New AIO add-ons

[MoeStachio]

Ok so I'm starting a 15ga HelloReef Nano AIO when it finally arrives- but I'm picking up some extra luxury stuff before it does.

I've purchased a Kamoer ONE 2 ATO and a 7ga generic camping water jug I plan on modifying to accept the hose for the pump and the RO/DI system I have yet to purchase.

This way I'll be able to just disconnect the pump and top the reservoir off as needed, and just reattach it for ATO duty.

Additionally I've picked up an InkBird Temp Controller (ITC-308S) and a Petzilla two fan Aquarian chiller to pair with the HR supplied heater.

I plan to add a Refugium into the AIO system (I think it replaces the filter sock? Advice appreciated)

For starting up I've bought a whack of aquarium test strips so I can monitor the tank daily, until I can hopefully upgrade to something serious like a Hanna 7-in-1


Is there anything else I'm missing? Anything else I need?

Advice is always helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Forget the test strips, get salifert testers instead. The strips are just not accurate enough. No need for 7 in 1 hanna testers IMO, just get the hanna salinity tester, phosphate, and alkalinity, others can be salifert.

So far looks good. Post some pics when you've got it set up.

 

[cdemoss01]

Get a skimmer.

 

[MoeStachio]

Forget the test strips, get salifert testers instead. The strips are just not accurate enough. No need for 7 in 1 hanna testers IMO, just get the hanna salinity tester, phosphate, and alkalinity, others can be salifert.

So far looks good. Post some pics when you've got it set up.

I hear you. And I agree the strips aren't the best. But this is for the start up, and basic monitoring with no livestock or corals in it.

So salinity, alkalinity, and phosphates are the biggest concerns?

Tank should be here Wednesday so I'll be posting to the tank thread as I go

Thanks!

 

[MoeStachio]

Get a skimmer.

Even tho it's a 15ga AIO?

I thought the need was very low due to size and the build

Perhaps I'm just too new to understand

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

So salinity, alkalinity, and phosphates are the biggest concerns?

I wouldn't put it that way, but yes they are important, and hanna is the most accurate of all testers for these 3 IMO. Nitrate is also very important, but the salifert tester is accurate enough. I check calcium once or twice a month so salifert is accurate enough. I don't test ph or magnesium.

Its very expensive to replace the hanna regeants on a months basis, I had to stop using hanna so much just because I was spending $50 a month on just hanna tests.

 

[Tahoe61]

Even tho it's a 15ga AIO?

I thought the need was very low due to size and the build

Perhaps I'm just too new to understand

You're right to a point, you don't absolutely have to have one but I recommend one.

You most definitely can get by on water changes and low stocking numbers. A skimmer also enhances oxygenation.

There are some really good Nano Skimmers out there. I use the Bubble Magus Nano, it's inexpensive and works well for me.