Fluval Evo 13.5 upgrades - cooling?

[BobcatTracker1]

We're new to the hobby and recently set up a Fluval Evo 13.5 AIO nano reef tank. We're trying to keep our setup relatively simple (and affordable) by limiting upgrades and replacements to things that are necessary and/or would provide an outsize benefit.

Here's what we've done so far:

-Replaced pump with Vivosun 210gph.
-Replaced output nozzle with VCA 1/2-inch random flow generator flow kit.
-Removed foam filter media basket from Chamber 2.
-Added filter media basket in Chamber 1 (Chamber 1 basket, V2 from 3DOcean on Etsy). Contains Poly-fil, activated carbon, and BioMax from top to bottom.
-Plugged hole between display and Chamber 2.
-Added magnetic feeding hole cover (from GotFrogsDesign on Etsy).
-Added IceCap 50W titanium heater to Chamber 2.
-Added Inkbird ITC-308S external temperature controller (capable of heating and cooling). Temperature probe is in Chamber 2.

Still need to add a light timer and/or dimmer. I think some have had success using a dimmer as a "hack" to effectively switch from off--blue--white in the AM and white--blue--off in the PM?

Currently the tank has only 1 small Ocellaris clownfish and 3 margarita snails.

We're using the stock lid and lighting. As anticipated, the tank temp is rising during the day. Wondering if we need to add a cooling mechanism, not only for stability but to ensure it doesn't exceed 80ish F. Inkbird is set to 78 F (may switch to C so we can set a smaller temp differential), and the temp has steadily risen to at least 79.2 during the day. Not sure how high it would climb, because we've stopped the upward trend by removing the lid to cool it off.

We'd rather not replace or remove the lid for a few reasons. The cooling duct and fan kit on Etsy by 3DDimensionMakers looks appealing. Any thoughts or experience with it? We don't have a Dremel or rotary tool, so we'd just have to figure out how to ensure the hole in the lid above Chamber 3 to accommodate the duct....

Likely irrelevant, but here's what we have in mind for eventual stocking. Plan is to add slowly and monitor behavioral dynamics, test regularly, and do weekly water changes to keep on top of things given the tank size and higher bioload.

Feedback and advice are welcome!

• Ocellaris clownfish (1, small)
• Tailspot blenny (1)
• Green clown goby (1)
• Yellow watchman goby (1) with candy cane pistol shrimp (1)
• Sexy shrimp (3)
• Porcelain crab (1)
• Snails: Trochus (3), Margarita (3), Nassarius (2-3), and bumblebee (1-2)
• Soft corals like GSP, hammer, mushroom, Kenya tree, zoa, and spaghetti leather

 

[585NanoReefer]

I never had luck with fluval the filtration goes least path of resistance so it pulls mostly from bottom. I would ditch the fluval go with innovative marine 15 its 99 dollars alot cheaper then fluval or even the ioaoi tank that just recently popped up on amazon

 

[Narideth]

I used the stock lid and light setup on the fluval Evo for a good six months or more before I decided to switch over to a different lid setup so I could get a light with better control, and I didn't experience any particularly high heating issues.

I've fully replaced just about every component of my evo at this point though, much as you have except for the lid. May I ask why the hesitation on lid replacement?

 

[ScottJ]

I ran that tank for about 5 years and really liked it. Great little tank. I never had overheating problems, but I'm not in the South. I have seen people put cooling fans in the lid, though.

Your upgrades sound good so far. I would caution you on planning on that many fish, though. The single clown and a tailspot will be fine. They both get pretty big in comparison to the tank size, though. Clown goby might work with the other two, but I wouldn't. I'd stick to either the goby or the blenny with a clown.

Yellow watchman IMHO is a no go. They need a lot more territory than that and get too big for that tank.

 

[BobcatTracker1]

I never had luck with fluval the filtration goes least path of resistance so it pulls mostly from bottom. I would ditch the fluval go with innovative marine 15 its 99 dollars alot cheaper then fluval or even the ioaoi tank that just recently popped up on amazon

Plugging the hole between the display and Chamber 2 seems to have helped with this, at least in our tank with the upgraded pump and random flow generator.

 

[THE REEF WHISPER]

I never had luck with fluval the filtration goes least path of resistance so it pulls mostly from bottom. I would ditch the fluval go with innovative marine 15 its 99 dollars alot cheaper then fluval or even the ioaoi tank that just recently popped up on amazon

Not ture I need to feed more because of to low of nutrients I had it up of Four years and is the best tank for anyone keepef all filter and just changed the light to the nicrew 65w reef light and it's amazing have two nems BTA and LTA and 30 different species of Corals.

 

[BobcatTracker1]

I used the stock lid and light setup on the fluval Evo for a good six months or more before I decided to switch over to a different lid setup so I could get a light with better control, and I didn't experience any particularly high heating issues.

I've fully replaced just about every component of my evo at this point though, much as you have except for the lid. May I ask why the hesitation on lid replacement?

Thanks for the input.

The cost of a mesh lid, new light, and/or light stand is the main reason. We also have a curious cat and hope to limit evaporation.

 

[THE REEF WHISPER]

Well I use the Plastic Grid Panel Egg Crate Grate 6 Aquarium safes so much money a lot and I use the nicrew 65w reef light with the controller people say it's as good as the AI i would highly recommend it for the price

 

[Narideth]

Thanks for the input.

The cost of a mesh lid, new light, and/or light stand is the main reason. We also have a curious cat and hope to limit evaporation.

Allow me to show you this option which I used, which includes 3D printed brackets to use the existing lighting. I used this setup for a good while before I upgraded to new lighting - I was even able to submit a draft for the addition of a custom cutout for my future lighting bracket. I am still using this lid to this day.

Polycarbonate clear Evo Lid



This is my tank back when I was still using the stock light. I asked for an extra cutout, and didn't want the hinged covers on the left since I had 3D printed covers already in the works.