10G Nano Set up

brdracing · 08/28/2008, 09:45 AM

I am looking to put a 10 gallon set up together for my son in his room. It has to be simple set up. The tank will me FOWLR.
I don't have room for a sump so I am looking for he best set up for a standard 10gallon tank. Fish will either be damsels or Clown fish I will try to get 10 to 15lbs of rock and 3 inch sand bed.
Some of the question that I have are:
1. What kind of lighting
2. Filters?
3. Over the back Refug. or not?
4. and everything else.

Thanks
Brooks

phish guy · 08/28/2008, 09:52 AM

my buddy just set up a 10g not to long ago.

FILTERS - he used an Aquaclear 50. he said he will eventually add a fission nano skimmer or another aquaclear modded into a mini fuge.

LIGHTING - just a basic PC i dont remember what size or wattage but it fits the tank. if there arent going to be any coral, lighting is not a concern.

FLOW - the aquaclear if enough for him now. he said soon he'll put a koralia nano in there, once he starts adding coral.

brdracing · 08/28/2008, 10:04 AM

Will that lighting be enough if I add an Anemone with the clowns?

Skeptic_07 · 08/28/2008, 10:17 AM

If you can afford it, theres a CPR hang on refugium/skimmer that fits perfectly on the back of a 10 gallon. It'll cost you a couple hundred bucks but you wont be changing media every couple weeks or month. It might end up cheaper in the long run. I think you can hide a heater in there as well. It'll also add a couple gallons of system volume to, which is also good. the skimmer isnt the most efficient thing but its oversized for that tank, should do good for a long time.

PC lighting will do you good, 2 36 watt lamps is plenty of light for almost anything in a small setup like that. You said FOWLER though so you really can get away with any kind of lighting. I'd get soemthing cheap with 2 t-8 tubes normal output, one daylight one actinic.

i second koralia nano for extra flow. I had one in a 10 gallon. Its perfect size for that tank IMO and it adds almost no heat to the water. With a tank that small, heat is a major concern. Dont use anything like a maxijet or a rio pump for flow.

phish guy · 08/28/2008, 10:22 AM

in that small of a tank i would for go the anemone. unless you have a large stable tank with good water quality and use the water from that for water changes. anemones can be pretty sensative.

Skeptic_07 · 08/28/2008, 10:30 AM

yeah plus most anemones for hosting clowns will outgrow that tank quickly

Brewman12er · 08/28/2008, 10:32 AM

skeptic what cpr refug/skimmer are you talking about.?

got a link!?

brdracing · 08/28/2008, 11:22 AM

I would like to see a link too.
Thank for the info

Skeptic_07 · 08/28/2008, 11:25 AM

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~CR1727.html

it will hang down below the bottom of the tank so you'd have to leave some room back there.. or use a 15H which is the same foot print but 50% taller. a 15H is also a better option for having a sand bed in the tank.

Brewman12er · 08/28/2008, 11:53 AM

have you ever had any experiance with that.. does the skimmer work effectively?
over flow problems?

Skeptic_07 · 08/28/2008, 12:15 PM

No, I have not used this specific unit. I have used, however, CPR bakpak 2R which is a bit taller and was completely overkill for the 10. The skimmer in the unit we're talking about is designed the same way only this one is slightly shorter and the pump is a bit less powerful. Looking back, i really which that i had bought this unit over the skimmer that i settled on. I'd get the overflow box to go around the pump as well because the pump will be inside the display.

I dont know what you mean by it overflowing, you mean overflowing the cup? By the way CPR's are designed, theres no way for that to happen, if thats what you mean.

the skimmer will take some fiddleing every few days to keep it working effectively. I put a small valve in the air tube for the venturi. this allows me to dial in the perfect amout of air to maximize efficiency. The rio pump that came with mine (they come with different pumps now) eventually died and i now have the skimmer powered with a modded mj 1200 still with the valve on the airline. Theres better skimmers out ther but for my setup it does the job well.

phish guy · 08/30/2008, 03:25 PM

id say just mod an aquaclear into a fuge if you want one. real easy to do and much cheaper. though of course there still is that little problem of the skimmer.

IslandCrow · 08/30/2008, 04:02 PM

I agree with not getting an anemone for that tank. Even in a small tank, PC lighting really isn't sufficient, and as has already been said, any clown hosting anemone will outgrow a 10g tank before long. A couple other things I'd throw in:

- You don't necessarily have to get a skimmer. Many people (including myself) with nano tanks don't use them. It certainly doesn't hurt, but as long as you keep up with the water changes (which take no time at all on a tank that small), you should have no problems. My nitrates in my 12g seldom get above 1ppm.

- Do you really want to go with a 3" sand bed? It's iffy whether or not that will be deep enough to create an anoxic layer for de-nitrification, and in a small tank, that's taking up valuable real estate. If you really want a DSB, I'd add another inch to that. Otherwise, I'd only do about an inch of sand.

- Lastly, make sure you do your research on the fish you want to put in there. The list of fish that are truly suitable for a 10g tank is not very long. The smaller clowns or damsels should be just fine, though.

Oh, one more thing. Just in case you didn't know, there is also a Nano Tank forum. The guys in there have helped me out quite a bit with my own nano tank.

macchicks · 08/30/2008, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by brdracing
10 gallon set up. It has to be simple set up. The tank will me FOWLR. I don't have room for a sump so I am looking for he best set up for a standard 10gallon tank. Fish will either be damsels or Clown fish I will try to get 10 to 15lbs of rock and 3 inch sand bed. Some of the question that I have are:
1. What kind of lighting
2. Filters?
3. Over the back Refug. or not?
4. and everything else.

I just set mine up July 5. 10 gallon FOWLR.
Answers to your questions
1. lighting any should do. I Have just a plain strip light over mine and since I dont want corals right now it is more than plenty for my fish.

2 filters... get a decent skimmer dont skimp on it. tunze has one that sounds nice. I have a crappy seaclone and I can already see where a better one would help long term. I also have a small aquaclear on the back with a sponge so that I can make a QT if I decide to get another fish.

3 refuge I cant speak on this. I plan on getting a small ball of cheato and putting in the corner of the tank but I am not a perfectionist so this wont bother me.

4 Korlia nano is perfect for my 10. However I can see how a second would be nice also.
My sand is only 1/2-1inch up to the top of the black strip.
Be prepared to manually top off at least once a day twice is better. I use 1 1/2 - 2 gallons a week. (its been hot lately)

my tank is holding between 78-80 normally Hot last week it would creep to 83-84. Take that into consideration if you live in a hot area or without AC. Mine is on 24-7

Dont panic when you have horrible ugly sand due to cyno for the first 2 months. Mine just went away.

USE RO water.

Hope that helps enjoy it. Mine is next to the bed and even before anything bought live was in it, I was watching the micro life. Make sure to take the time and enjoy that part of it before putting bigger life in. Cause the little things seem to hide more now.

08/28/2008, 09:45 AM	#1
brdracing Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Statesville, NC Posts: 299	10G Nano Set up I am looking to put a 10 gallon set up together for my son in his room. It has to be simple set up. The tank will me FOWLR. I don't have room for a sump so I am looking for he best set up for a standard 10gallon tank. Fish will either be damsels or Clown fish I will try to get 10 to 15lbs of rock and 3 inch sand bed. Some of the question that I have are: 1. What kind of lighting 2. Filters? 3. Over the back Refug. or not? 4. and everything else. Thanks Brooks

08/28/2008, 09:52 AM	#2
phish guy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,003	my buddy just set up a 10g not to long ago. FILTERS - he used an Aquaclear 50. he said he will eventually add a fission nano skimmer or another aquaclear modded into a mini fuge. LIGHTING - just a basic PC i dont remember what size or wattage but it fits the tank. if there arent going to be any coral, lighting is not a concern. FLOW - the aquaclear if enough for him now. he said soon he'll put a koralia nano in there, once he starts adding coral. __________________ Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon Reef, Reeftech LEDs ( on their way out for reefbreeder Photons), Reef Octoput NWB250, Custom made Sump/Refufium, Mp40wES, Koralia's. SPS, LPS, Zoas/Palys

08/28/2008, 10:22 AM	#5
phish guy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,003	in that small of a tank i would for go the anemone. unless you have a large stable tank with good water quality and use the water from that for water changes. anemones can be pretty sensative. __________________ Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon Reef, Reeftech LEDs ( on their way out for reefbreeder Photons), Reef Octoput NWB250, Custom made Sump/Refufium, Mp40wES, Koralia's. SPS, LPS, Zoas/Palys

08/30/2008, 03:25 PM	#12
phish guy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,003	id say just mod an aquaclear into a fuge if you want one. real easy to do and much cheaper. though of course there still is that little problem of the skimmer. __________________ Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon Reef, Reeftech LEDs ( on their way out for reefbreeder Photons), Reef Octoput NWB250, Custom made Sump/Refufium, Mp40wES, Koralia's. SPS, LPS, Zoas/Palys

08/30/2008, 04:02 PM	#13
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	I agree with not getting an anemone for that tank. Even in a small tank, PC lighting really isn't sufficient, and as has already been said, any clown hosting anemone will outgrow a 10g tank before long. A couple other things I'd throw in: - You don't necessarily have to get a skimmer. Many people (including myself) with nano tanks don't use them. It certainly doesn't hurt, but as long as you keep up with the water changes (which take no time at all on a tank that small), you should have no problems. My nitrates in my 12g seldom get above 1ppm. - Do you really want to go with a 3" sand bed? It's iffy whether or not that will be deep enough to create an anoxic layer for de-nitrification, and in a small tank, that's taking up valuable real estate. If you really want a DSB, I'd add another inch to that. Otherwise, I'd only do about an inch of sand. - Lastly, make sure you do your research on the fish you want to put in there. The list of fish that are truly suitable for a 10g tank is not very long. The smaller clowns or damsels should be just fine, though. Oh, one more thing. Just in case you didn't know, there is also a Nano Tank forum. The guys in there have helped me out quite a bit with my own nano tank. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

08/28/2008, 10:04 AM	#3
brdracing Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Statesville, NC Posts: 299	Will that lighting be enough if I add an Anemone with the clowns?

08/28/2008, 10:17 AM	#4
Skeptic_07 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: lawn guy land Posts: 1,418	If you can afford it, theres a CPR hang on refugium/skimmer that fits perfectly on the back of a 10 gallon. It'll cost you a couple hundred bucks but you wont be changing media every couple weeks or month. It might end up cheaper in the long run. I think you can hide a heater in there as well. It'll also add a couple gallons of system volume to, which is also good. the skimmer isnt the most efficient thing but its oversized for that tank, should do good for a long time. PC lighting will do you good, 2 36 watt lamps is plenty of light for almost anything in a small setup like that. You said FOWLER though so you really can get away with any kind of lighting. I'd get soemthing cheap with 2 t-8 tubes normal output, one daylight one actinic. i second koralia nano for extra flow. I had one in a 10 gallon. Its perfect size for that tank IMO and it adds almost no heat to the water. With a tank that small, heat is a major concern. Dont use anything like a maxijet or a rio pump for flow.

08/28/2008, 10:30 AM	#6
Skeptic_07 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: lawn guy land Posts: 1,418	yeah plus most anemones for hosting clowns will outgrow that tank quickly

08/28/2008, 10:32 AM	#7
Brewman12er Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: idaho Posts: 96	skeptic what cpr refug/skimmer are you talking about.? got a link!?

08/28/2008, 11:22 AM	#8
brdracing Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Statesville, NC Posts: 299	I would like to see a link too. Thank for the info

08/28/2008, 11:25 AM	#9
Skeptic_07 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: lawn guy land Posts: 1,418	http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~CR1727.html it will hang down below the bottom of the tank so you'd have to leave some room back there.. or use a 15H which is the same foot print but 50% taller. a 15H is also a better option for having a sand bed in the tank.

08/28/2008, 11:53 AM	#10
Brewman12er Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: idaho Posts: 96	have you ever had any experiance with that.. does the skimmer work effectively? over flow problems?

08/28/2008, 12:15 PM	#11
Skeptic_07 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: lawn guy land Posts: 1,418	No, I have not used this specific unit. I have used, however, CPR bakpak 2R which is a bit taller and was completely overkill for the 10. The skimmer in the unit we're talking about is designed the same way only this one is slightly shorter and the pump is a bit less powerful. Looking back, i really which that i had bought this unit over the skimmer that i settled on. I'd get the overflow box to go around the pump as well because the pump will be inside the display. I dont know what you mean by it overflowing, you mean overflowing the cup? By the way CPR's are designed, theres no way for that to happen, if thats what you mean. the skimmer will take some fiddleing every few days to keep it working effectively. I put a small valve in the air tube for the venturi. this allows me to dial in the perfect amout of air to maximize efficiency. The rio pump that came with mine (they come with different pumps now) eventually died and i now have the skimmer powered with a modded mj 1200 still with the valve on the airline. Theres better skimmers out ther but for my setup it does the job well.