First AIO

SchrutesReefs

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Oh heyyy

Long time listener, first time caller. Figured I’d play along and start my long, slow, and patient progress right here.

Many moons ago I lived extremely local to WWC (yay me), so having their knowledge as well as customer service and goods so close was something I took for granted. Now that I moved to DE and am starting saltwater again, having to buy most of everything online is not something I am used to. I previously owned a 75g reef and moved down to a 60g Deep Blue and then had to relocate for work and sold everything off after 3 years put into that tank. I decided that my former experience mixed with an obscene amount of stalking the threads on R2R it was time to start again.

I set up an 8g AIO (unknown brand) and before the temp was even right in the tank I realized I needed to go up a tad in size. I found a great deal on a new IM Nuvo 20 Pro and began adding to my list of recently acquired goods. I had already purchased a Kessil A80 and sort of like the look and quality, knowing that this light wasn’t good for much more than 1’ of coverage I purchased another along with the controller. Then my genius self realized that I didn’t have enough sand for my liking, or rock to suffice for a 20g tank. So I figured I try out the ‘Two Little Fishies’ STAX to add to my existing rock, which was dry base rock btw. I opted for the Carrib-Sea Fiji pink live sand to help with a little bacteria start.

I am currently 1 week in to my Dr Tims one and only +ammonia cycling attempt. I also purchased a 50gpd ro/di unit to make my own water along with I.O. reef salt.

Plans include a Picasso or Snowflake clown, an undecided wrasse, and possibly a goby. Good thing I still have a while on the cycle because I feel the need to properly plan my tank buddies to serve a solid purpose as well as make me smile every time I look at the tank. For corals, I am a sucker for a zoa, some euphyllia, and a grafted monti cap.

Anyways, thanks for letting me vent. Here are some basic pics until I can add some life to my box of water
C776D407-9AF0-4DF6-8DA4-E6E835D326F6.jpeg
9F57697D-6CEF-4472-9A19-E8D73BB8C30C.jpeg
 

Zakery Murray

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What return pump do you got, and what wavemaker is that? Just trying to figure out if you need more flow, it looks fine to me if you are not wanting to do tons of sps later on just checking.
 
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SchrutesReefs

SchrutesReefs

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It’s a Jabeo ow-10 I originally had for the 8g. Have an mp-10 en route from Marine Depot that should be more than enough for the 20g. As for the pump I am using the included mighty jet(326?). I did not have so much luck with sps growth in my first tank, besides the monti.
 

Zakery Murray

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Alright the mp10 makes up for it, alls good. What wrasse are you planning, most don't fit into that small of a tank.
 
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SchrutesReefs

SchrutesReefs

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Alright the mp10 makes up for it, alls good. What wrasse are you planning, most don't fit into that small of a tank.
I was worried about that being an issue which is why I haven't got myself set on one yet. I had a sixline in my old tank that was an amazing grazer along with my yellow tang. But those won’t really be options this time
 

Zakery Murray

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Yea I probaly wouldn't get a wrasse for that small, maybe a small blenny, or later on mandarin goby?
 

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Oh heyyy

Long time listener, first time caller. Figured I’d play along and start my long, slow, and patient progress right here.

Many moons ago I lived extremely local to WWC (yay me), so having their knowledge as well as customer service and goods so close was something I took for granted. Now that I moved to DE and am starting saltwater again, having to buy most of everything online is not something I am used to. I previously owned a 75g reef and moved down to a 60g Deep Blue and then had to relocate for work and sold everything off after 3 years put into that tank. I decided that my former experience mixed with an obscene amount of stalking the threads on R2R it was time to start again.

I set up an 8g AIO (unknown brand) and before the temp was even right in the tank I realized I needed to go up a tad in size. I found a great deal on a new IM Nuvo 20 Pro and began adding to my list of recently acquired goods. I had already purchased a Kessil A80 and sort of like the look and quality, knowing that this light wasn’t good for much more than 1’ of coverage I purchased another along with the controller. Then my genius self realized that I didn’t have enough sand for my liking, or rock to suffice for a 20g tank. So I figured I try out the ‘Two Little Fishies’ STAX to add to my existing rock, which was dry base rock btw. I opted for the Carrib-Sea Fiji pink live sand to help with a little bacteria start.

I am currently 1 week in to my Dr Tims one and only +ammonia cycling attempt. I also purchased a 50gpd ro/di unit to make my own water along with I.O. reef salt.

Plans include a Picasso or Snowflake clown, an undecided wrasse, and possibly a goby. Good thing I still have a while on the cycle because I feel the need to properly plan my tank buddies to serve a solid purpose as well as make me smile every time I look at the tank. For corals, I am a sucker for a zoa, some euphyllia, and a grafted monti cap.

Anyways, thanks for letting me vent. Here are some basic pics until I can add some life to my box of water
C776D407-9AF0-4DF6-8DA4-E6E835D326F6.jpeg
9F57697D-6CEF-4472-9A19-E8D73BB8C30C.jpeg
Excellent AIO choice, I have a IM 30l, and love it.
 
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SchrutesReefs

SchrutesReefs

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I picked up an Eshopps nano skimmer after being indecisive between that, the IM desktop skimmer, and the Ice Cap. Ice Cap was sold out and I didn't read the greatest reviews on the IM desktop.

Regardless, I still haven’t stocked my tank yet but I was wondering if it was good to get the skimmer running now for a “break in” period and to help with aeration. Or wait until there’s particles to skim?
Thanks!
 
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SchrutesReefs

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Was able to grab a handful of frags from the wwc live sale last night. Also, scored a couple of clowns to be the first residents in my box of salt water.
 

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SchrutesReefs

SchrutesReefs

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Just added this beaut. Recently split into 2 heads. Hopefully she stays happy/healthy.
 

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SchrutesReefs

SchrutesReefs

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when I originally set up my tank, it was an 8gal cube so I went with a single Kessil A80. After instantly upgrading to the Nuvo 20 pro, I just added another A80 and the spectral x controller. I am happy with how the lights look, but now am wondering if I should swap them for a single AI Hydra32hd? I know most will say the A80s are only 12 watts, so it’s a no brainer, but my softies and LPS seem content. I am just trying to think ahead for my SPS (birdsnest, few montis, and a stylo).
 
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SchrutesReefs

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Woke up to a new friend in the tank this morning. Had this nem for a few weeks, moved around a bit, found a happy place but then seemed to be very mobile again. Is it normal for a bta to wander before splitting?
1368B955-07C0-46D8-A7B7-B0209D5541D8.jpeg
 

A worm with high fashion and practical utility: Have you ever kept feather dusters in your reef aquarium?

  • I currently have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 77 37.9%
  • Not currently, but I have had feather dusters in my tank in the past.

    Votes: 69 34.0%
  • I have not had feather dusters, but I hope to in the future.

    Votes: 26 12.8%
  • I have no plans to have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 29 14.3%
  • Other.

    Votes: 2 1.0%
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