Topless setup or Canopy setup - Need advice for Nanocustom system

Econ · 05/21/2006, 12:18 AM

Hi folks:

I've decided to get a 24g nano reef system from nanocustom. My dilemma is the following: should I go for a topless setup or the canopy based setup?

I live in Puerto Rico, where we have very hot and humid climate pretty much year round. No matter what kind of system I buy, I know I'll have to deal with keeping the water at the appropriate cool temperature. I will also have to deal with water evaporation issues. My plan for the tank is to include fish. corals and invertebrates.

I would appreciate some advice on which setup (topeless or canopy based) I should get taking into account the following:

1. I would like to add the Aqua C Remora system for protein skimming.

2. I won't be running a sump with this system.

3. Due to the hot weather I'll need good temperature and water evaporation control. The canopy based system have the option of adding the ICA Nano Chiller and it is also advertised (the canopy) as better for providing cooler temperatures. Is this true? Anyone with experience with the ICA nano chiller?

4. If I get the topless system, will I be able to buy some sort of plastic or acrylic lid to place on top of the tank? Will these affect the lightning of the tank?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Econ · 05/21/2006, 06:57 PM

Anyone?

picocube · 05/21/2006, 07:05 PM

go topless
I wish they had the Viper out when I set mine up but I can upgrade later
Going topless will help out with any heat issues
you wont need any acrylic for the top of your tank

snarkes · 05/22/2006, 01:42 PM

Hmmm... i rather like how the light is kept in the tank with the canopy so I would personally go with the canopy setup. A topless system would definitley help out as well. Depends on whether or not you want the MH setup. If not, then you can get the Nanocustoms 4.24 or something like that and it will provide plenty of light together with the cooling needs.

Econ · 05/22/2006, 05:37 PM

When you guys say MH you are referring to the skimmer, right?

ganomish · 05/22/2006, 09:23 PM

MH = Metal Halide (lights)

markandkristen · 05/22/2006, 10:59 PM

i run a topless system as well. i keep ouer ac around 75 so were ok. im running 80 watts of pcs. 70 watt mh shouldnt be too bad. running toppless is awesome in my book as long as the room has descent temp. if the room its in is very warm youring going to have heat issues just my opinion

Econ · 05/22/2006, 11:14 PM

There will be heat issues cause there's no AC in that room and the temperature is high (90-95 degrees). I guess I'll have to buy a chiller. Anyone in particular you would recommend for a 24g tank?

EMBRYOGUY · 05/25/2006, 07:49 AM

in your situation, i would highly recommend going with a sunpod over the nanocube. than get a peace of tempered glass cut to cover 70% of the cube. this will reduce evap. as well as reduce risk of fish jumping out. bec it is not completeley covered, you will have enough surface area to keep temps under control. get a topoff system from nanocustoms.

if you do not need the strong mh, stay with the stock lighting and just simply reverse the fans.

you DO NOT need skimmer. put live rock in chambers 1&2. you can also put macro with a small 7-13wt 6700/10k light for the fuge. i have 5 nanocubes.

gearqueer · 05/25/2006, 08:53 PM

I would not buy any of the JBJ nanos. I have the ICA chiller from nanocustoms and it is awesome. I would rather have an open top with Metal Halides but I had the extra parts to mod the hood so I stayed with the canopy. I like the aquapod. Does the temp in your house stay at 90-95 degrees all the time?

raastamon · 05/25/2006, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by embryoguy
in your situation, i would highly recommend going with a sunpod over the nanocube. than get a peace of tempered glass cut to cover 70% of the cube. this will reduce evap. as well as reduce risk of fish jumping out. bec it is not completeley covered, you will have enough surface area to keep temps under control. get a topoff system from nanocustoms.

if you do not need the strong mh, stay with the stock lighting and just simply reverse the fans.

you DO NOT need skimmer. put live rock in chambers 1&2. you can also put macro with a small 7-13wt 6700/10k light for the fuge. i have 5 nanocubes.

this is pretty much exactly what i did. although i do not have glass over the tank but none of my fishes have attemped a jump yet. here are some pics of what hes talking about as well as the macro in the chambers with the light... i hope it helps

raastamon · 05/25/2006, 09:36 PM

raastamon · 05/25/2006, 09:48 PM

there is lr rubble in chamber 1, and lr rubble, carbon, and chaeto in chamber 2, thats the infamous 20" sunpod 150w. i really like this set up so if your going MH i would def recommend the sunpod

Econ · 05/25/2006, 10:00 PM

I'm going to go with the SunPod, but the heating issue worries me. Is there a way to fit that ICA Nano Chiller with a Sunpod/AquaPod or JBJ tank setup?

raastamon · 05/25/2006, 10:26 PM

i dont really know much about the ICA chiller, i used to horrible heat issues with the stock hood. My temp would reach 85 at times so i started turn the lights on at night. and leave the hood open during the daytime. Now that ive gone topless the temp stays at about 77-78 daytime and 80-82 at night with the MH on. However i do turn on a small clip on fan. Evaporation works alot faster however but it does keep the water cooler.

EMBRYOGUY · 05/26/2006, 07:33 AM

i highly recommend the ato from jbj/nanocustoms. once you have it you cant imagine reef without one. makes life alot easier.

you cannot use the ica without the hood.

raastamon, great pics. my brother is going with your exact setup.

for the record, reef temps can often hover around 85-86 degrees during the summer, so i dont really understand constant concern over high temps in aqua.systems. as long as its a slow process its ok.

eaglesrx · 05/26/2006, 09:48 AM

hey raastamon,

How much of the light from the fuge light spills out into the display at night? I guess I should first ask if you're doing reverse daylight photosynthesis with your fuge. Or are you just running it during the day? If you are running it at night, does it at all, interfere with the look of the moonlights?

thanks

raastamon · 05/26/2006, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by eaglesrx
hey raastamon,

How much of the light from the fuge light spills out into the display at night? I guess I should first ask if you're doing reverse daylight photosynthesis with your fuge. Or are you just running it during the day? If you are running it at night, does it at all, interfere with the look of the moonlights?

thanks

actually that was my biggest concern if i do hang on light for the fuge... i didnt want any light leaking or spilling into the display, but this light actually fits directly into the the back...its not wide enough to where you have to keep it high.... here is a pic with the fuge light on...with the moonlight and no light in display at all...there is absolutely no leaks at all...

raastamon · 05/26/2006, 01:24 PM

raastamon · 05/26/2006, 01:26 PM

all the light pretty much spills up and out..but it doesnt ever go into the display... these were shot in just now its like 12pm so some light is leaking through my window....but if the fuge light is on at night when its super dark....you can definately tell that none of the light leaks into the display

eaglesrx · 05/26/2006, 02:24 PM

Good to know that the light doesn't spill over to the main display area, raastamon. Your tank looks fantastic. Thanks for your help. Oh, which fuge light are you using, how many watts is it, and where did you get it??

thanks for your help,

raastamon · 05/26/2006, 02:30 PM

thanks alot eaglesrx, the light is a 25w that i got from fry's electronics... and it was like $7.99....im sure any electronics store would carry something similiar.

raastamon · 05/26/2006, 10:28 PM

hey embryoguy,

those are some sweet looking onyx clowns. i really want to keep a pair in my tank. I was jsut able to net 2 damsels and i still have 1 in there, along with a pruple firefish, and lawnmower blenny. I wanted to keep a pair of onyx and 1 other fish, total of 4 fishes.(dont know what kind yet). any suggestions?

eaglesrx · 05/27/2006, 07:31 AM

what's the kelvin rating on the fuge light? 6500k??

thanks,

EMBRYOGUY · 05/27/2006, 02:27 PM

rastamon,

send me a pm and i will direct you to a good source for onyx if your interested.

05/21/2006, 12:18 AM	#1
Econ Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 72	Topless setup or Canopy setup - Need advice for Nanocustom system Hi folks: I've decided to get a 24g nano reef system from nanocustom. My dilemma is the following: should I go for a topless setup or the canopy based setup? I live in Puerto Rico, where we have very hot and humid climate pretty much year round. No matter what kind of system I buy, I know I'll have to deal with keeping the water at the appropriate cool temperature. I will also have to deal with water evaporation issues. My plan for the tank is to include fish. corals and invertebrates. I would appreciate some advice on which setup (topeless or canopy based) I should get taking into account the following: 1. I would like to add the Aqua C Remora system for protein skimming. 2. I won't be running a sump with this system. 3. Due to the hot weather I'll need good temperature and water evaporation control. The canopy based system have the option of adding the ICA Nano Chiller and it is also advertised (the canopy) as better for providing cooler temperatures. Is this true? Anyone with experience with the ICA nano chiller? 4. If I get the topless system, will I be able to buy some sort of plastic or acrylic lid to place on top of the tank? Will these affect the lightning of the tank? Thanks in advance for your help.

05/25/2006, 07:49 AM	#9
EMBRYOGUY Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 3,110	in your situation, i would highly recommend going with a sunpod over the nanocube. than get a peace of tempered glass cut to cover 70% of the cube. this will reduce evap. as well as reduce risk of fish jumping out. bec it is not completeley covered, you will have enough surface area to keep temps under control. get a topoff system from nanocustoms. if you do not need the strong mh, stay with the stock lighting and just simply reverse the fans. you DO NOT need skimmer. put live rock in chambers 1&2. you can also put macro with a small 7-13wt 6700/10k light for the fuge. i have 5 nanocubes. __________________ The Fertilizer......... Current Tank Info: many breeding/larvae tanks

05/25/2006, 09:48 PM	#13
raastamon Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 699 Blog Entries: 2	there is lr rubble in chamber 1, and lr rubble, carbon, and chaeto in chamber 2, thats the infamous 20" sunpod 150w. i really like this set up so if your going MH i would def recommend the sunpod __________________ Ramon Current Tank Info: Solana 34g, Tunze 9002 w/ airline mod and InTank cup, IM Minimax w/ Vertex BioPellet, Jaeger 100w heater, Tunze Osmolator 3152,Vortech MP10, Kessil A360we, Reefkeeper Lite

05/25/2006, 10:26 PM	#15
raastamon Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 699 Blog Entries: 2	i dont really know much about the ICA chiller, i used to horrible heat issues with the stock hood. My temp would reach 85 at times so i started turn the lights on at night. and leave the hood open during the daytime. Now that ive gone topless the temp stays at about 77-78 daytime and 80-82 at night with the MH on. However i do turn on a small clip on fan. Evaporation works alot faster however but it does keep the water cooler. __________________ Ramon Current Tank Info: Solana 34g, Tunze 9002 w/ airline mod and InTank cup, IM Minimax w/ Vertex BioPellet, Jaeger 100w heater, Tunze Osmolator 3152,Vortech MP10, Kessil A360we, Reefkeeper Lite

05/26/2006, 07:33 AM	#16
EMBRYOGUY Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 3,110	i highly recommend the ato from jbj/nanocustoms. once you have it you cant imagine reef without one. makes life alot easier. you cannot use the ica without the hood. raastamon, great pics. my brother is going with your exact setup. for the record, reef temps can often hover around 85-86 degrees during the summer, so i dont really understand constant concern over high temps in aqua.systems. as long as its a slow process its ok. __________________ The Fertilizer......... Current Tank Info: many breeding/larvae tanks

05/21/2006, 06:57 PM	#2
Econ Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 72	Anyone?

05/21/2006, 07:05 PM	#3
picocube Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 291	go topless I wish they had the Viper out when I set mine up but I can upgrade later Going topless will help out with any heat issues you wont need any acrylic for the top of your tank

05/22/2006, 01:42 PM	#4
snarkes Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 479	Hmmm... i rather like how the light is kept in the tank with the canopy so I would personally go with the canopy setup. A topless system would definitley help out as well. Depends on whether or not you want the MH setup. If not, then you can get the Nanocustoms 4.24 or something like that and it will provide plenty of light together with the cooling needs.

05/22/2006, 05:37 PM	#5
Econ Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 72	When you guys say MH you are referring to the skimmer, right?

05/22/2006, 09:23 PM	#6
ganomish Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lititz-Lancaster Posts: 62	MH = Metal Halide (lights)

05/22/2006, 10:59 PM	#7
markandkristen Moved On Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Winterhaven, fl Posts: 4,081	i run a topless system as well. i keep ouer ac around 75 so were ok. im running 80 watts of pcs. 70 watt mh shouldnt be too bad. running toppless is awesome in my book as long as the room has descent temp. if the room its in is very warm youring going to have heat issues just my opinion

05/22/2006, 11:14 PM	#8
Econ Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 72	There will be heat issues cause there's no AC in that room and the temperature is high (90-95 degrees). I guess I'll have to buy a chiller. Anyone in particular you would recommend for a 24g tank?

05/25/2006, 08:53 PM	#10
gearqueer Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SC Posts: 55	I would not buy any of the JBJ nanos. I have the ICA chiller from nanocustoms and it is awesome. I would rather have an open top with Metal Halides but I had the extra parts to mod the hood so I stayed with the canopy. I like the aquapod. Does the temp in your house stay at 90-95 degrees all the time?

05/25/2006, 09:36 PM	#12
raastamon Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 699 Blog Entries: 2

05/25/2006, 10:00 PM	#14
Econ Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 72	I'm going to go with the SunPod, but the heating issue worries me. Is there a way to fit that ICA Nano Chiller with a Sunpod/AquaPod or JBJ tank setup?

05/26/2006, 09:48 AM	#17
eaglesrx Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,292	hey raastamon, How much of the light from the fuge light spills out into the display at night? I guess I should first ask if you're doing reverse daylight photosynthesis with your fuge. Or are you just running it during the day? If you are running it at night, does it at all, interfere with the look of the moonlights? thanks

05/26/2006, 01:24 PM	#19
raastamon Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 699 Blog Entries: 2

05/26/2006, 01:26 PM	#20
raastamon Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 699 Blog Entries: 2	all the light pretty much spills up and out..but it doesnt ever go into the display... these were shot in just now its like 12pm so some light is leaking through my window....but if the fuge light is on at night when its super dark....you can definately tell that none of the light leaks into the display __________________ Ramon Current Tank Info: Solana 34g, Tunze 9002 w/ airline mod and InTank cup, IM Minimax w/ Vertex BioPellet, Jaeger 100w heater, Tunze Osmolator 3152,Vortech MP10, Kessil A360we, Reefkeeper Lite

05/26/2006, 02:24 PM	#21
eaglesrx Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,292	Good to know that the light doesn't spill over to the main display area, raastamon. Your tank looks fantastic. Thanks for your help. Oh, which fuge light are you using, how many watts is it, and where did you get it?? thanks for your help,

05/26/2006, 02:30 PM	#22
raastamon Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 699 Blog Entries: 2	thanks alot eaglesrx, the light is a 25w that i got from fry's electronics... and it was like $7.99....im sure any electronics store would carry something similiar. __________________ Ramon Current Tank Info: Solana 34g, Tunze 9002 w/ airline mod and InTank cup, IM Minimax w/ Vertex BioPellet, Jaeger 100w heater, Tunze Osmolator 3152,Vortech MP10, Kessil A360we, Reefkeeper Lite

05/26/2006, 10:28 PM	#23
raastamon Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 699 Blog Entries: 2	hey embryoguy, those are some sweet looking onyx clowns. i really want to keep a pair in my tank. I was jsut able to net 2 damsels and i still have 1 in there, along with a pruple firefish, and lawnmower blenny. I wanted to keep a pair of onyx and 1 other fish, total of 4 fishes.(dont know what kind yet). any suggestions? __________________ Ramon Current Tank Info: Solana 34g, Tunze 9002 w/ airline mod and InTank cup, IM Minimax w/ Vertex BioPellet, Jaeger 100w heater, Tunze Osmolator 3152,Vortech MP10, Kessil A360we, Reefkeeper Lite

05/27/2006, 07:31 AM	#24
eaglesrx Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,292	what's the kelvin rating on the fuge light? 6500k?? thanks,

05/27/2006, 02:27 PM	#25
EMBRYOGUY Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 3,110	rastamon, send me a pm and i will direct you to a good source for onyx if your interested. __________________ The Fertilizer......... Current Tank Info: many breeding/larvae tanks