Jeff's 3g Pico Build

[skriz]

Awesome! How many tangs will you be putting in there?

 

[glxtrix]

looks awesome! Cant wait to see it filled up

 

[triga22]

Wow that looks great. I agree that a pistol watchman pair would be great.

 

[jeff_mcphail]

I have decided to go with the 20 long as my sump. The 30 just took up too much room under my desk and I really didn't want to relocate my paper shredder.

The blank is just a standard 20L 30x12x12

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I wanted to build the sump with a display style refugium in mind so I divided the sump in half using the entire front portion for the fuge.

Here is a pic of the initial mock up.

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[strapingyunglad]

Lookin good!

 

[jeff_mcphail]

with skimmer.

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I know the skimmer is a little bit overkill for a pico but isn't that what this whole build has kinda turned into?!?:yes:

 

[bobz]

Very nice setup. Keep the pics and posts coming!

 

[jeff_mcphail]

You got it Bob!

 

[jeff_mcphail]

Here are a few more pics of the sump going together.

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I only had one clamp so i had to get crafty with the sponge and wrench to help hold things together whild the silicone set up overnight.

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Great. Now I'll have the beastie boys stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

 

[bobz]

What kind of paint did you use of the plexiglass?

 

[jeff_mcphail]

Krylon

 

[jeff_mcphail]

Here is what I came up with for the other end of the drain.

The slits are to release air and reduce the noise and the hole is for the return line.

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[jeff_mcphail]

And painted black to blend in with the background.

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[jeff_mcphail]

Drain and ATO float valve

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Top Down

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[strapingyunglad]

Jeff.mcphail;228163 wrote: And painted black to blend in with the background.

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your dog looks like he wants to steal my soul....

 

[enderg60]

um unless you want a flood situation, might want to put that float switch a bit lower

 

[triga22]

This is going to be a great tank!

 

[jeff_mcphail]

EnderG60;228180 wrote: um unless you want a flood situation, might want to put that float switch a bit lower

I purpously possioned the float valve high for maximum water volume and to give me just a little more time refill my top off container. It cuts the water off when the last compartment is 3/4 full, thus leaving plenty of room for the 3/4 gallon back siphon that will occur when my return pump is off.

 

[FutureInterest]

By far the coolest 3g tank build ever.

What are you going to put in the display?

 

[jeff_mcphail]

Do you mean the fuge display? I don't really know yet but I was thinking of sea horses or pipefish