Another build review thread

Llamaslayer · 12/08/2010, 07:52 PM

I've been researching reefing for about two months now, reading RC and NF every day it seems. I originally wanted to go with the Fluval Edge 6g nano and was really set on it until I thought about the light spread issues, difficulty to work in, modding requirements, etc. I'm sure you're all sick of reviewing my build ideas but I just want to get my first tank right without having to keep changing setups hehe. Here it goes;

I want to keep the clean lines of a rimless as best as I can which is why I am going with the canister filter. Is there anyway to mount a heater inside the filter/hosing safely?

Glass: ADA Mini-L/Do!Aqua Mini-L/8.5g Rimless Tank

Filtration: TOM Rapids C-80 canister filter

I'm aware of the supposed nitrate factory warnings and plan on doing weekly filter floss replacements along with ChemiPure and Lifeguard Pelletized Carbon

Lighting: Evilc66's PAR38 12k bulb

Heater: Unknown at this point as I would like to be able to place it outside of the tank (in canister/tubing/etc)

Powerhead: Koralia Nano

Expenses: ~$247 before shipping, livestock, test kits, water, etc

Livestock: I plan on keeping 1 false perc, a toodstool coral, possibly birdsnest, possibly a frogspawn spaced far away from the rest. (this is just a rough idea of what I want in it)

Water Source: I have a 5 stage drinking water setup at home. I'm not sure if this is sufficient for reefing. If not I plan on using store bought water/LFS water.

Please let me know if you guys can improve on my ideas. Thanks again everyone!

Misled · 12/08/2010, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llamaslayer

Filtration: TOM Rapids C-80 canister filter

I'm aware of the supposed nitrate factory warnings and plan on doing weekly filter floss replacements along with ChemiPure and Lifeguard Pelletized Carbon

Water Source: I have a 5 stage drinking water setup at home. I'm not sure if this is sufficient for reefing. If not I plan on using store bought water/LFS water.

IMO, everything but these are fine.

The nitrate warnings are not supposed and will sooner or later cause you problems. If you must go with a canister, remove the rings and use it for carbon. Do weekly water changes with that, and you should be fine. You could also use a HOB power filter or a reactor in place of the canister.

Is the 5 stage filter a RO/DO unit. If not don't use it. With a small tank and no skimmer, your water quality becomes paramount. No sense adding something you may not have the ability to remove.

Just my opinion.

Llamaslayer · 12/08/2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misled

IMO, everything but these are fine.

The nitrate warnings are not supposed and will sooner or later cause you problems. If you must go with a canister, remove the rings and use it for carbon. Do weekly water changes with that, and you should be fine. You could also use a HOB power filter or a reactor in place of the canister.

Is the 5 stage filter a RO/DO unit. If not don't use it. With a small tank and no skimmer, your water quality becomes paramount. No sense adding something you may not have the ability to remove.

Just my opinion.

Yeah I was planning on removing all media and replacing it with filterfloss, ChemiPure, and carbon with weekly cleanings.

As for the water, it is definitely a 5 stage RO (not sure if its DI) drinking water setup. I'll get the model number and google it to check if its DI as well. Not sure what would be better though, I know most water sold in stores are only RO so I'm not quite sure what would be better-my 5 stage (with filter changes every year) or store bought...

Misled · 12/08/2010, 08:36 PM

I don't know about the filter floss as I've never used it myself. Same goes for the Chemipure. Personally, I would think you'd be of with just the carbon. Just change it every couple weeks.

Your RO would still probably be the best bet. Go over it and check it out. You will probably have to replace the prefilters. A DI is an easy add on.

Llamaslayer · 12/08/2010, 08:49 PM

Thanks again for the help! Hopefully this will be my final build concept and works out

rtbm · 12/08/2010, 09:09 PM

Thought id mention Eheim makes a good canister filter that has a built in heater if your still looking to keep the heather out of sight.

I also know there are a lot more "nano skimmers" out there these days. Certainly not a bad idea to explore them. maybe you could find a nice looking low profile one or something.

But i have to ask. Why such a small tank to start out with?

Llamaslayer · 12/08/2010, 09:18 PM

The Eheim is considerably more expensive but the prospect of having a built in heater might be enough to offset that haha

. I went with the nano route mainly due to overall reduced costs of maintenance and electrical costs along with being able to keep it in my room. I want to keep it simple and stable as possible without the need to do additional plumbing for a fuge so I'm not too sure about having a skimmer.

12/08/2010, 07:52 PM	#1
Llamaslayer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 33	Another build review thread I've been researching reefing for about two months now, reading RC and NF every day it seems. I originally wanted to go with the Fluval Edge 6g nano and was really set on it until I thought about the light spread issues, difficulty to work in, modding requirements, etc. I'm sure you're all sick of reviewing my build ideas but I just want to get my first tank right without having to keep changing setups hehe. Here it goes; I want to keep the clean lines of a rimless as best as I can which is why I am going with the canister filter. Is there anyway to mount a heater inside the filter/hosing safely? Glass: ADA Mini-L/Do!Aqua Mini-L/8.5g Rimless Tank Filtration: TOM Rapids C-80 canister filter I'm aware of the supposed nitrate factory warnings and plan on doing weekly filter floss replacements along with ChemiPure and Lifeguard Pelletized Carbon Lighting: Evilc66's PAR38 12k bulb Heater: Unknown at this point as I would like to be able to place it outside of the tank (in canister/tubing/etc) Powerhead: Koralia Nano Expenses: ~$247 before shipping, livestock, test kits, water, etc Livestock: I plan on keeping 1 false perc, a toodstool coral, possibly birdsnest, possibly a frogspawn spaced far away from the rest. (this is just a rough idea of what I want in it) Water Source: I have a 5 stage drinking water setup at home. I'm not sure if this is sufficient for reefing. If not I plan on using store bought water/LFS water. Please let me know if you guys can improve on my ideas. Thanks again everyone! Last edited by Llamaslayer; 12/08/2010 at 07:58 PM.

12/08/2010, 08:36 PM	#4
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	I don't know about the filter floss as I've never used it myself. Same goes for the Chemipure. Personally, I would think you'd be of with just the carbon. Just change it every couple weeks. Your RO would still probably be the best bet. Go over it and check it out. You will probably have to replace the prefilters. A DI is an easy add on. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

12/08/2010, 09:09 PM	#6
rtbm Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: wisconsin Posts: 958	Thought id mention Eheim makes a good canister filter that has a built in heater if your still looking to keep the heather out of sight. I also know there are a lot more "nano skimmers" out there these days. Certainly not a bad idea to explore them. maybe you could find a nice looking low profile one or something. But i have to ask. Why such a small tank to start out with? __________________ "Better to act while you're still foolish enough to think you know everything than to be slowly frozen by the creeping uncertainty of bitter wisdom..." L.Person Current Tank Info: 30x30 miracles starfire sps reef + 800 gal sps prop system

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12/08/2010, 08:49 PM	#5
Llamaslayer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 33	Thanks again for the help! Hopefully this will be my final build concept and works out

12/08/2010, 09:18 PM	#7
Llamaslayer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 33	The Eheim is considerably more expensive but the prospect of having a built in heater might be enough to offset that haha . I went with the nano route mainly due to overall reduced costs of maintenance and electrical costs along with being able to keep it in my room. I want to keep it simple and stable as possible without the need to do additional plumbing for a fuge so I'm not too sure about having a skimmer.