Desktop Nano/ReefGuard demo tank

[ReefGuard Systems]

Excited to start a new build! Have been admiring the Fluval Evo 13.5 for a while and finally pulled the trigger.

Purpose and goals:

• Fun and enjoyment of course
• Test and demo ReefGuard products
• Low maintenance ‘easy’ tank to keep on my desk
  • Ability to leave tank for 2 weeks while away

Equipment List:

• Fluval Evo 13.5
• Reusing an AI Prime
• ReefGuard Temperature Monitor
• Hydor 50W heater
• Caribbean Live Sand
• Dry rock
• 5Gal ReefGuard ATO Reservoir
• ReefGuard ATO Monitor
• IceCap Dual Optical ATO System
• Included return pump
• FLUVAL PS2 Protein Skimmer

Livestock/Coral

• Will be LPS dominate
• 1 Ocellaris Clownfish
• 1 Neon Goby

Questions:

• Any recommendations for a small powerhead for this tank?
• Any need to update the return pump from what was provided?

Here we go!

 

[DarkReefer]

Grats on the new system, enjoy !

 

[scubaReef002]

Exciting! Following along

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

The tank is in place and I've began aquascaping.

Considering these 3 options. Any thoughts or suggestions?
#1

#2

#3

 

[DarkReefer]

Honestly they could all work well and it'll be down to you and what you think looks best.
You have to look at it at the end of the day!

Having split island could allow you to have corals separated so they don't over grow each other.

Having a slight cave is also nice for the fish to hide in/under.
Or to potentially put some coral under if they start to bleach.

 

[N1tew0lf1212]

I am digging number 3 tbh awesome scapes to say the least....

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

Decided on aquascape #1. Really wanted to go with minimal rock and have lots of space for coral growth.

Filled up the tank and began the cycle using Prodibio Start Up.

Let the Cycle begin!

 

[scubaReef002]

Digging the scape!

 

[dstockwell]

Lookin good

 

[NotReefsafe]

Glad you went with 1, that was my vote.

For a PH, I really like my Nero 3. I have a similar size tank, and run it on a low % and it works very well.

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

Glad you went with 1, that was my vote.

For a PH, I really like my Nero 3. I have a similar size tank, and run it on a low % and it works very well.

Thanks, been looking at the Nero 3. Looks perfect. Wish the price was a bit lower..

 

[ShaunMc]

Hygger Mini Wave

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Tank looks great so far, I really like the minimal scape design you have in your tank

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

Update:
Installed FLUVAL PS2 Protein Skimmer and getting it diled in.
Still cycling...

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

Cycle is complete!

Ammonia: 0

Nitrite: 0

Nitrate: 4

Next will do a 20% water change and plan to go get a new fish

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

Set up AI Prime HD with following settings. Next up: Par test!

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

Par test complete! Overall, I’m happy with the spread as I plan to only keep LPS in this tank.

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

Welcome "Orangy" the Clown fish

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

Thinking about printing a media basket for chamber 2. Has anyone done this? How is it holding up?

Fluval Evo 13.5 Chamber 2 Media Basket by stutaylor

Upgrade your fluval Evo 13.5 Aquarium from the factory chamber 2 Sponge Filter. This increases filter options and flow through the filter. These can be bought from aquarium stores but can go for £45. The shelves are fixed and cant be removed. also be sure to plug up the hole half way down...

www.thingiverse.com

 

[ReefGuard Systems]

It took 3 attempts and I scaled down the original design a bit. The print turned out well!

For filtration, I'm thinking:

1. top: carbon
2. middle: BioMax
3. bottom: MarinePure Balls

Any suggestions?