Utah Reefs Homepage
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Scerbo's BC14
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Scerbo's BC14
 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
scerbo View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: August 01 2009
Location: West Jordan
Status: Offline
Points: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scerbo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Scerbo's BC14
    Posted: September 24 2012 at 11:19pm
I decided I might as well start a thread about my adventures with this little 14 Gallon tank.  I originally got it for my daughters 3rd birthday but it is definitely a source of fun and entertainment for the whole family.  I've just started the project and finally added some live stock just the other day.  Feel free to comment with any questions or suggestions.  I'm always open to advice and any help anyone can offer.


First FTS after adding the LR and LS
  First FTS! | Lets get things started

The tank has been cycling for a few weeks. Algae is starting to grow.  Things are going great!
Tank Cycling | Starting to grow some algae

I'll be posting more pictures and updates so stay tuned!
Back to Top
scerbo View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: August 01 2009
Location: West Jordan
Status: Offline
Points: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scerbo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 24 2012 at 11:34pm
So after much research and many discussions I decided to upgrade the 2nd chamber with a media basket from InTank and have created a mini fuge.  I have the top tier of the media rack lined with filter floss, the middle tier is holding the chaeto, and I have a bag of Purigen in the bottom.  I also have a bag of Chemi-pure Elite in between the 2nd and 3rd chambers.  So far I haven't had a problem with chaeto fowling my pump.  Fingers crossed.  

I also spent some time research lights for my mini fuge.  I finally decided to just make my own.  So for around $20 I ended up with this.

BioCube14 DIY Fuge Light
BioCube14 DIY Fuge Light Mounted
BioCube14 DIY Fuge Light Mounted

If anyone has any questions or would like more of a DIY guide or materials list let me know.  Any feed back is also greatly welcome.  

Thanks,
Back to Top
Cody View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: March 11 2011
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 512 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cody Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 24 2012 at 11:57pm
I would put the chaeto in the lower chamber of the basket because if you look at your Fuge with the light on the water doesn't really reach the second chamber much. At least on mine with an Intank media basket it doesn't. I run Chemipure in the middle chamber.

Edited by Cody - September 25 2012 at 12:01am
Back to Top
scerbo View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: August 01 2009
Location: West Jordan
Status: Offline
Points: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scerbo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 25 2012 at 12:03am
well my light definitely reaches the bottom rack. So that's not a problem I know exactly what you're talking about with the water level.  I'll take a look at it tomorrow.  Thanks for the advice! Also what do you do to keep the Chaeto out of your pump? did you keep the sponge in between the 2nd and 3rd cahmbers?




Edited by scerbo - September 25 2012 at 12:04am
Back to Top
Cody View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: March 11 2011
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 512 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cody Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 25 2012 at 1:11pm
No I took the sponge out. I don't do anything. The chaeto seems to stay where it should.

Edited by Cody - September 25 2012 at 1:12pm
Back to Top
1973Ford View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: May 13 2012
Location: North ogden
Status: Offline
Points: 408 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 1973Ford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2012 at 11:04am
I like your refuge light what did you use as a reflector?
Back to Top
tfmreefs View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: March 29 2012
Location: Heber City
Status: Offline
Points: 1496 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tfmreefs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2012 at 3:35pm
Love the fuge light! Looks great
"The early bird might get the worm, but only the second mouse gets the cheese."
Back to Top
scerbo View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: August 01 2009
Location: West Jordan
Status: Offline
Points: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scerbo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2012 at 3:57pm
Thanks guys!

@1973Ford I used one of these from Lowe's.

STEEL CITY 0.25" Rectangle Metal Electrical Box Cover

 
My main purpose was to reduce the light that was projected out the back of the box onto the wall.  However it works great as a reflector.  I did have to modify it slightly to fit.  I really should have done a DIY.  I may take it a part and take some pictures and post one on this forum.  It was pretty easy and cost me less than $20. It gets a little warm but nothing to be concerned about.
Back to Top
scerbo View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: August 01 2009
Location: West Jordan
Status: Offline
Points: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scerbo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2012 at 4:05pm
Latest additions to the tank:

Bam Bam Zoas (from Ch3tt)



Green Polyp Leather (Also from Ch3tt)
Back to Top
ch3tt View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: June 03 2011
Location: North Salt Lake
Status: Offline
Points: 1169 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ch3tt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2012 at 4:35pm
looks great!
Red Sea Reefer 625 XXL
Back to Top
1973Ford View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: May 13 2012
Location: North ogden
Status: Offline
Points: 408 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 1973Ford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 02 2012 at 8:13am
So how did you make your five light?
Back to Top
scerbo View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: August 01 2009
Location: West Jordan
Status: Offline
Points: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scerbo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 04 2012 at 3:02pm
@1973Ford - Sorry for the late reply.  If I have time this weekend I will create a DIY walk through. From the top of my head I know I used:

- 1 black gang box (2 throw size)
- 1 metal box cover (reflector)
- 1 13w 6500K CF bulb
- 1 piece of plexi glass (Cut to size at Lowe's)
- 1 water-proof (not necessary) bulb socket cord thing I had lying around the house.  I'm not sure if they sale this fully complete. I would check the garden/outdoor lighting section. it's just a cord with a plug on one side and a bulb socket on the other. I know there are walk throughs to make your own if need be.
- 4 screws to secure the plexi glass
- a few pieces of velcro to secure the light to the tank.

I'll try to take it apart this weekend and snap a few pictures to make it easier to explain the steps.
Back to Top
scerbo View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
Avatar

Joined: August 01 2009
Location: West Jordan
Status: Offline
Points: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scerbo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 04 2012 at 3:09pm
Latest FTS
Snails are starting to clean off the LR so the deep purple is showing more. Also the two Chromis decided to pose for this picture.  Things are moving along quite nicely. :)
FTS 10/3/12
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.03
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.172 seconds.