Looking to get 15 gallon Reef Tank

[kaijor]

Hey y’all, I’m looking to buy a 15 gallon reef tank. I would prefer to get a AIO at the moment. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[blaxsun]

While not quite 15 gallons, I'd get the Fluval Evo 13.5 gallon. Probably the best AIO tank in that range for the money.

 

[kaijor]

While not quite 15 gallons, I'd get the Fluval Evo 13.5 gallon. Probably the best AIO tank in that range for the money.

Oh thanks! This does look like exactly what I’m looking for. I’m curious, is the fluval complete kit worth it? Or should I get different skimmer and heater?

 

[blaxsun]

Oh thanks! This does look like exactly what I’m looking for. I’m curious, is the fluval complete kit worth it? Or should I get different skimmer and heater?

You don't necessarily need the skimmer but if it's not a bad deal that's always an option. What heater is it packaged with? I'd also look at the InTank media basket and some of the other Fluval 13.5 accessories they make (plug, water director, etc.)

 

[kaijor]

You don't necessarily need the skimmer but if it's not a bad deal that's always an option. What heater is it packaged with? I'd also look at the InTank media basket and some of the other Fluval 13.5 accessories they make (plug, water director, etc.)

Oh ok, I’ll take a look. And here’s the link with the complete kit:

Complete Kit Evo Aquarium 13.5 Gallons (22" x 11.5" x 12.5") w/Skimmer & Heater - Fluval

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Water changes instead of a skimmer will be just fine

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

You really don't need to much for a nano reef tank but I'd definitely recommend an ATO because when just a little water evaporates it'll make all your parameters rise really quickly

 

[HuduVudu]

@kaijor are you planning coral for this tank and if you are what type?

 

[kaijor]

Water changes instead of a skimmer will be just fine

Oh ok, fair enough! I don’t plan on having too much of a bio load in tank anyways. It would be mostly corals.

You really don't need to much for a nano reef tank but I'd definitely recommend an ATO because when just a little water evaporates it'll make all your parameters rise really quickly

Oh yeah that makes a lot sense. I’ll definitely get an ATO for that tank as well.

 

[Chrisv.]

I'm the only person on earth who dislikes their waterbox mini peninsula 15...

 

[kaijor]

@kaijor are you planning coral for this tank and if you are what type?

Yes, it would be zoas, montipora, and a couple of mushrooms.

 

[kaijor]

I'm the only person on earth who dislikes their waterbox mini peninsula 15...

Oh why do you dislike it?

 

[Chrisv.]

Oh why do you dislike it?

I don't like the overflow configuration, or the baffle configuration...I think they could have gone slightly thicker on the glass. It's almost like it was designed by a non-reefer IMHO. The stock pump ...the stock pump is an embarrassment and whoever sourced it for the company should find another role that doesn't involve pump decisions.

The shape is great. I do wish that I went with the 25 though.

Edit: or another brand.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

I'm pretty happy with my nano that's just a rimless 10 gallon with a HOB filter not an aio...it seems like you would wanna upgrade a lot of stuff (of course that depends on what you're keeping and all)

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Well it's more than just a tank with a filter...I have a Noopsyche K7 V3 light, ATO, and had to get a small chiller due to where I live

 

[Chrisv.]

Well it's more than just a tank with a filter...I have a Noopsyche K7 V3 light, ATO, and had to get a small chiller due to where I live

What nano chiller do you use?

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

What nano chiller do you use?

It's a Hailea 28a... Rated for up to like 25 gallons...I'm not sure if you have that brand, I'm in Bangkok...good chiller though, I've had it a while now and never had a problem with it

 

[blaxsun]

Oh yeah that makes a lot sense. I’ll definitely get an ATO for that tank as well.

You don't get a lot of evaporation with the EVO 13.5 if you leave the lid on. I would probably pass on the skimmer, pick the heater up separately and get a Tunze Nano ATO instead.

 

[HuduVudu]

Yes, it would be zoas, montipora, and a couple of mushrooms.

Softies would be good for this size of tank but if you do stonies in particular fast growers you are going to be in for some serious frustration. Small tanks create serious difficulties when it comes to stonies ... just be aware.

 

[Chrisv.]

I keep two 15 gallon tanks right now. The other is a fluval flex that I have modified to take a kessil 360. Running an mp10 for flow.

One is a mixed reef with a few acros but mostly monti and lps. A few things I have learned: go for fine branching sps if you want sps. The spy red Montipora hirsuta and the rrc Golden rod Anacropora are fantastic in this tank because they give you sps colony morphology at a far smaller size than plenty of sps.

The mini peninsula is a zoa-only tank. That's lit with an AI prime. Wish I had the hydra 32 on that one (for coverage)

Any of the tanks with a tight fitting completely closed lid really do benefit from aeration, either from a skimmer or a good old fashioned air stone.

I do not use a skimmer on either tank.