of the tank. The look I’m going for is a peninsula with a shaded end, mostly for acans, chalices, and shrooms. The AI Prime is great with its 24” coverage so the outside will receive par just not blistering amounts, all while allowing me to keep any more par demanding corals near the middle.

 

[Davesgt]

More pics

 

[Davesgt]

Nice new screen top for the tank, I am ocd about placement and this screen top was my nemesis lol. After several attempts I finally have it the way I want.

 

[Davesgt]

Well I’ve been away for a little bit, but not much has changed. I’ve been doing water changes and messing around with my light mostly lol. Finally got a good color rendition and nice light schedule. Diatoms have been my reason for mad water changes, been coming on strong but finally seem to be slacking. I’ve added a few corals and my fish from my old nano/holding tank.

 

[Davesgt]

Oh yea, I also added a jebao sw-2 into the mix. I love the extremely compact size and the functions. It really has given the tank an amazing improvement.

 

[mmw64]

Well I’ve been away for a little bit, but not much has changed. I’ve been doing water changes and messing around with my light mostly lol. Finally got a good color rendition and nice light schedule. Diatoms have been my reason for mad water changes, been coming on strong but finally seem to be slacking. I’ve added a few corals and my fish from my old nano/holding tank.

following

 

[Davesgt]

Ok I changed my lighting up a little. I had the opportunity to purchase a new kessil a360we tuna blue, with mounts. The kessil mounts allow me to center the tank light a little better and look in my opinion really clean. Still don’t know if I like it better than the Prime but it is growing on me. If I choose not to run it I still have the AI Prime, and a few other led options. The tank is mostly gonna be Zoas and mushrooms, with a few hammers for motion

 

[Davesgt]

What does everyone think about maybe the metallic starburst across the back wall?

 

[Davesgt]

A newer picture

 

[Davesgt]

Im at the point where I would love to do a few stand out pieces like maybe a nice clam, wellso, bonsai acro? Something as the focal point! Any suggestions

 

[Devaji]

any updates on this tank? what did you do with the AI prime or a360?

 

[Davesgt]

any updates on this tank? what did you do with the AI prime or a360?

Well I ended up using the A360w on this tank and added the AI to a new frag tank. At first I was not a big fan of the Kessil but it keeps growing on me. As for pics of the tank I will post some as soon as I get back in town from vacation. I’ve kind went off from my original plan and I’m experimenting with anemones in it as well as keeping a few mushrooms. As of right now I just have a nice sized rose bubble that is showing amazing colors of yellow,greens, and blues.