Luvmyreef's 20g Nano Build
- Thread starter luvmyreef
- Start date
travelerjp98
Active Member
The funny thing is that since yesterday, there were 36 posts on this thread..... most I've ever seen in that time period........
luvmyreef
Active Member
Well, I have decided to do a DIY LED build for this tank. I am compiling a list. I will probably end up using the plug n play options from rapid led. No soldering...yipppee. Thanks to all the helpful people on here, I believe I can do this. If it works out, I will build one for the 180g later. So, there will be no rush on this build. It will be done right. So, lets update the list of what I have or have ordered.
20g high glass tank
10g sump
24in high stand-ordered
24in DIY LED fixture
Brackets for light mount/with arms (will be able to hang the light as high or low as I need it)
Super nano overflow kit-ordered
mag 3 pump
1/2 in return kit-ordered
Nano and/or koralia #1 pump
Remora C skimmer-unsure if I can use, but have it for now.
5lbs live rock
base rock
fiji pink sand- maybe BB?
So, looks like I got a winter project lol.
20g high glass tank
10g sump
24in high stand-ordered
24in DIY LED fixture
Brackets for light mount/with arms (will be able to hang the light as high or low as I need it)
Super nano overflow kit-ordered
mag 3 pump
1/2 in return kit-ordered
Nano and/or koralia #1 pump
Remora C skimmer-unsure if I can use, but have it for now.
5lbs live rock
base rock
fiji pink sand- maybe BB?
So, looks like I got a winter project lol.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Sure. Post the list and I for one would like to see pics along the way. Sounds like you are off to a great start!
luvmyreef
Active Member
Thanks, I am trying to plan this well, so when it all comes together it should be easy sailing lol. Ok, here is the list.
24 LED Plug-n-Play Retrofit Dimmable Kit- comes with everything but heatsink, fan,potentiometer, and 10v adapter
*comes with: 6-xp-g cool whites, 6-xp-g neutral whites, 6-xp-e royal blue, and 6-xp-e blue. MY choice BTW. They give you options.
*Whites will come with 65 degree optics, blues with 80. My choice BTW, you can choose out of the options.
*2- Mean Well 60-48D Dimmable drivers (included in the kit)
fan
Multimeter
DIY 2 color dimming kit
Drilled and tapped 4.25" x 23" heat sink for 24 leds.
10v ac adapter -I already have one.
That is about it. I am gonna check on gutting out my old 2 bulb t-5 fixture and try to mount the heatsink in it. It will save me from having to build a box, and should look nice and neat. What do you think of the list?
24 LED Plug-n-Play Retrofit Dimmable Kit- comes with everything but heatsink, fan,potentiometer, and 10v adapter
*comes with: 6-xp-g cool whites, 6-xp-g neutral whites, 6-xp-e royal blue, and 6-xp-e blue. MY choice BTW. They give you options.
*Whites will come with 65 degree optics, blues with 80. My choice BTW, you can choose out of the options.
*2- Mean Well 60-48D Dimmable drivers (included in the kit)
fan
Multimeter
DIY 2 color dimming kit
Drilled and tapped 4.25" x 23" heat sink for 24 leds.
10v ac adapter -I already have one.
That is about it. I am gonna check on gutting out my old 2 bulb t-5 fixture and try to mount the heatsink in it. It will save me from having to build a box, and should look nice and neat. What do you think of the list?
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Interesting so far. Don't forget to post pics of the led build. I'm actually curious about building one of them myself. I really like t5 units, but LEDs sem the wave of the future.
luvmyreef
Active Member
Yeah, this will be my first time at a diy project like this. If it works out like I think it will, then I will start a build for the 180g and get rid of the electric sucking metal halides lol. The overall cost to make this led seems fair. I can actually minus 40.00 of it because my t-5's are due to be changed and to get good ones, that is what they would cost me. 
Will post lots of pics along the way since you asked.
Will post lots of pics along the way since you asked.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I think I don't want to completely get rid of my t5s. So I'm considering doing a combo of the two lights.
Looking forward to it! Your building the tank I wish I had. Lol.
I absolutely suggest looking into an auto top off. Especially with a small sump.
Looking forward to it! Your building the tank I wish I had. Lol.
I absolutely suggest looking into an auto top off. Especially with a small sump.
luvmyreef
Active Member
Replies in red
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/389771/luvmyreefs-20g-nano-build/40#post_3447532
I think I don't want to completely get rid of my t5s. So I'm considering doing a combo of the two lights. I know what you mean, however, I am willing to try it for us both lol. It will be hard to let go of the metal halides too.
Looking forward to it! Your building the tank I wish I had. Lol. Wait, what? You have a 20g!! And you seem quite the DIY guy.
I absolutely suggest looking into an auto top off. Especially with a small sump. When she's all done I will. Right after the algae scrubber LOLOLOLOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/389771/luvmyreefs-20g-nano-build/40#post_3447532
I think I don't want to completely get rid of my t5s. So I'm considering doing a combo of the two lights. I know what you mean, however, I am willing to try it for us both lol. It will be hard to let go of the metal halides too.
Looking forward to it! Your building the tank I wish I had. Lol. Wait, what? You have a 20g!! And you seem quite the DIY guy.
I absolutely suggest looking into an auto top off. Especially with a small sump. When she's all done I will.
Right after the algae scrubber LOLOLOLOL
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Yeah, that's why I'm tagging along on this build. I do have a 20g tank right now... mainly because it's the only thing I could afford. lol I was looking at the glass holes overflow when I moved my tank from the one stand to the other, but I figured I would just keep using the overflow that I have for now and do it right on the next bigger tank that I will be upgrading to next year. My current tank will be SPS dominated - well, it already is. You're building an algae scrubber? Where are you putting it? Sump? I highly suggest a separate glass box to build it in, like a 10g or a 5.5g tank with a bulkhead or two - to prevent spray/ salt creep. That's the biggest pet peeve of most scrubber owners.
Ever just stared at an empty tank and imagined all the possibilities? lol
Your stand is a bit short... 24"? I built my new stand 36" tall and I love it. Much more room to work in.
Ever just stared at an empty tank and imagined all the possibilities? lol
Your stand is a bit short... 24"? I built my new stand 36" tall and I love it. Much more room to work in.
luvmyreef
Active Member
No, I was just teasing you about the scrubber lol. The stand is actually 25.8 x 14 x 30.5. Standard black aga wood stand. Ah, plans for the future huh? Yep, looking at the empty tank now and thinking about what needs done to it. Wondering why I just didn't go with a nps build....LOLOL
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Oh. Ha ha very funny. Lol.
Still could go nps. Ditch the led setup, add a chiller, a killer skimmer, and a phos reactor and BAM you got an nps tank. Lol (now you know I'm kidding, right?)
Still could go nps. Ditch the led setup, add a chiller, a killer skimmer, and a phos reactor and BAM you got an nps tank. Lol (now you know I'm kidding, right?)
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Yay! I'm curious to see what it looks like.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Are you sure a 10g tank can fit under it?
Im sorry, one of my friends died earlier this week. Tonight was the visitation.
Im sorry, one of my friends died earlier this week. Tonight was the visitation.