Nano setup?

drillsar · 02/11/2008, 07:47 AM

Can someone help me setup a nano, heres my plan:

30gal

Heater 150w

Mag 5 with SCWD for flow

Fuge or no fuge?

Lights I dont no yet probably Metal Halide any suggestions?

Sand about 1.5 inches sugar fine (caribsea)

30lbs of cured rock

Also if i where to get a fuge what kind of overflow you use?

HumanIMDB · 02/11/2008, 07:54 AM

Are you drilling the tank for a closed loop (Mag 5 with SCWD for flow)? If so, you can build an overflow right in the tank. If not, a HOB Overflow can be used, there are some DIY HOB Overflows and if you want the "best" the LifeReef ones are considered by many here on RC to be the Cadillac of overflows.

A sump/fuge will help hide your equipment and allow for macro algae and/or pod sanctuary as well as increasing the overall volume of your system; more volume means more stability.

Lights - Depends on what you are going to keep. If you are looking at SPS or Clams, you'll need a MH for sure. Otherwise, any other type of light will be fine.

What kind of a skimmer are you looking at? Or are you? I would recommend one for a 30g but I know you can do without one for a nano as we don't run one on our 10g, you just have to make sure you keep up with the weekly water changes.

HumanIMDB · 02/11/2008, 07:57 AM

If you want a turn-key solution, I've read good things about the Biocubes but the Red Sea Max products have received mixed reviews.

P.S. Just saw your experience in your sig...don't think you need much help with 7 years experience...but I'm here to help if I can.

drillsar · 02/11/2008, 08:08 AM

Im not sure if im going to drill it do any of them come pre drilled?, I have a lifereef overflow for my 55gal now, so I can use that one currently or do I need a smaller one?

I was told its better not to use a skimmer for tanks 30 gal and below, im not sure about the closed loop since I never seen it.

HumanIMDB · 02/11/2008, 08:17 AM

I don't think any of the turn-key solutions come pre-drilled. I'm sure you could get someone to build you a 30g and drill it.

I believe LifeReef just recently added a Nano Overflow to their product line up. Though I'm sure the one you have would be fine.

Hrm, never heard that about the skimmer, I think it's a matter of choice really. I know there are lots of nano skimmers out there, though I don't know how good any of them are.

I've seen a few closed loops. Again, I think this is more personal preference. Some prefer powerheads with a wavemaker solution where others like closed loops with flow randomizers. I think the biggest advantage of the closed loops are that you can use much larger pumps and the "visible" footprint in the tank is decreased significantly. You usually see them on large tanks though.

drillsar · 02/11/2008, 08:27 AM

Im thinking of this one:

http://www.current-usa.com/aquapodhqi.html

This comes with a overflow I beleive dont it? I will only need a heater correct?

HumanIMDB · 02/11/2008, 08:50 AM

No overflow, everything is contained within the system. I believe these are very good products, but you might want to search/post in the Nano forum for reviews.

I believe the system comes with everything you need.

drillsar · 02/11/2008, 09:09 AM

what about the red sea max

HumanIMDB · 02/11/2008, 09:12 AM

I've read mixed reviews on the RSM...a quick search of the Nano Forum will show most of them.

drillsar · 02/11/2008, 09:51 AM

is it better just to build your own or get a kit?

HumanIMDB · 02/11/2008, 10:10 AM

Personal preference I believe...if you do some things yourself you could end up saving money over the turn-key option but it all depends on what you want and how much work you want to do.

Personally, I prefer turn-key solutions that I know what to expect from over something that I could do myself that "may" work as well as something I could buy.

That said, from what I've read, most turn-key nano's have different pros and cons and most require some sort of post-manufacturing modifications to get the most out of the design.

We built our nano using a 10g special (<$20)...the light is the most expensive thing in/on our tank.

Savas · 02/11/2008, 01:14 PM

For the money, go with a 24 gallon Aquapod and Nanocube. Most issues with the RSM are about performance based on price, not performance alone.

02/11/2008, 07:47 AM	#1
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	Nano setup? Can someone help me setup a nano, heres my plan: 30gal Heater 150w Mag 5 with SCWD for flow Fuge or no fuge? Lights I dont no yet probably Metal Halide any suggestions? Sand about 1.5 inches sugar fine (caribsea) 30lbs of cured rock Also if i where to get a fuge what kind of overflow you use?

02/11/2008, 07:54 AM	#2
HumanIMDB Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 1,556	Are you drilling the tank for a closed loop (Mag 5 with SCWD for flow)? If so, you can build an overflow right in the tank. If not, a HOB Overflow can be used, there are some DIY HOB Overflows and if you want the "best" the LifeReef ones are considered by many here on RC to be the Cadillac of overflows. A sump/fuge will help hide your equipment and allow for macro algae and/or pod sanctuary as well as increasing the overall volume of your system; more volume means more stability. Lights - Depends on what you are going to keep. If you are looking at SPS or Clams, you'll need a MH for sure. Otherwise, any other type of light will be fine. What kind of a skimmer are you looking at? Or are you? I would recommend one for a 30g but I know you can do without one for a nano as we don't run one on our 10g, you just have to make sure you keep up with the weekly water changes. __________________ Chris Rivers Will do computer support for frags. :) Click on the Red House to see our AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build thread. Current Tank Info: 10 Gal (Aqualight 96W Quad 50/50, AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto lit by 6500K Bulb, AquaClear Power Head 20, 50w Tronic Heater), 92 Gal All-Glass Corner (Cycling)

02/11/2008, 07:57 AM	#3
HumanIMDB Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 1,556	If you want a turn-key solution, I've read good things about the Biocubes but the Red Sea Max products have received mixed reviews. P.S. Just saw your experience in your sig...don't think you need much help with 7 years experience...but I'm here to help if I can. __________________ Chris Rivers Will do computer support for frags. :) Click on the Red House to see our AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build thread. Current Tank Info: 10 Gal (Aqualight 96W Quad 50/50, AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto lit by 6500K Bulb, AquaClear Power Head 20, 50w Tronic Heater), 92 Gal All-Glass Corner (Cycling)

02/11/2008, 08:17 AM	#5
HumanIMDB Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 1,556	I don't think any of the turn-key solutions come pre-drilled. I'm sure you could get someone to build you a 30g and drill it. I believe LifeReef just recently added a Nano Overflow to their product line up. Though I'm sure the one you have would be fine. Hrm, never heard that about the skimmer, I think it's a matter of choice really. I know there are lots of nano skimmers out there, though I don't know how good any of them are. I've seen a few closed loops. Again, I think this is more personal preference. Some prefer powerheads with a wavemaker solution where others like closed loops with flow randomizers. I think the biggest advantage of the closed loops are that you can use much larger pumps and the "visible" footprint in the tank is decreased significantly. You usually see them on large tanks though. __________________ Chris Rivers Will do computer support for frags. :) Click on the Red House to see our AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build thread. Current Tank Info: 10 Gal (Aqualight 96W Quad 50/50, AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto lit by 6500K Bulb, AquaClear Power Head 20, 50w Tronic Heater), 92 Gal All-Glass Corner (Cycling)

02/11/2008, 08:50 AM	#7
HumanIMDB Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 1,556	No overflow, everything is contained within the system. I believe these are very good products, but you might want to search/post in the Nano forum for reviews. I believe the system comes with everything you need. __________________ Chris Rivers Will do computer support for frags. :) Click on the Red House to see our AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build thread. Current Tank Info: 10 Gal (Aqualight 96W Quad 50/50, AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto lit by 6500K Bulb, AquaClear Power Head 20, 50w Tronic Heater), 92 Gal All-Glass Corner (Cycling)

02/11/2008, 08:08 AM	#4
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	Im not sure if im going to drill it do any of them come pre drilled?, I have a lifereef overflow for my 55gal now, so I can use that one currently or do I need a smaller one? I was told its better not to use a skimmer for tanks 30 gal and below, im not sure about the closed loop since I never seen it.

02/11/2008, 08:27 AM	#6
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	Im thinking of this one: http://www.current-usa.com/aquapodhqi.html This comes with a overflow I beleive dont it? I will only need a heater correct?

02/11/2008, 09:09 AM	#8
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	what about the red sea max

02/11/2008, 09:12 AM	#9
HumanIMDB Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 1,556	I've read mixed reviews on the RSM...a quick search of the Nano Forum will show most of them. __________________ Chris Rivers Will do computer support for frags. :) Click on the Red House to see our AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build thread. Current Tank Info: 10 Gal (Aqualight 96W Quad 50/50, AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto lit by 6500K Bulb, AquaClear Power Head 20, 50w Tronic Heater), 92 Gal All-Glass Corner (Cycling)

02/11/2008, 09:51 AM	#10
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	is it better just to build your own or get a kit?

02/11/2008, 10:10 AM	#11
HumanIMDB Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 1,556	Personal preference I believe...if you do some things yourself you could end up saving money over the turn-key option but it all depends on what you want and how much work you want to do. Personally, I prefer turn-key solutions that I know what to expect from over something that I could do myself that "may" work as well as something I could buy. That said, from what I've read, most turn-key nano's have different pros and cons and most require some sort of post-manufacturing modifications to get the most out of the design. We built our nano using a 10g special (<$20)...the light is the most expensive thing in/on our tank. __________________ Chris Rivers Will do computer support for frags. :) Click on the Red House to see our AGA92 Corner Reef Tank Build thread. Current Tank Info: 10 Gal (Aqualight 96W Quad 50/50, AquaClear Power Filter 70 with Chaeto lit by 6500K Bulb, AquaClear Power Head 20, 50w Tronic Heater), 92 Gal All-Glass Corner (Cycling)

02/11/2008, 01:14 PM	#12
Savas Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Maryland / St. Thomas once a month Posts: 764	For the money, go with a 24 gallon Aquapod and Nanocube. Most issues with the RSM are about performance based on price, not performance alone. __________________ If you can get your wife hooked into reef keeping, you can spend all the money you want! Current Tank Info: 24 gallon Aquapod Nanotuners 4.32 T-5 lighting upgrade; 24 gallon Aquapod with stock power compacts and actinic lighting; 12 gallon Aquapod with stock power compacts and actinic lighting.