Sapherion

My latest project in the making - Bedroom 30cm Cube Nano Tank

Chapter 1. Foundation equipment - Tank/Light/Stand

First task was to find a nice size tank that I felt would be a good size. Something not too small but not too big either. I was happy with the Aqua one 30cm cube tank.

Second, was to find a light that would be suitable. I chose a cheap ebay light fixture with 2x 24w compact fluros. This was more than sufficient light for this sized tank.

Third, to find a stand that looked neat and flush with the tank. Results after searching many furniture stores/aquarium shops failed miserably. I then sourced another hobbiest who helped me with this stand.

Here is a few pics of the stand in progress:













Next task was to find a nice location for this unit. After setting everything up, it was moved upstairs to a bedroom.







Cabinet opened to show space for canister filter/Co2 Gear etc



Stand has two holes on the side replicated from ADA show stands. They look pretty nifty imo, perfect for the tubing to and from the filters/co2.



Light chosen with the 2x 24w 8000k compact fluro lights. They came with 2 switches so light levels could be cut in half easily.







The light is suspended from stainless steel line atteched to a bent solid steel bar



The height of the stand was made to suit easy access of the inside of the tank without the back pains. A few more pics to finish.





Hardscape materials boiled, cleaned and dried ready for use:



Next update, Hardscape and ADA equipment. Any comments, critiques welcome.

Cheers,

Saph.

Paul Higashikawa

This must have been a revelation, for I also have recently acquired a 30-C. My only problem was in finding the right lighting. Now that you have posted, I think I will go ahead and set it up! The spin-off ADA stand as well as the arm look great!

Overall set up also look wonderful! Look foward to seeing the actual set up!

erijnal

Man this looks awesome. Thanks for posting the pictures!

Is the stand reinforced in any way? It looks like an accidental bump might send everything toppling, or at the very least send some water over the top

jeffboyarrdee

Hey whatsup

i was just wondering where you purchased those lights from? They are perfect for smaller tanks, not having to use a metal hailide.

shake

I thought the same when I made the stand for Saph and was thinking of adding extra sheets of MDF on the bottom. But once it was finished I was surprised how stable it was. The damn thing is pretty heavy as well. Considering the weight of the tank filled with those rocks, water and substrate, I think it will have to be a pretty big knock to topple it over.

FelixAvery

looks great! i also made a stand for my 30c but cant find a nice light for it since im in the uk?
sweet hardscape materials cant wait to see this wet

UG Dude!

Wood looks sweet... Nice tank...

Sapherion

Chapter 2.1 Hardscape complete.

After a few tries, I thought this was the best I could do with what I had. I had a choice of two different types of rocks and the greyish ones turned out the better choice. Overall im happy with the scape, I was sitting there for about an hour just looking at the wood, ive never seen a more interesting piece!..Any suggestions for what plants to use?



















Next Update - Equipment/Plant selections.

Cheers,

Saph.

agentgreen

looks great so far!

what type of light is that? have the ebay seller name handy?

also, what substrate is that?

houseofcards

I think that works really well with the cube. Are you going to make it a minimalist-type setup so you don't hide the nice detail and arrangement of the hardscape?