2.5g Nano People - Need Tech Recommendation

[R. Rinaldi]

I am setting up a low-tech 2.5g as an office bookshelf tank. Corals will be hardy , low-light - probably shrooms and zoos. A mini-powerfilter won't work for space reasons and a 50w Ebo-Jager seems too large also. I won't have good mechanical filtration, but I'd like to keep a shrimp or two - no fish. I have doubts about the following products, but for a 2.5g, who knows:

1) Anyone used the Elite mini filter? How about the Aquarium Systems Duetto Mini, which looks decent? The filtration aspect looks minimal, but either would double as a powerhead and are cheap. I have seen the Elite unit posted Nano pictures in this forum.

2) Anyone used the Hydor drop in heater or is it trash? (At best it appears to give you a 5 degree boost from ordinary tank temperature, but with lights I might be okay. The size is sure nice, but it has no adjustment. With a 9w + 9w Coralife mini aqualight, will I need a heater.

Thoughts appreciated.

 

[Dakafall]

1) i use the elite mini on my 2.5g nano and it works great, lots of current, i'd go with that, also, i'd suggest paiting the back of the tank black, then the filter will blend in with the back of the tank, a double bonus

2) yes, your goin' to need a heater, i have the same fixture over my 2.5g but i also have a 50w tronic heater in there, i have very little fluctuation temp wise

 

[reefer1024]

i also have a 2.5 with the 18 watt coralife. i tried the drop in heater but my tank would get way to hot with the lights and a heater that wouldnt turn of. i use a 50 watt hiden in the back and the temp stays a constant 80. Also try to leave some space betweed the light and water for airflore or the coralife can heat up the 2.5 pretty quik. For a filter i have a an aqua clear 20 that just fits on the short end of the tank. hope this helps

 

[dfcjr]

I've had a Duetto mini for over five years now. Its been in everyrthing from a turtle tank, water monitor tank, freshwater and saltwater. its in my 33 right now because I had a powerhead go out on me. It might take up too much space in a 2.5, but the quality is excellent.

 

[spline9]

As heaters go, check out the Finnex 25W Thermal Shock Resistant Glass Electronic Heater. Search for it at premium aquatics. I have one myself and its the smallest heater I know of that has an adjustable thermostat. Works great.