TANK BUILD - Fluval Evo 13.5

Madd20s · Jun 28, 2020

Hello fellow Salty friends,
I have a new tank setup and want to post my journey with updates along the way. Here is what I have so far

Fluval evo 13.5
Stock Pump (Eheim Compacton on the way)
Intank baskets in chamber 1 and 2
10 lbs live rocks
15lbs live sand carib sea
Aqua ATO
Aqeom 100 watt heater
Small in tank Thermometer
AI Prime 16HD with Steel bracket
Jebao SW2
Dual 1/2 RFG VCA

14 days into the nitrogen cycle
Will start testing daily

Currently no media in Any chamber
Running floss after the overflow.

Still figuring out all the terms everyone uses but nonetheless I love this hobby and has made me a very patient person

Any advice or comments are welcome

Thank you all,

BighohoReef · Jun 28, 2020

I like it! The Evo was the first tank I started on! Had some challenges with keeping my water parameters stable early on because I went too quickly. Couple of things Have you tested your parameters? Ammonia should be zero before adding anything to the tank. You’ll be looking for nitrites and then the conf version to nitrates... if you aren’t seeing these the cycling going.

Also plug the hole that is in the middle between the main portion of your tank and the overflow. You’ll get better output for your pump.

Really the best advice I could give right now is take it slow... I know the urge to want to add things to the tankpatience reefer is the most rewarded reefer. Looking forward to seeing where your reefing tank takes you!

najer · Jun 28, 2020

Nice start.

Madd20s · Jun 28, 2020

BighohoReef said:
I like it! The Evo was the first tank I started on! Had some challenges with keeping my water parameters stable early on because I went too quickly. Couple of things Have you tested your parameters? Ammonia should be zero before adding anything to the tank. You’ll be looking for nitrites and then the conf version to nitrates... if you aren’t seeing these the cycling going.

Also plug the hole that is in the middle between the main portion of your tank and the overflow. You’ll get better output for your pump.

Really the best advice I could give right now is take it slow... I know the urge to want to add things to the tankpatience reefer is the most rewarded reefer. Looking forward to seeing where your reefing tank takes you!

Thanks for the advice,
The hole has been plugged, Will be testing parameters tomorrow and this will be the first test. I've done a lot of reading before setting up this tank, and I am going to let the tank cycle correctly before adding anything to my tank.

Madd20s · Jun 28, 2020

Here is what it looks like today, made some changes to the Rock Scape and Added the RFG.

Easy Reefing · Jun 28, 2020

Nice ! I have a similar setup

Madd20s · Jun 28, 2020

Easy Reefing said:
Nice ! I have a similar setup

nice how long has it been setup

Easy Reefing · Jun 28, 2020

Madd20s said:
nice how long has it been setup

02/27/2020

Madd20s · Jul 4, 2020

Update: I have added the Eheim compacton and the flow is much better. Tested ammonia and I am at 2.0 - nitrite and nitrate at 0. I am in it for the long run and just letting nature take its course with no added additives. Is this a good thing, bad thing or does not matter?

19 days into the cycle
All in all I want it to be a success.

Boco · Jul 21, 2020

Best advise i can give is look at adding an oz or two of turbo start 900 as that is the nutrifying bacteria, i used 2 oz in mine and my EVO was fish ready in just a few days.and i have not had any ammonia spikes. Since starting i have not had any issues with my parameters I also have the AI Prime HD and i love the light.