downgrading to a 24g

[surfn]

looks like I am going to be downgrading my reef coming up very soon.

I am looking to downgrade to something around 15-25g, with the least amount of equipment as possible. I am going to keep a few non-acro sps frags, some chalices, acans, zoas, and 1 clam.

I'm thinking a 150w 20k clip on halide over a 24g nanocube or aquapod.

I don't know much about these all-in-one nano tanks, so if someone could give me some recomendations, and advice it would be much appreciated. Also, any mods would be great.....but nothing too crazy. Looking to keep the integrity of the tank...if I wanted a sump or elaborate plumbing, I would just go with a standard tank rather than an all-in-one.

But I will probably be looking at using a phosban reactor with carbon on the outside of the tank......and possibly a CPR aquafuge if someone can point out the correct size that will fit on the back. Also, what kind of pumps for circulation on this size tank would you all recommend?

 

[FaviaFreak]

welcome to the world of nano reef keeping :) depending on what your planing on spending that there are a variety of nano tanks to choose from. I personally love the Solana's, Finnex and the Cad lights. Imo a skimmer is not going to be necessary if you keep up with wc's and for circulation just get a single Vortech MP20. I see a lot of these smaller tanks looking gawdy with a bunch of powerheads placed about, use a single vortech and your flow issues will be more than taken care of. If your looking for a decent nano light than the Current USA Sunpod 150w is hard to beat, it has the docking mounts and the option to hang it.

http://www.current-usa.com/solana.html

http://www.finnex.net/productdetail.php?id=17

http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?cPath=2

 

[ficklefins]

Personally, I would go with a standard tank and drill it. I have a biocube right now and I wish I had the space that a sump provides.

 

[surfn]

cost isn't really an issue.....as it will be funded by selling off the current 60g reef system. but I do want to try and stay away from acrylic...so tired of that stuff.

I wasn't thinking along the lines of ditching the top with PC's/fans, and going with a MH clip on. But I also like the idea of some actinics and/or moonlights (but I can do my own DIY with LED's for the moonlights).

Agreed skimmer will not be necessary with a phosban reactor full of carbon.

Vortech MP20? got a link? I'm not up to do with the new pumps that have been coming out.

Solana's and Finnex are nice, but too big for what I'm looking to get.

Love the 22g cadlights, but for some reason I remember hearing of sketchy customer service after ordering, and the tank not showing up for months. Also, I would be ditching the T5 light fixture...as I think they are crap. :) Also, not sure on the inside demensions compared to an aquapod/nanocube. As it looks like and skinny. But the usable fuge area in the back is a huge plus, and the fact that its glass.

Cadlights costs $220, how much does a new 24g nanocube or aquapod cost?

I'm so picky. :) hehe

 

[surfn]

Personally, I would go with a standard tank and drill it. I have a biocube right now and I wish I had the space that a sump provides.

yeah, I've always recommended that as well. But I want to completely get away from a "BIG" setup. I want to go massively simple and get away from all the plumbing and equipment, so simple it can just sit on the kitchen counter.

 

[kholla12]

How about 28g ?
http://www.jbjnanocubes.com/index1.html

 

[surfn]

How about 28g ?
http://www.jbjnanocubes.com/index1.html

28g is too big........but this 24 Gallon Viper Nano Cube combo kit sounds interesting. About the right feel I was looking for.

 

[cparka23]

I liked my 14 gallon Biocube, but it required a mod to one of the back chambers. I just trimmed away some plastic between the first and second chamber to soften the flow back there. It only took two minutes to do and can be done with a dremel or a tiny handsaw. I'd take a pic, but I took that tank down a long time ago.

As for powerheads, I considered using the Vortech MP20 on it, but it was too bulky. They protrude about 4-5", which is a lot even in a large 'nano' like a 24 gallon, IMO. If I were going to set up my Biocube again, I'd get the MP10 which is currently on pre-order everywhere. Link. If they're anything like the other Vortechs, it'll be more than enough for a 24 gallon. You'll dial it down a bit to keep everything happy.

Other than that, be prepared to keep up with evaporation every day or two. An ATO is not a necessity, but it's very close to being one.

 

[El Camaron]

if you decide to go a bit bigger the solana is a great tank and very low maintnance. Iuse my stock skimmer that i modded, a bag of chemipure, and ATO and some t5 lights and i am keeping a mixed reef.

 

[surfn]

Other than that, be prepared to keep up with evaporation every day or two. An ATO is not a necessity, but it's very close to being one.

I have a LM3 dosing pump that doses the water in my 65g to keep up with evaporation. I'm just going to use that on the smaller tank as well. It works perfectly. And I can add kalk to the freshwater top off to keep my levels up...although I always had issues with really high pH in my big tank. So I will probably start off by just adding 2 part for a while to see if it makes a difference.

 

[starfish]

Perfecto has just come out with a 25G cube that is drilled. Ask your local LFS about it. Tank and stand is separate but options are as much as your bank acct. can stand1 LOL

 

[stunreefer]

I personally love the Solana's, Finnex and the Cad lights.

Kev, have you seen a CAD Lights aquarium in person before? I'm looking into these for my current "downgrade" but I've heard some sketchy things regarding product quality from people I've known for a long time. One of my good reefer buddies in NC bought one, received it and opened the box... he immediately put it back in the box and shipped it back as he was so un-impressed. (I've never seen one in person, so I'm wondering your opinion)

Right now I'm really liking the ELOS Mini, but the extra room in the CAD Lights is really nice...

 

[surfn]

FWIW, I'm getting a Finnex M-tank (30g)

 

[stunreefer]

FWIW, I'm getting a Finnex M-tank (30g)

Interesting, those look pretty nice... one thing I've read consistantly is regarding the stand quality though (if you bought a stand too)... make sure to inspect it well upon receipt as apparently the laminate is consistantly damaged when customers opne the box (per threads on nano-reef forum and rating on Premium).

I just saw a Solana today at my LFS for the first time and was impressed... I cannot get past the A.I.O. filter though, but I know that's what you're looking for. If I was going A.I.O. I would get a Finnex as well I believe.

Congrats BTW!

 

[FaviaFreak]

Kev, have you seen a CAD Lights aquarium in person before? I'm looking into these for my current "downgrade" but I've heard some sketchy things regarding product quality from people I've known for a long time. One of my good reefer buddies in NC bought one, received it and opened the box... he immediately put it back in the box and shipped it back as he was so un-impressed. (I've never seen one in person, so I'm wondering your opinion)

Right now I'm really liking the ELOS Mini, but the extra room in the CAD Lights is really nice...

If you can do the Elos Mini I'd be all over it!

I've seen the Solana's and the Cad lights up close and they seemed to be pretty nice as far as quality and aesthetics but that was only glancing them over, not actually owning one and having a first hand account. I'm sure you can find out tons of info in regards to them that would help set you in the right direction.

 

[surfn]

nope, the idea of a fish tank stand made out of particle board is just bad engineering IMO. i hadn't looked for any reviews on it, but knew I didn't want it from the start.

yeah, sumps are the way to go if you have the room. i just want something so simple and less water volume. still wanted a fuge though, that was a big selling point with the finnex. will probably ditch the skimmer, and just put in a phosban reactor full of carbon.

 

[stunreefer]

If you can do the Elos Mini I'd be all over it!

I just got off the phone with my buddy who owns an ELOS Mini and it looks like I'll be calling Jesse here later today to order mine :D ... we shall see...

Thanks for the info Kev!

still wanted a fuge though, that was a big selling point with the finnex. will probably ditch the skimmer, and just put in a phosban reactor full of carbon.

LOL, agreed with the stand... I didn't want to say something too bad if you'd just ordered one ;)

Agreed with the skimmer too... I've never seen one perform worth a dang in an A.I.O. (stock that is) but I have heard great things about the ELOS minis skimmer, although I'm still skeptical. Water changes suffice fine IME/IMO. Heck my first SPS system (50 gal) was skimmerless and reactor/2-part less... all water changes! That system had incredible growth and coloration (although that many water changes on a 50 gal SPS got old quick!).

 

[Blackhawk Fan]

I know you made up your mind on the Finnex, but have you seen these? They have a waterfall like effect for the return.

Deep Sea Aquatics 34 Gallon NEO Aquarium, Glass Sump & Black Cabinet Stand

 

[AlexStinson]

I believe the whole idea is he doesnt want a sumped tank....

 

[Blackhawk Fan]

got ya! ;)