Nano question

[mallorieGgator]

Hey all! I want to enter the nano in 90 competition but I am VERY low budget...the only real expense on equipment will be a light and a powerhead. I have a 20 gallon tank and a HOB for it. Is it ok to run a nano with a HOB? It will contain a small bag of GFO and carbon. Let me know since I have never had a nano tank and want some advice. :tongue:

 

[mallorieGgator]

anyooonnnne? :D

 

[BarbH]

Interested in hearing what others have to say in this

Sent from my SCH-R720 using Tapatalk 2

 

[cparka23]

By HOB, you mean a hang-on-back filter like an aquaclear? The AC 70 seems to be very popular among nano-reefers w/o a sump. So, absolutely, you can run a HOB filter.

But if you mean a hang-on-back overflow that drains into a sump, I'd peruse the threads regarding drilling tanks vs. HOB overflow boxes. Some people swear them off, and others have no issues whatsoever.

 

[mallorieGgator]

ooo sorry! I meant a Hang on Back filter- It's an aquaclear. :) I don't think it's the 70 however...I believe it's the Aquaclear 30? I was going to supplement with a powerhead for flow so I'm not sure if I would need the Aquaclear 70 (trying to use what I already have). However, I do have an aquaclear 50 on my 20H FW planted tank that I can switch to the 30.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

You should be good to go! I ran my first tank with a couple aquaclears, a nano will be okay.

 

[mojo]

Yea my very first saltwater tank was a 40 tall. I had a undergravel and two HOB filters. Tank was just fine. But yea gfo and carbon will do great. that with some good live rock and make sure you dont overstock it with fish and you will do great.

 

[mallorieGgator]

Awesome! Thanks ya'll! I'm excited to get this little tank going! :bounce:

 

[steamer51]

I would suggest adding http://www.bigalspets.com/aquaclear...exTag+Datafeed&utm_medium=Comparison+Shopping to your aquaclear. Your LFS should have it on the shelf. I can't tell from the picture but the one I used years ago drew water from the bottom like the stock tube and the top skimmer attachment. Basically you take the strainer off the bottom of the tube on your aquaclear and attach the hose part there. The skimmer attachment is adjustable with the plastic rod shown to be set at your water surface. It has a plastic cup (thin so be careful when cleaning) with teeth that fits on top so the scum that floats on the surface is drawn down to be sucked into the filter.