Help me choose my tank and parts!!!

mpsullivan · 06/24/2013, 03:35 PM

Hey Guys,

I have posted a few times before when I have been ready to take the plunge, but for one reason or another I just wasnt able to.

However, I have approval from the ball & chain for a small tank for our apartment. Caddy corner set up so it can either be rounded edge, bowfront, or cubeish. I rent so I can't get crazy with plumbling, so no sump for me :-/ (damn apt hardwood floors).

I will be doing a non-agressive FOWLR set up, so mostly passive fish with some neat inverts. No coral or plants. This will greatly minimize the chemistry aspect that is usual required from reef keeping.

I am thinking of either the Cadlights Pro 28g Bowfront:

http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=249

or the Nuvo 38 Mini (black):

http://www.aquacave.com/Nuvo-Mini-38...Fcc-Mgod2VEAxQ

The Cadlights is smaller so it is easier from a floorprint but tougher from a husbandry standpoint since it has less water volume. However, it is also cheaper (hey it's important!)

I will be adding in Aquaroche structures for my rock, reef flakes/snow mixture for my sand (~2inches worth).

I would love advice on lights, since this isn't a reef I don't need to worry about PAR too much, but I do want some nifty features with dimming and timers, etc... I was thinking between the following:

Photon 24 (or 16 if needed)
AI Nano
MaxSpect Nano LED
Sicce Minu
Teszla Led
Skkye 30w LED (the light that comes with the Nuvo).

I think the Photon's are in the lead due to price and features but I would love everyone's thoughts.

Lastly, I am thinking of stripping the filter compartments from either tank and using a nano skimmer and nano media ractor for Bio Pellets. According to my research the following two items should both fit:

Skimmer
http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=259
Nano reactor
http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=226

I will be using a RODI filter that will only be installed when needed for water changes (using a sink adapter and spare 5g jug). I am handicapped in this aspect, as I mentioned before, I rent my apartment and can't have a huge jug of water sitting around or make any alternations to the plumbing.

Anyways, I would love your thoughts, what tank, what light? You agree with the nano skimmer and reactor use?

Thanks guys!

mpsullivan · 06/25/2013, 07:37 AM

I know it's a war and piece post but does anyone have any thoughts?

Also, I was thinking about using the Panorama Pro LED with the 38 Nuvo...it looks to be a perfect fit...also is very cost effective and should be enough for a fowlr... thoughts? (link below):

http://www.marinedepot.com/Ecoxotic_...FILDTN-vi.html

There's a neat article on ************ about the seamless fit...google: 'Panorama Pro LED Nuvo 38 Mini'

Fizz71 · 06/25/2013, 08:15 AM

I'd love to help you and I don't like to speak for others but I think an issue here is you've done SOOO much research that you're down to a very specific set of choices that very few people on here have experience with that exact system to suggest that one thing or the other would be better or fit/not fit. But kudos for the research.

You're on the right track...the lighting is for you, not corals so pick what you like.

And one of the hardest aspects of an all-in-one (and why I've never had one) is that if you don't think it has everything you need you really need to do your research on fitting and customizing to get it to work...which you've done.

I personally would not setup a reef without a skimmer ESPECIALLY since water changes for you will be a challenge with no water storage. IMO w/ no skimmer...more frequent water changes are needed. But skimmers that aren't in a sump tend to be noisy so it's a tough call.

Also keep in mind that RO filtration units tend to put out a higher TDS when first started up (each time) so by not storing water you may need to toss a gallon when you do make water.

And finally a well designed sump setup should never flood, so IMO the whole no sump because of hard wood is moot. My entire sump setup is in the basement and yet my living room hardwood floor is a mess...because of me, not the sump...coral mounting, cleaning, etc. With an all-in-one...how easy will it be for you to clean the crap in the back without dripping on the floor?

Good luck.

cobraz · 06/25/2013, 08:21 AM

I have the Ecoxotic Panorama Light fixture - 5 12K white strips and 4 445 blue strips.
Nice fixture with the added tank bracket - but the light is too white.. I am adding a couple of stunners to change the hue alittle.

mpsullivan · 06/25/2013, 08:45 AM

Thanks fiz! Yeah I have done a TON a research on and off over the past few years. I definitely think knowledge wise I am ready to go...I also have it ingrained that PATIENCE and TIME are the key factors to proper set up and husbandry. Thankfully I travel on the weekends during the summer so I am not around the place as much. I figure it would be great to start up a tnak by mid July and let it do its thing until Mid September, only adding in some CUC members.

Anyways, The thing about the sump is that I am not handy when it comes to plumbing items. I know a properly set up sump with correctly placed baffles, shut off valves, etc... are leak proof. But I am clueless on proper set up.

I know reevo has a GREAT sump for a cadlights 50. I remember finding a website that had custom sumps for cubes and smaller aquariums that really maximized available space. I wish I could remember the name of the site...Got any ideas or any suggestions?

mpsullivan · 06/25/2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobraz

I have the Ecoxotic Panorama Light fixture - 5 12K white strips and 4 445 blue strips.
Nice fixture with the added tank bracket - but the light is too white.. I am adding a couple of stunners to change the hue alittle.

Are you able to change the ratio of white to blue strips?

Koral_Keeper · 06/25/2013, 09:19 AM

I currently have a tank with a curved front (nano cube) and I would not do it again. Too much distortion when viewing from the front.

Fizz71 · 06/25/2013, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpsullivan

Thanks fiz! Yeah I have done a TON a research on and off over the past few years. I definitely think knowledge wise I am ready to go...I also have it ingrained that PATIENCE and TIME are the key factors to proper set up and husbandry. Thankfully I travel on the weekends during the summer so I am not around the place as much. I figure it would be great to start up a tnak by mid July and let it do its thing until Mid September, only adding in some CUC members.

Anyways, The thing about the sump is that I am not handy when it comes to plumbing items. I know a properly set up sump with correctly placed baffles, shut off valves, etc... are leak proof. But I am clueless on proper set up.

I know reevo has a GREAT sump for a cadlights 50. I remember finding a website that had custom sumps for cubes and smaller aquariums that really maximized available space. I wish I could remember the name of the site...Got any ideas or any suggestions?

If your tank is drilled ("reef ready") and you buy the right size sump and pump the plumbing is actually easy. You'd be surprised how simple (and cheap) it is to build with PVC. I've built air powered rocket launchers with pvc, flexible tubing and boat bumpers and my only experience with plumbing is what I learned from my tank.

06/24/2013, 03:35 PM	#1
mpsullivan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: South Orange, NJ Posts: 37	Help me choose my tank and parts!!! Hey Guys, I have posted a few times before when I have been ready to take the plunge, but for one reason or another I just wasnt able to. However, I have approval from the ball & chain for a small tank for our apartment. Caddy corner set up so it can either be rounded edge, bowfront, or cubeish. I rent so I can't get crazy with plumbling, so no sump for me :-/ (damn apt hardwood floors). I will be doing a non-agressive FOWLR set up, so mostly passive fish with some neat inverts. No coral or plants. This will greatly minimize the chemistry aspect that is usual required from reef keeping. I am thinking of either the Cadlights Pro 28g Bowfront: http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=249 or the Nuvo 38 Mini (black): http://www.aquacave.com/Nuvo-Mini-38...Fcc-Mgod2VEAxQ The Cadlights is smaller so it is easier from a floorprint but tougher from a husbandry standpoint since it has less water volume. However, it is also cheaper (hey it's important!) I will be adding in Aquaroche structures for my rock, reef flakes/snow mixture for my sand (~2inches worth). I would love advice on lights, since this isn't a reef I don't need to worry about PAR too much, but I do want some nifty features with dimming and timers, etc... I was thinking between the following: Photon 24 (or 16 if needed) AI Nano MaxSpect Nano LED Sicce Minu Teszla Led Skkye 30w LED (the light that comes with the Nuvo). I think the Photon's are in the lead due to price and features but I would love everyone's thoughts. Lastly, I am thinking of stripping the filter compartments from either tank and using a nano skimmer and nano media ractor for Bio Pellets. According to my research the following two items should both fit: Skimmer http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=259 Nano reactor http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=226 I will be using a RODI filter that will only be installed when needed for water changes (using a sink adapter and spare 5g jug). I am handicapped in this aspect, as I mentioned before, I rent my apartment and can't have a huge jug of water sitting around or make any alternations to the plumbing. Anyways, I would love your thoughts, what tank, what light? You agree with the nano skimmer and reactor use? Thanks guys! __________________ Acroporaphobic -fear usually involving fear of aiptasia, mantis shrimp, or of having an acro colony melt with no one to turn to.

06/25/2013, 07:37 AM	#2
mpsullivan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: South Orange, NJ Posts: 37	I know it's a war and piece post but does anyone have any thoughts? Also, I was thinking about using the Panorama Pro LED with the 38 Nuvo...it looks to be a perfect fit...also is very cost effective and should be enough for a fowlr... thoughts? (link below): http://www.marinedepot.com/Ecoxotic_...FILDTN-vi.html There's a neat article on ************ about the seamless fit...google: 'Panorama Pro LED Nuvo 38 Mini' __________________ Acroporaphobic -fear usually involving fear of aiptasia, mantis shrimp, or of having an acro colony melt with no one to turn to.

06/25/2013, 08:15 AM	#3
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	I'd love to help you and I don't like to speak for others but I think an issue here is you've done SOOO much research that you're down to a very specific set of choices that very few people on here have experience with that exact system to suggest that one thing or the other would be better or fit/not fit. But kudos for the research. You're on the right track...the lighting is for you, not corals so pick what you like. And one of the hardest aspects of an all-in-one (and why I've never had one) is that if you don't think it has everything you need you really need to do your research on fitting and customizing to get it to work...which you've done. I personally would not setup a reef without a skimmer ESPECIALLY since water changes for you will be a challenge with no water storage. IMO w/ no skimmer...more frequent water changes are needed. But skimmers that aren't in a sump tend to be noisy so it's a tough call. Also keep in mind that RO filtration units tend to put out a higher TDS when first started up (each time) so by not storing water you may need to toss a gallon when you do make water. And finally a well designed sump setup should never flood, so IMO the whole no sump because of hard wood is moot. My entire sump setup is in the basement and yet my living room hardwood floor is a mess...because of me, not the sump...coral mounting, cleaning, etc. With an all-in-one...how easy will it be for you to clean the crap in the back without dripping on the floor? Good luck. __________________ --Fizz Current Tank Info: Current system is 8x2x2 240g peninsula setup with a single "chamber" 100g sump in the basement with an RDSB. All corals are 100% home grown from frags of fellow reefers (low natural reef impact).

06/25/2013, 08:45 AM	#5
mpsullivan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: South Orange, NJ Posts: 37	Thanks fiz! Yeah I have done a TON a research on and off over the past few years. I definitely think knowledge wise I am ready to go...I also have it ingrained that PATIENCE and TIME are the key factors to proper set up and husbandry. Thankfully I travel on the weekends during the summer so I am not around the place as much. I figure it would be great to start up a tnak by mid July and let it do its thing until Mid September, only adding in some CUC members. Anyways, The thing about the sump is that I am not handy when it comes to plumbing items. I know a properly set up sump with correctly placed baffles, shut off valves, etc... are leak proof. But I am clueless on proper set up. I know reevo has a GREAT sump for a cadlights 50. I remember finding a website that had custom sumps for cubes and smaller aquariums that really maximized available space. I wish I could remember the name of the site...Got any ideas or any suggestions? __________________ Acroporaphobic -fear usually involving fear of aiptasia, mantis shrimp, or of having an acro colony melt with no one to turn to.

06/25/2013, 08:21 AM	#4
cobraz Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 151	I have the Ecoxotic Panorama Light fixture - 5 12K white strips and 4 445 blue strips. Nice fixture with the added tank bracket - but the light is too white.. I am adding a couple of stunners to change the hue alittle.

06/25/2013, 09:19 AM	#7
Koral_Keeper Moved On Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Central PA Posts: 75	I currently have a tank with a curved front (nano cube) and I would not do it again. Too much distortion when viewing from the front.