[Brian_Cali77]

So more about this choice in filtration: Fluval C2 + SunSun 301.

I really wanted to go with the lily pipes and canister filter, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for lily pipes being functional in removing the protein layer that is very distracting in a topless rimless build. HOB's aren't that good at dealing with it when the water level is kept high close to the top of the tank. Which is usually the desirable thing to do in a rimless tank.

So I researched some protein skimmer ideas... and stumbled across the SunSun 301. If it works out to plan, I'll have extra filtration plus (the main purpose) surface skimming.

I found it being recommended in the SCAPE forum by cGaR: here

I also found one YouTube video here:

With it being black and all, it will sit nice and semi-stealthy next to my C2 dealing with the dastardly oil slick (aka: protein layer).

So... I ordered it and tested out the surface skimmer attachment in a glass of water. It apparently adjusts automatically to the water level based on buoyancy. Pretty neat and inexpensive solution (if it works!).

Check out this video of the surface skimming attachment demo.

Here's how it looks up close next to the C2:

 

[Brian_Cali77]

The Hardscape Plan (subject to change):

So here's that DW (not sure what species it is exactly) I kept around from my old halfmoon dwarf puffer tank. I got it at Nature Aquarium in Santa Monica... and I'm sure it came from AFA in SF as I know the owner of NA makes his orders through them -- especially ADA stuff.

Needless to say, this is a very interesting piece of DW and I'm excited to use it again.

My stones... Yamaya + Seiryu. Some came from my rescape of my GLA tank.

And a quick rendering of what I have planned (loosely and not to scale):

 

[FlyingHellFish]

+1 Ikea Besta stand!

I see they came out with new colours for the doors. I like the look you have with the HOB and the Current lights, very clean and professional looking.

Ops, didn't see the drawing.

Edit: The corner where the ADA sticker has a weird silicone look, can you take a closer pic?

 

[Brian_Cali77]

+1 Ikea Besta stand!

I see they came out with new colours for the doors. I like the look you have with the HOB and the Current lights, very clean and professional looking.

Ops, didn't see the drawing.

Edit: The corner where the ADA sticker has a weird silicone look, can you take a closer pic?

Yeah I already noticed imperfections in the silicone work. I'm a little disappointed but not overly critical... I read the reviews out there how quality has dropped since they started getting them built in China.

Is there something you see that I should be worried about?

 

[NJAquaBarren]

The Besta stand was a great idea. Looks great.

 

[Jack Gilvey]

This should be very cool. I like that surface skimmer. I use the Fluval skimmer with my Eheim and can't see myself setting up a rimless without one now. It's made to fit Aquaclears as well so maybe would work with your C2?
I'd looked into the Besta stand for use with my Mr Aqua "60-p" but none of the doors really worked for me in our living room. That grey is fantastic, though!

Question on the Besta - I don't see that door listed with the cabinet. Is it a separate item you purchased?

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59925650/

 

[FlyingHellFish]

Yeah I already noticed imperfections in the silicone work. I'm a little disappointed but not overly critical... I read the reviews out there how quality has dropped since they started getting them built in China.

Is there something you see that I should be worried about?

Nothing to worry about, it's fine. The silicone job on mine is all that great either.

I seen picture of the old ADA tanks and they look perfect, it's as if there no silicone at all.

 

[zodduska]

I think this will be awesome, the whole setup looks great so far.

 

[AnotherHobby]

Great start! You've clearly put a lot of thought into your layout. I'll be following this for sure.

Also, I like that Ikea stand a LOT! When you get a chance, I'd love to see a pic of the inside of it.

 

[Brian_Cali77]

The Besta stand was a great idea. Looks great.

Thank you!

Question on the Besta - I don't see that door listed with the cabinet. Is it a separate item you purchased?

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59925650/

Yes... I couldn't find these glossy doors online or in the catalog either. But they certainly have them in-store.

 

[Brian_Cali77]

Nothing to worry about, it's fine. The silicone job on mine is all that great either.

I seen picture of the old ADA tanks and they look perfect, it's as if there no silicone at all.

Thanks for the reassurance and picture. I was hoping for ADA perfection but I didn't have high hopes, after reading about these issues prior... so I'm cool with it as long as it doesn't leak or anything.

 

[Brian_Cali77]

I think this will be awesome, the whole setup looks great so far.

Thanks! Means a lot, especially with how nice your tank looks. I'm hoping I can pull off something nice in the scape.

 

[Brian_Cali77]

Great start! You've clearly put a lot of thought into your layout. I'll be following this for sure.

Also, I like that Ikea stand a LOT! When you get a chance, I'd love to see a pic of the inside of it.

Thank you! I've been a big fan of your work, following along your build. You certainly know your way around ingenuity and fabrication... you made the Ray 2 mod look clean & functional. Your scape is breathtaking too.

Anyway... here's an inside shot of the stand. I'd like to get more organized and tidy with the power strip and wires. I might work on that later.

 

[Psiorian]

Oh man!

This looks good! Two currents and the new ramp timer eventually!

I'll be following this one!

 

[Jack Gilvey]

Yes... I couldn't find these glossy doors online or in the catalog either. But they certainly have them in-store.

Thanks, Brian, I may take a ride this weekend then. What'd the door itself run you?

 

[Brian_Cali77]

Thanks, Brian, I may take a ride this weekend then. What'd the door itself run you?

Here's the kicker! When I went to Ikea to buy the besta, I really wanted the glossy gray door. Since I didn't see it online or in the catalog, I had no idea how much it would be. I did know that the standard doors cost only $10 (the besta is 65$). I was sticker shocked to discover the gray glossy door and some other glossy finishes are $50! Quite the markup!! So I decided to grab a regular door, disappointed... on the way to checkout, I stopped at the "as-is" handy man corner and found the gray door in perfect condition (not a scratch, wrapped in plastic), just missing the mounting hardware, for only $5! So I bought both doors to get the hardware to mount it. It was like meant to be man! Score for sure!

Here's the other attractive glossy finish... it's like gray with black stripes. Found this picture online in my research.

 

[AnotherHobby]

Thank you! I've been a big fan of your work, following along your build. You certainly know your way around ingenuity and fabrication... you made the Ray 2 mod look clean & functional. Your scape is breathtaking too.

Anyway... here's an inside shot of the stand. I'd like to get more organized and tidy with the power strip and wires. I might work on that later.

Thanks for the kind comments — I'm just having fun.

Regarding your stand, I know people have posted how much they like my stand, but I like this one better. It was also cheaper for you to buy this than it was for me to build mine, not to mention FAR less work. And... better organization, more storage space, more modern looking, and I'm sure other things I haven't thought of yet.

Nice score. roud:

 

[gus6464]

That looks great! Did you have to reinforce the Besta cabinet?

 

[Brian_Cali77]

Thanks for the kind comments — I'm just having fun.

Regarding your stand, I know people have posted how much they like my stand, but I like this one better. It was also cheaper for you to buy this than it was for me to build mine, not to mention FAR less work. And... better organization, more storage space, more modern looking, and I'm sure other things I haven't thought of yet.

Nice score. roud:

Yeah I considered building a DIY stand but it would have costed more and like you said, more work. Glad there's this option. Your stand is nice though...it has character! Are you thinking of switching things up and repurposing that stand?