Red Sea Max Nano Peninsula Build

Therocket320 · Jan 10, 2023

Just getting into the hobby and hoping to learn a lot and get some help along the way. Just got the tank setup but is still dry at the moment. Going to try to keep up with this build thread along the journey. Any tips on a heater to fit this sump, and placement would be appreciated. Still waiting on my rodi system to arrive. Hopefully get it wet in the coming weeks.

blaxsun · Jan 11, 2023

Helio systems (or just the controllers) are great. Eheim makes one of the best stand-alone heaters out there.

Gumbies R Us · Jan 11, 2023

Best of luck with your new tank!!

nuxx · Jan 11, 2023

Should be fun

His Coral Highness · Jan 11, 2023

I like the idea of getting two heaters at half (or more if you want) the wattage you need in case one fails. Not super expensive and avoids a potentially major issue

Therocket320 · Feb 16, 2023

Moving slower than I wanted to but making some progress. Decided to go with an NSA style scape. I’ve heard the 1-1.5lb per gallons rule, any room to go slightly lighter than that for the rock? Need to weigh what I got but feel like 26lbs could be tough to achieve w the NSA style. Let me know what y’all think.

Therocket320 · Feb 16, 2023

Therocket320 said:
Moving slower than I wanted to but making some progress. Decided to go with an NSA style scape. I’ve heard the 1-1.5lb per gallons rule, any room to go slightly lighter than that for the rock? Need to weigh what I got but feel like 26lbs could be tough to achieve w the NSA style. Let me know what y’all think.

Just checked the weight on that piece. Only at 10lb 13oz so far

thedon986 · Feb 16, 2023

With NSA I would definitely recommend sand. I was following Randy’s BRS 360 build and he had so many nuisance pests and algae doing NSA and bare bottom. Once he added sand things got much better. I think with sand you may be all right going lighter in poundage.

Therocket320 · Feb 16, 2023

thedon986 said:
With NSA I would definitely recommend sand. I was following Randy’s BRS 360 build and he had so many nuisance pests and algae doing NSA and bare bottom. Once he added sand things got much better. I think with sand you may be all right going lighter in poundage.

I was definitely planning on doing sand. Going to either go with special grade or Fiji pink. I plan to do an inch or two on the sand bed. Didn’t even think about adding the sand weight.

Therocket320 · Mar 18, 2023

Been awhile since my last update but here’s where I’m at today. We’re finally wet, cycled and have 2 clowns. Pleased w my final nsa scape, was a fun project for sure. I’ll make a detailed list later of what all has gone into it equipment wise. Plan on keeping the tank dark for awhile. Any advice on how long to keep the lights off? Tank was cycled with Microbacter dry rock and sand start kit. 8 days for the total fishless cycle. I was impressed. Planning on adding copepods next week as “Pod your reef” is local to me and I can pick up in town. Best pellet options for the clowns? Best next fish? Hope y’all enjoy. Any feedback is welcomed as this is my first go at saltwater.