enlighten's Nano Build

[enlighten]

There is a lot of planning still going into this build. But here is how it is:

• Aqueon 7.5g Shrimp and Plant Tank
• Aqueon QuietFlow10 Internal Shrimp Filter
• 10lb Bag of Fiji Pink CarbSea Live Sand
• 9lbs of Live Rock from my LFS
• Saltwater Pre-Mixed from LFS
• SeaChem Aquavitro Seed Bacteria
• 35W Nicerew Heater

Ideas for the Future:

1. Lighting - Fluval Marine 20W, Kessil A80, Hipargero 30W, or used from LFS/Online
2. Stock - Eviota, Trimma, or Fire Prawn Goby
3. Inverts - Sexy Shrimps and CUC snails
4. Coral - Duncan, Trumpet, Lobo, maybe some softies

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Tank is off to a good start!!!

 

[enlighten]

Tank is off to a good start!!!

Would you recommend that I fill it all the way to the top?

 

[Blake509]

I fill my rimmed tanks to black rim and soon as I see light coming under trim time to top off

 

[JeepinReefer21]

I used this same tank for a while for my betta. I think you will find that filter is not up to the task. Mine crapped out about 2 weeks in, It got really loud and just quit on me one night. Just a heads up.

 

[Blake509]

I second stepping up filter. Hob fluval would work and give you a lot more flow

 

[enlighten]

I second stepping up filter. Hob fluval would work and give you a lot more flow

Any specific recommendations? Model wise and compact.

I figured based on others experiences with this filter. I was planning on changing up the media inside the filter as well.

 

[Blake509]

What ever side your gonna put filter measure it and put the biggest hob that will fit. I run 2 fluval or aquaclear 50s on my 10 gal nano

 

[JeepinReefer21]

Any specific recommendations? Model wise and compact.

I figured based on others experiences with this filter. I was planning on changing up the media inside the filter as well.

Check the cut out of the top plexiglass, I think a Seachem Tidal 35 will fit that tank. It's a nice small filter with a good area for media.

 

[enlighten]

Check the cut out of the top plexiglass, I think a Seachem Tidal 35 will fit that tank. It's a nice small filter with a good area for media.

Wont leave much room for the light mount but I like this model after looking it up, I think it may bring too much tides to my namo though. I could be wrong though.

 

[enlighten]

I have decided to replace the filter with an Aquaclear 20 when the time comes, but wanted to know why someone would run a larger model for their nano? #reefhelp

 

[JeepinReefer21]

I have decided to replace the filter with an Aquaclear 20 when the time comes, but wanted to know why someone would run a larger model for their nano? #reefhelp

A larger filter will have more room for media and usually a bit better flow.

 

[enlighten]

I might do two Aquaclear 20s to inrease flow and keep the light in the middle. for now here in an update for the beginning of week 2. I got a snail!

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

The Seachem Tidals have a surface skimming function which is a big plus.

 

[enlighten]

The Seachem Tidals have a surface skimming function which is a big plus.

I did consider this one, what are the benefits of the surface skimmer?

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

It will reduce the organic film that tends to build up on the water surface. A persistent surface film is inconvenient from a cleaning / maintenance perspective and can also inhibit gas exchange which can have knock on effects.

There are other ways to deal with it, you can agitate the water surface with wave makers, but a HOB with surface skimming kills two birds with one stone.

 

[enlighten]

It will reduce the organic film that tends to build up on the water surface. A persistent surface film is inconvenient from a cleaning / maintenance perspective and can also inhibit gas exchange which can have knock on effects.

There are other ways to deal with it, you can agitate the water surface with wave makers, but a HOB with surface skimming kills two birds with one stone.

I got the AQ20 but perhaps I will swap out for your recommendation.

 

[enlighten]

Update:

• Added a used AI Prime HD (Old 13 LED Model)
• Changed out filter to a AquaClear 20
• Custom Cut Acrylic Top
• Added a few hermit crabs (not in photo)

 

[enlighten]

Modified my old lid since the acrylic warped pretty much overnight.

 

[enlighten]

The extra light from the original lid is leading to some algae, someone said diatoms, blooming! My first "ugly" xD