[epicfish]

This is my plan:

1. AGA 10 gallon
2. False back with 3 compartments:
a. Chaeto/LR rubble
b. Filter floss, sponges, media (if required)
c. Maxi-Jet 900 (or Maxi-Jet 1200) Pump
3. Finnex 3x36w fixture with: 1x 10,000K, 1x 50/50, 1x 420nm/460nm bulbs
4. 10-15 pounds of live rock
5. 10 pounds of live sand
6. Zoos, palys, softies

Here's the design for the false back. The dimesions of a 10 gallon AGA are: 20"x10"x12" (LWH). I've actually moved the return closer to the surface for more movement at the top.

Click the pictures for larger pictures.

Front of the tank:


Back of the tank:


False back:




Are there any good ways to have the return plumbed through the false wall?

(Click on the images to get linked to the page description.)
Here are my options:
1) Tubing -> single threaded bulkhead + threaded bulkhead screen
I can use this bulkhead:
Along with this bulkhead screen:



2) Tubing -> slip bulkhead thread screen
Get some tubing to attach the pump to this piece, which is simply pushed through the hole in the acrylic. It's a slip-on piece:



3) Tubing -> bulkhead -> 1/2" loc-line connector -> flare nozzle
Use a bulkhead:
And then attach a threaded 1/2" loc-line connector:
and then attach a loc-line flare nozzle:



4) Tubing -> 1/2 PVC -> 1/2" loc-line connector -> flare nozzle
Use a 1/2" PVC to 1/2" FNPT, I can silicone the piece to the acrylic:
And then attach the threaded 1/2" loc-line connector:
And use the flare nozzle:

I guess the bulkhead idea would give a tighter fit since it's screwed into the acrylic from either side.


What does everyone think of my plan so far?...any suggestions on the false back idea as well as any plumbing help?

TIA!

[CSeaSee]

Any plans for a skimmer? If it were me (which it isn't), I'd remove the media and find or build a skimmer that would fit back there... otherwise, I like it!

[epicfish]

No, no plans for a skimmer. I'll have to look into skimmers though. Trying to fit everything within my budget and have a semi-decent tank to look at.

I plan on having mostly corals with maybe one or two fish, so the bioload won't be too high.

[CSeaSee]

Your corals will contribute to your bioload just like fish- they're animals, too.

[epicfish]

I have double the amount of corals in my AquaPod 12 than I plan on stocking in this tank, and I haven't had a problem yet. *knock on wood*

I completely understand where you're coming from. It's just that I'm on a tight budget and trying to save money where I can. On a larger tank or one with more livestock, I'd definately consider a quality skimmer.

[rjs5134]

WOW, nice work creating those pics. Your post probably took more time than I spent creating my 10 gallon QT. I basically did the same thing. I use a 10 gallon AGA and acrylic. I created a false "side" rather than back and the same configuration as your design. By seperating the side, I didn't take up much space in the tank and still had plenty of room for the sponge, heater and return pump. I love it as a QT, very easy to maintain.

Good luck.

[CSeaSee]

Another question- what are your plans for a top/ evaporation loss? Your Aquapod has a lid, so that cuts down on evap, correct? I just ask b/c my 10-gallon evaporates a lot of water.

[Clay12340]

I like it the design mimics the aquapods pretty well, but personally I would move up to a 20g long. It will cost you ~ $10 more for twice the space, which translates into more room for rockwork and more freedom when placing your corals. Not only that if you don't plan on using a skimmer it is twice the rock to keep your tank healthy.

Granted the live rock will cost more than the tank, but if you use the same amount you plan on in the 10g and just use cheap base rock to fill in the extra. You won't be out much money and it will eventually be live rock anyhow.

[epicfish]

I'm only using a 10 gallon because:
1) I only have space for the 10 gallon, and
2) I have the lighting already (from an older setup) and don't want to have to buy a new one while this fixture just sits there collecting dust.

As for the evaporation issue, I plan to get an ATO system at AutoTopoff.com and top it off that way...is there any cheaper places to get an ATO? The double float system at AutoTopoff.com is $50.

[CSeaSee]

I dunno about auto top-off- I use my 5-gallon Kalk bucket w/ an IV line drilled into the bottom for my 55 and 10. Total cost at HD- $6.