Rob's MiniBow7

[Rob]

Several years ago, I set up an All-Glass Mini Bow 7 gallon tank.  I even went through the trouble of building a a canopy for it.  A week or so, I dug it out of the basement and set it backup again.  After seeing John's (Joncat24) build with LEDs, I wanted to do one too.   Here is what I have done so far...

Tank with no lights on.


Filters and top view.


Inside the canopy with the heat sink and LEDs.


Closeup of LEDs.


40mm fan to cool the heat sink.  LEDs burn very hot, if you allow them to run hot, they will not last long.  Even though this fan is very small, it is all it takes to keep the heat sink nice and cool


In place of a ballast, LEDs use a driver.


Lights on!


Picked up this sturdy book case at IKEA ($39.99)


Full shot with lights on.


Another full shot.

[Rob]

Filters!

Initially, I was just going to run with one small hang on filter, which is why there is a little Pnguin bio-wheel on the right.  I started doing some reading on small tanks and some have picked up these AquaClear hang ons and used them as refugiums.  Sooner or later, this one will get converted over to a fuge.


Lights!

I got my lights from rapidled.com.  I ordered on a Tuesday, they arrived on a Thursday, shipping was only $6.00.  The LEDs on here are all CREE 3 watters.  I have 7 blue and 5 white.  The tank is VERY blue, I can not wait to get some zoas and such in there to see them glow under them.


All in all, I am trying to keep this a simple tank, no skimmer, no sump...we will see how long this lasts!

[cyberwollf]

Looks awesome!  Would be a very fun little tank.  If you get bored you can notch the back and make a little overflow box to house the filters and heaters, and paint the background... LOL I might have to get one

[sticks_wife]

Wow Rob! That looks really great! Can't wait to see it when you add some zoas.

[HUNGER]

looks sweet

[lazylivin]

Nice retro look to it Rob. 

[Rob]

Thanks for the comments.  I am not sure why I did not paint the background on this one.  All of my other tanks have been painted, in fact, I think I still have some in the basement.  I probably ought to drain this and paint it before I put anything in there.  Believe me, I have thought about drilling it and putting a sump under it (because I can never leave well enough alone), but I am TRYING not to go crazy on this one!

[Rob]

The paint is drying now!

[cyberwollf]

but I am TRYING not to go crazy on this one!

NONSENSE!! More complicated is ALWAYS better

[xXTheWendigoXx]

Wow, neat to see that lighting setup in action, those LED's really do put out.

[joncat24]

Let's have some new pics Rob since you painted it.

[Rob]

Good point, I need to post some pics of what it looks like now.  I need to replace a couple of my LEDs, if I get motivated, I will swap those out and take some pics.