View Full Version : Setting up my first reef tank
deedee58
02-12-2008, 2:10 PM
We went out last weekend and bought a new Deep Sea Aquatics NEO-Nano tank. This is my first attempt at a reef tank, so I hope I'm getting good advice. I have done a good deal of reading and am working with a wonderful LFS, but any advice on things to watch for would be greatly appreciated.
We got live sand and 20 pounds of live rock (from an eight year old tank, so I'm told). I will be adding a small clean-up crew to start, then a few corals, then a couple fish.
I found a small clam and a couple very small, spiny looking things this morning. This should be an interesting experience.
Do you have an specific sorts of questions?
Reefscape
02-12-2008, 2:18 PM
Sounds like your off to a wonderfull start there....Look forward to seeing pictures as you progress....
deedee58
02-12-2008, 3:35 PM
Here are a few pics of the new tank. (First picture post, I hope this works.)41811
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I have a freshwater tank, but this is my first marine. I know about water tests, filtration, and parameters for fresh, but I have gotten a lot of mixed info about marine tanks. I am taking it slow with set-up so I won't do damage. The questions I need to ask are ones I haven't thought of yet. I had the water tested at the LFS and everything looked fine, but that didn't tell me what to watch out for in the long-run.
Batmanjay28
02-12-2008, 3:46 PM
Just take everything slow. Awesome tanks take time to develop.
buzzbombtom
02-12-2008, 4:18 PM
wow those tanks are really tanking off as of late. who is the maker of that tank btw?
deedee58
02-12-2008, 4:23 PM
Deep Sea Aquatics. It is a NEO-Nano and so new that there is no info on their website when I needed info for set-up. I love to be able to look down into the tank, much better color and detail.
kryptic4l
02-12-2008, 4:37 PM
this is the first time i have ever herd of this tank...
richardhmc
02-12-2008, 4:43 PM
I went to the website and indeed.. the neo nano section isnt even available
deedee58
02-12-2008, 4:50 PM
Thanks for the input. Sorry the pics are so large. I think I need a lesson on posting photos.
Reefscape
02-12-2008, 5:04 PM
Holy Huge Pictures Batman !!!!! ;)
Looks superb....maybe any questions you may have, have been answered here...
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1052285#post1052285
Now that is one awesome looking tank!!!!!!
buzzbombtom
02-13-2008, 1:25 AM
yeah like 3 of my lfs are selling these and using them as displays they are amazing from the top i love them i dont know why they are so pretty i just cant keep my eyes off them
Nano_Thomas
02-25-2008, 11:33 PM
A few questions for you if you don't mind.
Do you have any pics of your plumbing by chance? I know they come pre-drilled for 1" bulkheads. Did you use all pvc or just pvc elbows and flex tubing?
What pump did you install on yours?
Did you install a skimmer in the sump or are you just using as a refugium with macro algae?
I'd definitely be interested in seeing the "guts" of your system and how you put it together if you don't mind posting some pics.
Thanks in advance!
no_sugar
02-26-2008, 7:28 AM
The company producing these is called Deep Sea Aquatics. They are a splinter company that formed when Oceanic decided to close up shop in Texas. The workers all stayed and created this company. They make some really incredible tanks as shown in the picture. The display at my lfs (dallas) is setup as a mangrove type tank. They have several mangrove plants and seahorses in it. Below, the tank is plumbed into an 18"x18"x18" specially designed sump also by DSA. I didn't look too close at the pump, or what they were running in the sump. Huge sump for the tank though. I spoke with a technician the other day at the company. He said they can't keep them stocked up they are selling so well.
He said they can't keep them stocked up they are selling so well.
I believe it, just seeing one pic of that tank makes me want to scrap my entire setup and go with one of those. They really are nice looking and quite different from the norm.
So how much do they cost?
marine_geek
02-27-2008, 9:35 AM
As others have said thats an awsome looking tank 0.0 good luck with it. Im sure it will be a stunner.
deedee58
02-28-2008, 11:19 AM
Sorry, I've been off line a couple of days. The skimmer we bought was a Euro-Reef and the pump is a PondMaster, though I don't know the specifics, the paperwork says 250-700. LFS guy sold us what we needed...he said. We used flex tubing going from the return into the sump, connected to pvc. The pump has the standard clear tubing. I will send pics as soon as I figure out how to get them uploaded.
deedee58
02-28-2008, 11:39 AM
Here are the pics I took of the plumbing. I am looking for a tutorial on attaching or imbedding picture so this won't be such a process in the future.
Someone asked how much. The tank and stand were $630. The total for set-up including tank, skimmer (EuroReef RS80), light, salt mix, sand, MagDrive 5 pump, live sand, came to $1376. The checkbook is still gasping.
Max Moss
03-02-2008, 7:25 AM
what is the hight of that cabinet? Love how low everything is.
deedee58
03-02-2008, 3:05 PM
The cabinet is about 32" high.
Amphiprion
03-02-2008, 6:15 PM
Very nice little setup and superb equipment for your first tank. Keep it up and you should do well. Resuscitate your checkbook later...
Mgamer20o0
03-06-2008, 10:16 PM
looks like its coming along.....
Hello,
This is my first attempt at a post so here goes...
It is cool to see photos of the Nano set up and running! Looking at the photos from deedee58, I see the drains are running right out of the back and there is a small loop on the drain. For better water drain and less noise, try adding 90's to the bulk heads (all of them.) and cutting the drain to a more direct fit without stressing the hose clamp.
Thanks,
journey0820
03-31-2008, 9:42 PM
Wow...this is a fascinating set up. Please, please keep the pictures coming as you progress. I can't wait to see more.
mandy21
03-31-2008, 9:52 PM
Hello,
This is my first attempt at a post so here goes...
Just wanted to say, welcome to the forum :)
kcress
03-31-2008, 11:37 PM
I'd be a little concerned by the forces those three hoses to those bulkheads cause. They are trying to pull the back away from the sides. If you can you should support them somehow. Try to hold them up from anywhere other than the glass back.
Horchata
03-31-2008, 11:44 PM
Just take everything slow. Awesome tanks take time to develop.
^ agree
alpha123
04-02-2008, 1:04 PM
Awesome tank! Makes me want to DIY one just like that. Already stunning with gray rock and white sand. You don't need fish. lol.
May not be for jumping fish, though. Except for those that can do a perfect vertical jump.
Infidelsix
05-27-2009, 1:11 PM
Hi,
I just picked on of these tanks up would love to see more info on your sump and plumbing setup
Yeah, there sure isn't much info on those beautiful tanks... like, for starters. How many gallons does it hold? I am totally in love with the looks of it... and the stand is very smart looking as well.