10 gal "Dorm Tank"

[jumpfreak26]

Alrighty, so Im headed off to college this fall, and im hooked on SW. So since the schools allows 10 gallon tanks and less in the dorms, its another excuse to start another tank. I already have the tank, it is currently cycling with a peice of LR and some mini jets.

I want this tank to be able to support a few SPS here and there, and an assortment of everything else (LPS, zoas, shrooms...) It will have a false wall with a fuge witha DSB(is this possible in a 5"x5" compartment?), and sump with a 300-400 gph pump hooked up to a SCWD with locline returns. If the return option doesnt work, i will hook up a smaller pump for the return and closed loop with a mag 2. but the 1st option should work. i just want a tank with no equipment visible whatsoever. Ill also be putting a 70 or 150w MH over it too. heres some renderings of what it should look like basically.




Left Compartment is fuge and right is sump area

[Cichlid-Man]

Aw so you don't get to really enjoy the 40gal huh haha. 10gals are cool but you keep wanting more space. At least i do with mine! I might mod one like this after my 40 is setup and go towards a more softie setup. SPS will be in the 40.

You sure a SCWD will fit in the back area?

This design is a tried and true method i have seen done on numorous occasions, even have a tank ready to be modded like this myself. I think it should work out great. I'm guessing some MH light will be lighting the fuge as well?

Another option that saves pipe and hose visability is just pushing the water of the return straight through the wall. Like mount the pump/powerhead in the wall and go that route. That's easy assuming you are using acrylic for the false wall so you can drill easy.

Is this going to be a 3 visible side tank or like normal? I'll be tagging along! Hey maybe i'll have some SPS to frag by the time the school year rolls around and you get it all fixed up.

[jumpfreak26]

I know, i want the 40.....but hey! ill keep upgrading the equipment on the 40 so its easier for my pops, and ill take the leftovers lol. About the SCWD im not too sure, i was hoping it would fit tight, but ill have to look for dimensions. If not i will do what you said and just drill a hole and stick 2 MJs in the wall and put em on a "wave maker". I just want some good flow. maybe ill put a vorTech pump on the false wall, seems cost effective lol

MH all the way! deciding on a top tho. either a little canopy with a DIY or a pendant or a clip on lamp or a pprebuilt fixture for current or something. I was gonna try and sheild the fuge from the MH light and do a reverse cycle lighting on the fuge with a PC or something.


and...... a 3 side veiwing tank. it adds so much more to the tank IMO
and ill be open anytime for frags! heck, ya want an acan?



P.S. anyone have a "footprint" or size of a 3/4" SCWD?

[Cichlid-Man]

I believe i've seen the 3/4" model listed at 4.5" x 5"....but not 100% on that.

I agree on the 3 side viewing, can't wait to get mine setup. If you have the option to go pendant i'd probably do that and rig up something where you can adjust it for height over the tank. Then you could add a simple wood canopy that just slides on (Open on the back short side?) so it blocks the MH from blinding your room.

Are you going to be able to see into the fuge area? Or do you plan to paint that?

[brooklynfish]

Looks good!

Sorry for changing the subject, but, C-man: Do you have a protien skimmer on your 10?

[Cichlid-Man]

Originally Posted by brooklynfish

Looks good!

Sorry for changing the subject, but, C-man: Do you have a protien skimmer on your 10?

Nope. Would help out but eh, WCs in that small of tank arn't hard to do so i can do them more often.

[big54bob]

just get a 12gal aquapod and tell them its a 10 lol. Hey its 2 gal. more

[brooklynfish]

You'd be surprised! An Aquapod really holds 16 gallons including the back chambers.

[jumpfreak26]

I would but I dont really want to spend hundreds more on a tank with everything built in when i can build one with supplies for maybe 20 bucks. I can also change up some stuff too, instead of having to get a certain part.

[jumpfreak26]

Oh yeah, on the SCWD based on Cmans dimensions, i think if i raise the SCWD above the baffle i can run it, just need some final dimensions, ill look at their site for it.....and for the fuge and sump i think i will just custom fit a plexiglass cover painted black, or paint the fuge side and cover the sump side and leave the back open.

also for the canopy i would like to have it floating, like a pendant except with a canopy, and i can raise it up and down so nobody pours beer in it or something.