thebanker's Fluval Edge Reef

thebanker · 11/28/2011, 12:31 AM

So I decided to set up a nano for my office, and after researching a couple different options, I settled on the Fluval Edge. The sleek design, clean right angles, and simplicity drew me to this aquarium. It will eventually end up in my office, but for now I'm modding it and cycling it at home, so I can get it right before it shows up at work.

I started with 1/2 inch of sand from my existing 56 gallon reef. It is fairly populated with pods and worms. I have a simple, temporary aquascape using a couple pieces of live rock from my LFS. 30% of the volume of the aquarium was filled with water from my existing tank, and the other 70% was new Brightwell ASW.

I had some "waste montipora" that I used to get rid of some xenia in my main tank, so I threw that in the Edge. So far, everything is still alive. On night 1 when the lights were off, I could see a hundred pods darting in and out of the live rock. Also a stomatella snail made an appearance (cool).

For now, I'm running the stock Edge Aquaclear Filter, a 25w Marina brand heater, and the stock MR11 ugly halogens. I plan on rewiring the light sockets to accept MR16 plug-in LEDs.

Preble · 11/28/2011, 06:33 AM

nice.

looks.like.its.going.to.be.a.fun.build.

are.you.going.to.upgrade.the.lighting?

spacebar.is.broke

RVANANO · 11/28/2011, 10:04 AM

Can't wait to see this progress Mikey! Hoping to join the fluval club soon too

Cramz07 · 11/28/2011, 10:43 AM

I like these little tanks a lot. Can't wait to see it finished.

BTW your avatar is hilarious

thebanker · 11/28/2011, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preble

nice.

looks.like.its.going.to.be.a.fun.build.

are.you.going.to.upgrade.the.lighting?

spacebar.is.broke

Lighting is the one aspect I will definitely upgrade. There are links in my post that show you the lights and sockets.

Also, good luck with the spacebar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVANANO

Can't wait to see this progress Mikey! Hoping to join the fluval club soon too

Yes, and I expect immediate notification when you start yours.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cramz07

I like these little tanks a lot. Can't wait to see it finished.

BTW your avatar is hilarious

I can't wait to see it finished as well.

Glad you like the Giorgio Tsoukalos avatar.

ange062 · 11/28/2011, 02:50 PM

Very cool! Look forward to progress. Office tanks are both cool and a PITA, hopefully you will enjoy yours

KafudaFish · 11/28/2011, 02:55 PM

You need a titmice on the edge of it just sitting there looking back at you all day long.

ludiNano · 11/28/2011, 04:28 PM

I don't see how we can take this build seriously with that avatar. Coral are obviously not aliens.

Do you have a plan if zombies attack the office and what you will do with the tank?

I look forward to seeing this progress. I've been considering setting an edge as a fun little tank until my big system comes together.

Is that your desk at work?

teddyzaper · 11/28/2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludiNano

I don't see how we can take this build seriously with that avatar. Coral are obviously not aliens.

It's an internet meme.

haha, im sure he has a plan for zombies, i know i do.

ludiNano · 11/28/2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teddyzaper

It's an internet meme.

haha, im sure he has a plan for zombies, i know i do.

Oh I'm sorry I was unaware of such things. Please for give me for whats about to follow.

HTH

thebanker · 11/28/2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludiNano

I don't see how we can take this build seriously with that avatar.

Do you want me to wear the goat-speedo avatar? Because I will.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludiNano

Coral are obviously not aliens.

Corals are aliens. Come on. Look at the coral reefs. Do you think that humans built that? It's just not possible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludiNano

Do you have a plan if zombies attack the office and what you will do with the tank?

Of course I have a plan if zombies attack the office.

Get the hell out of the office.
Come up with a plan that picks up where Step 1 left off.
Screw that plan, run to the hardware store.
For what?
A hatchet. Then, get some booze. It's gonna be a long night.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludiNano

I look forward to seeing this progress.

No you don't!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludiNano

I've been considering setting an edge as a fun little tank until my big system comes together.

You should, it's fun to mod these things. I think. I haven't modded mine yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludiNano

Is that your desk at work?

no it's my garage. I had it there for one night, and it got way too cold, so now it's in the kitchen until it's fully operational and office-ready.

Quote:

Originally Posted by teddyzaper

It's an internet meme.

haha, im sure he has a plan for zombies, i know i do.

Any red-blooded male with a name like "teddyzaper" has a plan for zombies. Or better have a plan for zombies. Because they don't care, just like the honey badger.

gemini aquarius(t) · 12/03/2011, 12:39 AM

Looking good man! I am going to come by and grab some of that sand for my tank! Sounds like you got a whole assortment of biodiversity in that little tank.
Keep us updated.

Agu · 12/03/2011, 07:35 PM

I try to run a nice rational forum and the loungers show up

.

Had a tank at work and it was a pain in the behind. Hauling water, trying to do water changes on company time (I was self employed and stealing from myself.) and duplicate test kits and equipment really made the office tank a lot less fulfilling than I expected.

However it is relaxing to look at an aquarium, and when a clients portfolio is not performing as planned any way to settle them down is welcome.

Enjoy your new office tank.

ange062 · 12/04/2011, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agu

I try to run a nice rational forum and the loungers show up

.

Had a tank at work and it was a pain in the behind. Hauling water, trying to do water changes on company time (I was self employed and stealing from myself.) and duplicate test kits and equipment really made the office tank a lot less fulfilling than I expected.

However it is relaxing to look at an aquarium, and when a clients portfolio is not performing as planned any way to settle them down is welcome.

Enjoy your new office tank.

I've got a big +1 on that Agu, I think I even mentioned it earlier in the thread. If you keep it simple, its bearable but only just :-)

gemini aquarius(t) · 12/05/2011, 09:14 PM

More pictures

WCreef · 12/05/2011, 09:51 PM

are you going to keep the stock filration? i want to set one of these up as a dwarf seahorse tank with just live rock and the seahorses. do you think it would work for what i want. your tank looks nice. good job show us some moer pics plz!

thebanker · 12/06/2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemini aquarius(t)

Looking good man! I am going to come by and grab some of that sand for my tank! Sounds like you got a whole assortment of biodiversity in that little tank.
Keep us updated.

Yes, come by and get a cup of sand for your giant arse tank. Or more. Crap dude, have as much sand as you want, it will only help lighten the load for when I have to move that beast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agu

I try to run a nice rational forum and the loungers show up

.

Had a tank at work and it was a pain in the behind. Hauling water, trying to do water changes on company time (I was self employed and stealing from myself.) and duplicate test kits and equipment really made the office tank a lot less fulfilling than I expected.

However it is relaxing to look at an aquarium, and when a clients portfolio is not performing as planned any way to settle them down is welcome.

Enjoy your new office tank.

I plan on doing as little water changes as possible. And I'm not buying duplicate test equipment. If I need to test the water, I'll bring my testkits from home.

Hauling water... eh. I can't get away from that, unless I minimize nutrient input, in an effort to keep from doing water changes. That's my goal with this tank. I'm not sure if I'm going to even have a single fish in it, possibly just a few shrimp to look at.

It is relaxing to look at an aquarium, and with the market these days I need all the calming forces I can get in my office

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemini aquarius(t)

More pictures

I know, I know!!!! Sheesh!

thebanker · 12/14/2011, 04:04 PM

Added some more live rock from my main tank, plus some softies, and a frogspawn.

Stocking list:

Frogspawn (green w/pink tips)
Green palythoa
Red discosoma
Pink xenia
Blue clove polyps
1 majano / random brown zoa, not sure what it is.

Also threw in a small ball of Reef-Cheetos to help with any nutrients. (chaetomorpha)

thebanker · 12/24/2011, 01:13 PM

I bought a 10 watt 50/50 Aqueon bulb and zip tied it to the light bar. It's hard to capture the difference it makes, but it helps. The black interior of the hood seems to absorb all the light. I'll need to fabricate a reflector.

After installing the light.

It's still too yellow for me. The halogens create narrow spotlighting and their ~2700K color temperature washes out everything.

Going to take some more pictures.

SkullV · 12/24/2011, 04:49 PM

PM me your shipping info. I have a pair of MR11 Cool White LEDs that are brighter and whiter than the stock halogens. Didn't end up needing them so they are all yours if you want them. Just cover them in some clear nail polish, clearcoat, or LED seal so salt creep doesn't get them.

ange062 · 12/25/2011, 12:25 AM

I didnt notice that was an L shaped pico, this is sick! Once you get some higher kelvin bulbs its gunna look knarly!

SkullV · 12/25/2011, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ange062

I didnt notice that was an L shaped pico, this is sick! Once you get some higher kelvin bulbs its gunna look knarly!

It's not an L. It's a rectangle.

ange062 · 12/25/2011, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebanker

I bought a 10 watt 50/50 Aqueon bulb and zip tied it to the light bar. It's hard to capture the difference it makes, but it helps. The black interior of the hood seems to absorb all the light. I'll need to fabricate a reflector.

After installing the light.

It's still too yellow for me. The halogens create narrow spotlighting and their ~2700K color temperature washes out everything.

Going to take some more pictures.

Looks like an L to me...

SkullV · 12/25/2011, 02:45 AM

Google fluval edge.

ange062 · 12/25/2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkullV

Google fluval edge.

Ya I'm crazy, lol! The pic was deceptive and I glanced at it too quickly, thanks for the correction.

11/28/2011, 12:31 AM	#1
thebanker Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 2,315	thebanker's Fluval Edge Reef So I decided to set up a nano for my office, and after researching a couple different options, I settled on the Fluval Edge. The sleek design, clean right angles, and simplicity drew me to this aquarium. It will eventually end up in my office, but for now I'm modding it and cycling it at home, so I can get it right before it shows up at work. I started with 1/2 inch of sand from my existing 56 gallon reef. It is fairly populated with pods and worms. I have a simple, temporary aquascape using a couple pieces of live rock from my LFS. 30% of the volume of the aquarium was filled with water from my existing tank, and the other 70% was new Brightwell ASW. I had some "waste montipora" that I used to get rid of some xenia in my main tank, so I threw that in the Edge. So far, everything is still alive. On night 1 when the lights were off, I could see a hundred pods darting in and out of the live rock. Also a stomatella snail made an appearance (cool). For now, I'm running the stock Edge Aquaclear Filter, a 25w Marina brand heater, and the stock MR11 ugly halogens. I plan on rewiring the light sockets to accept MR16 plug-in LEDs. Last edited by thebanker; 11/28/2011 at 12:38 AM.

11/28/2011, 06:33 AM	#2
Preble Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: High Point North Carolina Posts: 341	nice. looks.like.its.going.to.be.a.fun.build. are.you.going.to.upgrade.the.lighting? spacebar.is.broke __________________ I can't afford to take you to a fancy dinner, but we can go back to my place and eat in-front of my fancy reef tank. Current Tank Info: 50 mixed

11/28/2011, 10:04 AM	#3
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	Can't wait to see this progress Mikey! Hoping to join the fluval club soon too __________________ Brandon "Your opinion is appreciated. Unless it's stupid" -Me Current Tank Info: "Nano" 300 peninsula reef in progress

11/28/2011, 02:50 PM	#6
ange062 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 3,223	Very cool! Look forward to progress. Office tanks are both cool and a PITA, hopefully you will enjoy yours __________________ JBJ NC28, Radion, MP10, HOB-1, Mini Arctica, 2LF Phosban 150's - MARSH May 2012 TOTM JBJ 3g Picotope, Panorama Pro, AC70 29g AGA Planted FW

11/28/2011, 04:28 PM	#8
ludiNano I'm becoming...Brundlefly Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bettendorf, Iowas Posts: 1,804	I don't see how we can take this build seriously with that avatar. Coral are obviously not aliens. Do you have a plan if zombies attack the office and what you will do with the tank? I look forward to seeing this progress. I've been considering setting an edge as a fun little tank until my big system comes together. Is that your desk at work? __________________ -The Loungers really contribute to RC.~ Agu -JoshTodd has a very good point. ~ R_Hudson -Fresh air will get the stink off ~ Carrie

11/28/2011, 10:43 AM	#4
Cramz07 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Louis Posts: 388	I like these little tanks a lot. Can't wait to see it finished. BTW your avatar is hilarious

11/28/2011, 02:55 PM	#7
KafudaFish Cyprinius carpio Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 4,496	You need a titmice on the edge of it just sitting there looking back at you all day long.

12/03/2011, 12:39 AM	#12
gemini aquarius(t) Always Learning Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 5,099	Looking good man! I am going to come by and grab some of that sand for my tank! Sounds like you got a whole assortment of biodiversity in that little tank. Keep us updated. __________________ -Xavier Blue Thumb Aquatix @BTAquatix

12/03/2011, 07:35 PM	#13
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	I try to run a nice rational forum and the loungers show up . Had a tank at work and it was a pain in the behind. Hauling water, trying to do water changes on company time (I was self employed and stealing from myself.) and duplicate test kits and equipment really made the office tank a lot less fulfilling than I expected. However it is relaxing to look at an aquarium, and when a clients portfolio is not performing as planned any way to settle them down is welcome. Enjoy your new office tank. __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

12/05/2011, 09:14 PM	#15
gemini aquarius(t) Always Learning Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 5,099	More pictures __________________ -Xavier Blue Thumb Aquatix @BTAquatix

12/05/2011, 09:51 PM	#16
WCreef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Covina Posts: 76	are you going to keep the stock filration? i want to set one of these up as a dwarf seahorse tank with just live rock and the seahorses. do you think it would work for what i want. your tank looks nice. good job show us some moer pics plz!

12/14/2011, 04:04 PM	#18
thebanker Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 2,315	Added some more live rock from my main tank, plus some softies, and a frogspawn. Stocking list: Frogspawn (green w/pink tips) Green palythoa Red discosoma Pink xenia Blue clove polyps 1 majano / random brown zoa, not sure what it is. Also threw in a small ball of Reef-Cheetos to help with any nutrients. (chaetomorpha)

12/24/2011, 01:13 PM	#19
thebanker Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 2,315	I bought a 10 watt 50/50 Aqueon bulb and zip tied it to the light bar. It's hard to capture the difference it makes, but it helps. The black interior of the hood seems to absorb all the light. I'll need to fabricate a reflector. After installing the light. It's still too yellow for me. The halogens create narrow spotlighting and their ~2700K color temperature washes out everything. Going to take some more pictures.

12/24/2011, 04:49 PM	#20
SkullV They Got My Number Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 6,898	PM me your shipping info. I have a pair of MR11 Cool White LEDs that are brighter and whiter than the stock halogens. Didn't end up needing them so they are all yours if you want them. Just cover them in some clear nail polish, clearcoat, or LED seal so salt creep doesn't get them. __________________ -Ted- Be cautious of those willing to share their "knowledge" but not their results.

12/25/2011, 12:25 AM	#21
ange062 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 3,223	I didnt notice that was an L shaped pico, this is sick! Once you get some higher kelvin bulbs its gunna look knarly! __________________ JBJ NC28, Radion, MP10, HOB-1, Mini Arctica, 2LF Phosban 150's - MARSH May 2012 TOTM JBJ 3g Picotope, Panorama Pro, AC70 29g AGA Planted FW

12/25/2011, 02:45 AM	#24
SkullV They Got My Number Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 6,898	Google fluval edge. __________________ -Ted- Be cautious of those willing to share their "knowledge" but not their results.

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