Filtration for Fluval Evo 52l

[bmo14]

Hey everyone,

I’m new to this and just set up my first nano tank. It’s a 52 litre fluval evo with an AI Prime and AI Nero 3, I also upgraded the return pump to the syncra silent. So bordering on too much flow which is what I want. For filtration I’m just using the stock filter sponge+media, the fluval nano skimmer and I started the tank with a decent amount of live rock. I just plan on keeping a couple of fish and a variety of coral. I’ll be doing weekly water changes.

I’m worried about the filtration. I’m confident I’ll have enough flow but that the skimmer and stock filter media/ sponge won’t be sufficient to keep the chemistry stable. The skimmer is also quite noisy and the tank is in my bedroom. Do you guys think I’d be better off replacing the skimmer with a quieter model, floss or a media basket?

I’d appreciate any suggestions you guys can give me!

---

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[GothFishKeeper]

So sorry if this info isn’t helpful cuz I’m so late replying, but you’re right. The stock sponge and fluval sea skimmer are not good at all. What I did with mine was put 3d printed media baskets with removable shelves in both chambers. The first chamber I cut a coarse sponge for larger particles to fit the exact dimensions of the top shelf. Then I did the same thing with the second chamber but I used filter floss for smaller particles. I squeeze out/rinse the sponge and replace the filter floss twice a week. When I had my clownfish in there it was 3 times a week but I now have them in my 65g so its a third of the bioload with only one fish. Underneath the top shelf in the second chamber I have a refugium with a very overpowered light velcro’d onto the side of the tank. That light is on the 12 hours that my coral light is not.
Here is a diagram of my setup

As for a skimmer, a lot of people say you don’t need one for the fluval evo. However, I put an eshopps nano skimmer in the rear corner of the display tank opposite from the return chamber.

With this setup combined with weekly 25% water changes, my nitrates are at zero 24/7

Hopefully this is of some use, and if not then hopefully it will be seen by people who have the same question in the future because most people who own an evo end up asking the same thing.

 

[Dave Clark]

Hey everyone,

I’m new to this and just set up my first nano tank. It’s a 52 litre fluval evo with an AI Prime and AI Nero 3, I also upgraded the return pump to the syncra silent. So bordering on too much flow which is what I want. For filtration I’m just using the stock filter sponge+media, the fluval nano skimmer and I started the tank with a decent amount of live rock. I just plan on keeping a couple of fish and a variety of coral. I’ll be doing weekly water changes.

I’m worried about the filtration. I’m confident I’ll have enough flow but that the skimmer and stock filter media/ sponge won’t be sufficient to keep the chemistry stable. The skimmer is also quite noisy and the tank is in my bedroom. Do you guys think I’d be better off replacing the skimmer with a quieter model, floss or a media basket?

I’d appreciate any suggestions you guys can give me!

---

With this small a tank, you don’t need a skimmer, unless you overstock or overfeed. Just do regular water changes.

I just have filter floss in chamber 1, chaeto in chamber 2, and live rock in the tank.