Nano Reef

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mudskipper10

Sharkie
Jan 24, 2011
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Hey peoples finally decided what to get back into fish keeping with:) nano! Anyway, just wanted some advice on nanos. I will post equipment soon:)
 

ktrom13

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Feb 4, 2013
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Believe or not its a bit harder to keep a nanotank just because of the size. Sounds crazy but the parameters can get out of line quickly if proper maintance isnt done regularly. Even in my 40gal breeder tank i still see nitrate spikes if i miss a water change by 2 or 3 days

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greech

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May 13, 2009
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^True but its a lot easier to do a WC on a nano than a bigger tank :).

What nano did you get/are you looking at?

The good thing about nanos is that you can get by with less. For example, with a nano you stand a better chance of success should you choose not to use a sump and a protein skimmer. Because the water volume is small, making water changes easier and cheaper, more frequent and/or larger water changes can be done to combat nutrients. Likewise, the same water changes have a greater chance of replenishing elements without the need for, or at least reducing the amount of dosing for Ca, Mg and alkalinity. I am a big believer is using a good skimmer unless the tank is really small.

Bad thing about nanos is that you are limited to what you can keep (mainly fish). Also, if you end up going with a manufactured all-in-one (Biocube, etc), you are pretty much stuck with the lighting, etc. that is comes in the box. Yes, you can replace/modify, but why pay for things twice?
 

mudskipper10

Sharkie
Jan 24, 2011
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Thanks but I'm willing to donate a lot of time to this for water changes and regular maintenance :) I'm looking at a mr. aqua 7.5 gallon frameless bow front at marinedepot.com, a penguin bio wheel power filter model 100, a marine land maxi jet PROwater pump model 400, and a penguin power head model 550. Lighting is a marine land single bright led lighting system. How am I doing so far? I also will probably stick with mostly zoanthids:)
 

TL1000RSquid

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Apr 6, 2011
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I wouldn't count on the single bright being bright enough for any coral, a friend tried a double bright and failed miserably. I'd also look into smaller equipment then the MJ it'll take up a lot of real estate inside a 7.5 go small like a koralia nano or tunze nanobelle. Not sure why you're looking to do both a the maxi jet and a powerhead?

Also filterwise I'd look at an AquaClear50, a bit more roomy, more versatile and cheaper for media, never used a biowheel filter on SW but I imagine saltcreep could lock the wheel up quickly.
 

mudskipper10

Sharkie
Jan 24, 2011
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That's why i posted I knew I needed advice:) so just the penguin powerhead and the aquaclear50 what's good for lighting?
 

SubRosa

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Jul 3, 2009
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Lose the Penguin and get a Koralia. Much better flow pattern. How much are you willing to spend on a light?
 

ktrom13

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You could do a dual t5 lighting with an actinic bulb and a 10,000k bulb.

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greech

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May 13, 2009
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Completely agree on the Aquaclear. Possibly consider an AC 70 or even a 110 to allow more room (to put a heater and media in). You can mod the impeller to slow the flow but you may not need/want to do that as the filter turnover may provide all the flow you need for a 7.5 gallon (no bulky powerhead needed in the tank). You can also swap the AC 70 impeller with a AC 50 impeller without modding anything. The length of the drop tube might be of concern but I am fairly certain you can cut those to fit. You can also check inTank for their AC parts (nice media baskets, etc.). If you do need more flow with the filter, +1 to the koralia nanos.

Click on the filter size and it will give you some products that work with the filter...

http://shop.mediabaskets.com/AquaClear_c44.htm

The 110 media basket that hold a tunze 9002 skimmer is expecially nice. Saw one of these in person not long ago...

http://shop.mediabaskets.com/AquaClear-110-Media-Basket-Fits-Tunze-9002-AC110MRX.htm

A PAR 38 type bulb may be worth looking into. These screw into any standard light fixture. However, unless this will be an SPS dominant tank, I think it will be too much light for that little tank unless you hang it fairly high above the tank.

http://www.marinedepot.com/LED_Light_Bulbs_for_Saltwater_Reef_Aquariums-FILTBULD-ct.html

http://www.ecoxotic.com/ecoxotic-par38-aquarium-led-lights.html

Other option is the ecoxotic pro module. As long as you don't plan on going SPS or clam route, you should be fine with any LPS or softies. I would get the blue/white (10 to 12K) model and possibly add a all blue pro module or a all blue stunner strip (cheaper and less wattage). Note the stunner strips alone will NOT be enough for any corals. You don't want a ton of light overt that little tank or you will fry your corals.

http://www.ecoxotic.com/panorama-pro-module.html

http://www.ecoxotic.com/stunner-led-strips.html


By the way, not to point you to another forum but here is a nice Mr. Aqua 7.5 build you may want to look at...

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/284749-maestros-75g-mr-aqua-build/
 
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mudskipper10

Sharkie
Jan 24, 2011
253
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Alright found the filter going with the 70 I will see if I need the powerhead found t5 for 90$ and if I need the powerhead I'm going koralia:) I will check the build thanks:) I'm gonna stick with mostly zoanthids what about a acropora?
 
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