Jump to content

Building a Nano-Reef


livebearer_breeder

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 64
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • 2 weeks later...

I might be able to fit a tall plastic container that would take about a 15-20 L or so in my cabinet. On a 75 L tank would it be worth it?

At the moment I have the hang on the outside of the tank skimmmer which has a big pump on the base of the tank. this is fairly well hidden. this would probably have to stay there then this would need to discharge into the sump container. I am not keen on drilling into my operational tank either. I know the skimmer should be last but this is the only way that I could rig it unless completely starting over.

Once I am in the sump container from the skimmer, then what? I know that I would need a pump to bring it back to the tank. Do I need a filter? I see at the shops they have coral and macro algae but then you would also need lights in there wouldnt you. Would it be worth putting coral rock in there in the dark?

Would there be much benefit just having the water in there. I guess a good idea would be to have the pump near the top of the sump especially if I have a tall thin one to get in the cabinet so that any crap can settle on the bottom and be cleaned out during a water change.

I could silicon some panels in like I have seen on some sumps. I guess somewhere in there you would need to place a sponge filter of sometype.

Having this could I remove the trickle filter?

can you get enough treatment with a few kg of liverock in the tank.

By the way, I have a fish and it is still alive :lol: . It's only a damsel but I just wanted to make sure it would survive before I replace it with some better less aggresive fish.

Anyone need one for cycling a Tank?

any ideas?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

After lots and lots of discussion with marine aquarists, and also waiting for all the nonsence thatw was going on in her to stop i have decided to use the 100l as my reef tank.

I will have no sump, instead i will use a fluval 204 and a couple of power heads.

All i need is live rock, live sand and heaps of mushrooms. and eventually i will get some clowns.

Just wondering about everyones thoughts on the subject?

Cheers

Shae 250

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have one of those surface water collector things and IMO they are crap, Ive been using it for about a year, the plastic fitting that connects the hose to the collector thing has spilt and comes lose, the bit that sticks out to connect to the ruber suckers is broken, and the floating skimmer part stays above water for two days if im lucky before getting sucked under.

Why are you going to use the fluval? biofilter = high nitrate = bad news. The reason you're putting in live rock is to get the nitrate as low as possible.

At the risk of of getting abused by other members for daring to suggest some thing other than a $1000+ skimmer, you can buy Lees air driven skimmers from the guy in kapiti for less than $100. Yes they are cheap and therefore nasty and would probally only just do the job and limit your bioload, but you can also ways add a better one later (when you win lotto).

FYI I'm running a setup almost the same as what your planning to do 3 foot, 100 liter, no sump, been going since July, already planning the upgrade.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i agree the surface skimmer is poorly designed but with a little tweaking it works quite well

step one rip out that little screw up thing (breaks at the base easily)

step two increase the base intake (other wise as you said the over flow part gets submerged quickly) by cutting some holes in the tube

if your willing LB spend a little and get a small skimmer cause they are a good thing to have but you can even make your own, see nano-reef.com for the diy plans all you need is a air pump and some perspex

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Im lost and have absolutly no clue, what you guys are talking about, sry.

Why cant i use the fluval? I dont really want to buy a skimmer. HOw is the fluval goign to increase the nitrates? its not a biofilter. And i have one of those connections for it you talk about, its been working perfectly!

Shae 250

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You're better off spending the money you'd have spent on the fluval on a couple more powerheads or a skimmer. Unless you've already got the fluval of course. Makes a good place to put phosphate absorber and similar though, but you'd want to run it without any sponges or media.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi i have a 90L reef (i think you have see the pic before)

Having a Canister Filters (Fluval204) means you would want to put things like bio ring or substrat in it which is for biofiltering. They do a good job of filtering but will build up N03 which is bad for corals. (If you are running a FOT then is fine)

It terms of using LR as filter is to keep NO3 as low as possible. In todays reef keeping the best and easy way would be lots LR + big skimmers.

But keep in mine that only using LR as filter in a small tank would mean u can only keep a few small fish.

I personally do use a Canister Filters with substrat in it for bio-filter due to the reason that i like to have more fish in a small reef tank. I just do more water changes to lower NO3. (Currently have 6 in it) Also have marco algae too.

So if your ideal tank is a classic Nemo tank with a few coral, LR and skimmer would do you. If you are like me wanting to add more fish in later on get a canister filter but don't go for fluval, just get a 1200L/h Atman or Jebo (new version) would be ok. If you got the money go for eheim 2227 wet/dry. Best canister around and also can acts as a wavemaker in a small tank.

Anyway no matter what a marine tank must have a skimmer, very important. Go get a cheap one if you a short of cash. But i advise you not to go for one with a air stone, one with pump won't cost much more. ViaAqua and weipro both make a hang on one for about $150

Surface skimmer just get one when you water surface is oily not something you must have to start with. Remember don't go for the one with plastic fitting and float around...really crap i had one too. Go for the Atman one should be much better.

God~~what am i doing~~ i type a page.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

THERE NOT NEMOS!!! there clown fish!!

and im going to have to make do with what Iv'e got unfortunatly, it is not a matter of just not going with a Fluval, personally i think they are the best but that is another matter, I have th gear that i can use, and i must leave it at that with the expetion of what i dont have, like the rock,sand mushys and fish. everything else i have purchased or already have and must do with what i have : FLuval 204, 150 watt jager heater, 2 powerheads, 100l tank and UV light.

Shae 250

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...