RedSea Aqua Vase Update

[fritzthewondermutt]

My little .75 gal Aqua Vase is still doing great, so I thought I'd post the results of an experiment I tried. I was getting pretty tired of cleaning up slime algae, so I thought I'd try the Tim Allen approach to filtration: "More Power". I picked up a Penguin 100, (smallest hang on I found with a Bio-Wheel) and put it on and it has made a huge difference.

There are few things to keep in mind with this filter.
1) The intake pipe is too long, you'll have to cut it. I cut it as long as I could and stuffed the intake screen inside the tube, (pointy end up).
2) This is like running an outboard motor in a bathtub. You will want to stuff something into the intake pipe to reduce the flow. If you reduce it too much you won't get enough flow to turn the bio-wheel so you'll have to make some adjustments.
3) This filter will back flow a lot when turned off or if the power goes out. Try turning off the filter to see how far the water rises just so you're comfortable when it happens. I fill mine to just about the bottom of the clamp for the stock light. (see pic)

Here are some shots with the new filter, one with some stuff to show the size of the tank.

 

[djconn]

More power...I like that.

I've got two questions for ya. 1.) Have you ever considered putting a 50/50 7w bulb in there? When I help my fiancee redo hers, we will do that and maybe upgrade to a 13w clip on lamp with a 50/50.

2). I saw a thread somewhere else where the guy trimmed down the flexible metal tubing that holds the lamp up to get it closer to the tank. Have you ever considering trying that? I tried it and it worked but I had to epoxy one side of it down to keep it from spinning around. Here is a pic:

 

[EcoSystem]

"Grunt" more power. Sweet.

Next thing you know we will try micro nanos right inside a clear HOB. :wink:

Very nice little set up you have there fritz. I look forward to seeing it's progress

-Eco

 

[fritzthewondermutt]

1.) Have you ever considered putting a 50/50 7w bulb in there? When I help my fiancee redo hers, we will do that and maybe upgrade to a 13w clip on lamp with a 50/50.

Yeah, I just haven't gotten around to it. I am surprised how well things are doing with just the stock light and a "moonbeam" LED. I keep telling myself I'm going to build a nice hood to hide the lights, etc. Someday.

2). I saw a thread somewhere else where the guy trimmed down the flexible metal tubing that holds the lamp up to get it closer to the tank. Have you ever considering trying that?

Great idea! I'll try that. It does look a bit wierd with the lamp bent down...

 

[ghostbear29]

light mod

how did Dj get the metal arm off the light?just cut if off? I need to do that. As for the slime algae, I just take the filter out and clean the inside out real good. I have LR rubble in the filter, no media. That helps along with constant waterchanges....(their a snap by the way) I use a plastic cup and use water from the nano. Also when I do a waterchange for the nano, the pico gets fresh saltwater. :wink:

 

[djconn]

Re: light mod

how did Dj get the metal arm off the light?just cut if off? I need to do that.

I used my dremel, which by the way, is the best tool in the entire world if you don't have one yet. It took quite awhile to cut through it b/c it was pretty thick metal. I was glad I did it though. Now I can get the light at least 6-8" closer to the tank.

 

[ghostbear29]

so I just cut the two ends and run along the length of it. Then I should be able to slip the metal off the wire right? So that must give more cord lenth now too? I will try it today.

 

[fritzthewondermutt]

Well if short is good then none is better, right? I just took the whole clamp and gooseneck off, leaving just the lamp. Since I have the clear lid I just set the lamp on that. Works great, looks better, and about doubles the light in the tank, (half the distance...). I'll post pictures soon.

 

[fritzthewondermutt]

Here are some current pictures.

New light setup

Tank close up

Even closer

 

[EcoSystem]

Well if short is good then none is better, right? I just took the whole clamp and gooseneck off, leaving just the lamp. Since I have the clear lid I just set the lamp on that. Works great, looks better, and about doubles the light in the tank, (half the distance...). I'll post pictures soon.

Looks good man...but would there not be a heat issue with the light being right on top with no air gap.

I hope that works out for you.


-Eco

 

[fritzthewondermutt]

...but would there not be a heat issue with the light being right on top with no air gap.

That's a good point. I forgot to mention that when I took out the mount I fliped the plate over so it now has "feet" to provide a gap for air. The screws don't fit back in that way (too short) but that's ok. I put an eraser under the other end so it's the same at both ends.

 

[incysor]

Very nice DIY job.

B

 

[djconn]

That really was a great idea. Man, I was halfway there.... :lol:

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

That's really nice looking. Keep an eye on that GSP, it'll take over that tiny tank prtty quickly.

 

[leakyfaucet]

Where'd you find that light from? is that just a standard fluorescent desk lamp? BTW I'm diggin your nano! :cool1:

 

[leakyfaucet]

ah scratch that. i should have read a bit more. stock light

 

[skipm]

I think it is the standard light that comes with the Red Sea Candy Tank combos. They are also available for sale by themselves. Here is a link to the entire set-up: http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW ... mdy00.aspx .

 

[NemoNano]

RE:

Nice tank! :bigthumup:

 

[mikeguerrero]

I like the way you modded the light to rest on the tank... Gives you more watts per square inch...

mike

 

[riotj]

my light doesn't have the same plate. It has one screw and a snap in on the other side so unfortunately I can't reverse it. Too bad. Check out my pics in the photo gallery.

Joe - riotj