Officially starting a Fluval Evo 13.5

[MrMeanyHead]

So I’ve just made my first purchase of a used fluval evo 13.5. After some research it came with a fluval mini protein skimmer, refractometer and cheap thermometer. I’m debating if I’m going to use the skimmer, and need to find a return pump and piping before I can even put water in it but it’s a start.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[Jay-84]

i got my Fluval 13.5 last July - a few suggestions.

- Don't buy the skimmer, get sump media baskets instead.
- Replace the light with one that's has an app to control settings.
- Get an ATO - super important... I found out the hard way.
- Get a refractometer.
- Be patient with your cycle.
- Return pump is okay - but can be upgraded.
- I would recommend a wave maker - I have a TMC wave maker 2.0.

Have fun : )

 

[MrMeanyHead]

Update as of March 20
- Bought the Axis 20 as a return pump
- have a deal lined up on FB to get a stand for my tank on the 29th
- I 3d printed a media basket for my tank (I printed 2 in case one broke)
- also 3d printed a plug to cover the whole in the back part of the tank to improve flow

Wanted some advice on two things:
1. Should I run a refugium in the 2nd chamber of the tank, skimmer or more media
I’m leaning towards leaving it empty for now and eventually making it a refugium or putting live rock in it (or the live balls they make, not sure what they’re called)
2. I’m planning to add 3-4 fish each one occupying a different part of the tank.
- gumdrop fish also called a coral croucher
- 1 or 2 clownfish
- one free swimming fish, unsure what yet
What order should I add these, I was thinking clowns last and other 2 first.

 

[MrMeanyHead]

Big update, I’ve assembled almost all my gear. I’ll provide a list of it in a later update but my tank is now set up with my live rock, just waiting for sand and a replacement return nozzle to put in the water and start my cycle

 

[MrMeanyHead]

Officially started cycle as of 4/4/2026, I dosed the tank with Dr Tim’s and ammonium chloride. It’s a little cloudy because I messed with the sand a bit before I took the photos. Unfortunately over dosed salt and had to siphon some water out and replace it with Rodi water. Finally got it to 1.026 salinity.

 

[MrMeanyHead]

Also as of right now here is my current equipment list:
• API Saltwater Master Test Kit
• Red Sea Salt (Blue Bucket)
• Axis 20 Return Pump
• Aquatop 75W Heater
• 3D Printed 3-Layer Media Holder
• 7-Stage RODI System (75 GPD)
• Dr. Tim's One and Only + Ammonium Chloride
• Sicce Voyager Nano 1000 Powerhead
• Refractometer
• ChemiPure Blue
• Filter Floss (bulk)
• Seachem Matrix (Tidal 35 pre-bagged)
• CaribSea LifeRock — 2 arches + 1 block
• CaribSea Arag-Alive Sand (10 lb)
• Mixing Pump
• 50W Bucket Heater
• Two 5-Gallon Buckets

Still need to get lids for my buckets but that’s an easy fix. I also plan to get a third bucket to hold RODI water at all times.

 

[MrMeanyHead]

Future upgrades:

So fun news for me I just got a paid research opportunity this summer. So with some of that money I think I’m going to splurge on a kraken lid, ato and maybe an AI light.

Other future upgrades include:
- inkbird temperature controller
- ai nero
- test kit for coral
- magnetic glass cleaner

 

[MrMeanyHead]

So new update it’s now June 7.
I ended up getting an inkbird and ai prime.
I still need to get a kraken lid.
Having trouble getting algae to grow, so I’m going to get a shrimp or fish from my local fish store to hopefully introduce some algae or something into the water