The Nano Dream

MDAquatics

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Im starting to plan out one of my once and for all nano dream build. I'm a monster fan of nano tanks and I have always wanted to put one together with every feature I can think of. A bad to the bone nano monster. I usually build an oversized stand to house everything instead of trying to pack everything into a tiny cabinet without being obnoxious on the size of the stand. I like the challenge of a nano and how it demands you to be hands on with your monitoring and maintenance schedules to keep everything stable.

With that said you always want to make the job as easy as possible through the use of monitoring equipment and high end filtration. In a nano you are usually limited to what you can fit into the back of an AIO because people generally try to avoid the cost of setting up a sump system on a small tank. If you're going to put that much into it why not go bigger? Well.....it's because of the reasons I mentioned above that draw me to nano sized tanks.

I'm in the super early stages of planning this system but I know what space I have available for the stand which gives me my starting point and my limitations on gear and space.
Cost is not going to be an issue because the tank will start very slow with just rock and water, maybe a few small inverts and fish to get going. Im not that concerned about the filtration and equipment as the tank gets cycled and broken in.

So to start at a minimum I need the stand built, the tank, and the sump. Everything else can get added as I go but I need to plan the space very carefully. Here is the full equipment list I have decided on so far.

-Fiji 12 Sump
-Custom Salt,Waste, RODI containers
-Custom Dosing Container

That's it so far lol. Im really torn on the tank right now, I have a few options Im considering but all I know is that I want to be in the 20-35 gallon range drilled for an overflow. I know in the future I will be adding an ozone generator, a carbon dosing reactor, dosing pump, auto water change system. These are all things that I need to make sure I have room for in the cabinet other than my control section and a little space for storage. I have a constantly evolving sketch of the system as I see it.

Im mainly putting this here for feedback and ideas and as a place where I can follow my own progress.

Screenshot 2024-07-28 at 1.46.28 PM.png


Screenshot 2024-07-28 at 1.47.05 PM.png
 

Reefer Brent

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I want to do something very similar with my 40 AIO after I get a larger display. Cut out the AIO section add an overflow and sump in an oversized kitchen base cabinet with a nice countertop.

Would be a future frag tank with some damsels.

Great rendering! AWC FOR THE WIN!
 
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MDAquatics

MDAquatics

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Also there is a trigger platinum cube sump with a filter roller on clearance at BRS
I want to do something very similar with my 40 AIO after I get a larger display. Cut out the AIO section add an overflow and sump in an oversized kitchen base cabinet with a nice countertop.

Would be a future frag tank with some damsels.

Great rendering! AWC FOR THE WIN!
Thanks man, I hear different things about the triggers but I did see that sale. I think the Fiji has everything Im looking for. I've spent a ton of time considered cutting out an AIO, I love DIY stuff obviously but i'm nervous about doing it. Ive also considered custom but I think I will be able to find something. Ive got a few options in mind
 

Reefer Brent

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Thanks man, I hear different things about the triggers but I did see that sale. I think the Fiji has everything Im looking for. I've spent a ton of time considered cutting out an AIO, I love DIY stuff obviously but i'm nervous about doing it. Ive also considered custom but I think I will be able to find something. Ive got a few options in mind
Yeah the project can be fun. You could prob find a cheap used jbj or aquatop to tinker with.
 

HAVE YOU EVER KEPT A RARE/UNCOMMON FISH, CORAL, OR INVERT? SHOW IT OFF IN THE THREAD!

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