24 JBJ Build

[sjkarrow87]

So I have been into reefing for the past 3 years or so and have had a few tanks:
12 gallon jbj nano
29 gallon reef
55 gallon reef
45 cube reef

After admitting defeat to Dino Flakes I am taking whats left from my 45 cube and moving it to the 24 cube (fox coral, ricordea, mushrooms and leathers and pair of clowns)

I ordered an InTank Media Basket and plan on doing (filter floss, chemi pure elite and more filter floss) It also has the stock 72 watt pc lights.

do not have an ATO yet I am contemplating adding the AI Sol, Kessil or DIY 24 Kit from Rapid. I am aware 2 of the 3 would require open top.



My first question is about going open top how much water should I expect to evaporate a day? I have read from other nano posts that by directing the flow nozzle downward to reduce surface agitation may help reduce evap.... Is there any benefit from being an open top aside from the light fixture?

Secondly, all I plan on keeping is the corals listed above, should my lights be ok for awhile if I don't upgrade soon?



I just tested the water and Nitrate/Nitrite/Ammonia all were undectable so I have slowly slowly moved a few things over (3 ricordea and 8 mushroom frags)


Lastly, I have gone through the anemone section over and over but wanted to hear it from the nano section. Is the stock lighting enough for a bta? I have kept bta, lta and a mag before so am familiar with them.

thanks!
steve

 

[ange062]

My open top 28g uses ~16oz morning and night with moderate surface agitation. None of the corals you have listed are particularly high light though, so I think you will have good success with the stock setup.

 

[sjkarrow87]

My open top 28g uses ~16oz morning and night with moderate surface agitation. None of the corals you have listed are particularly high light though, so I think you will have good success with the stock setup.

thanks!

i forgot to mention i have acans as well...

i am tryin to decide which of the following i should get next: Light Upgrade, ATO or controller.

 

[john miller]

My closed stock lid 28 uses a little more than a quart in 24 hours.

 

[sjkarrow87]

thanks for the feedback everyone.

i took my 30inch sunpod off my old tank and it will work for now. with that being said no more 72 watts of pc, now i have 150watt sunpod crankin

i think i may invest in an ATO and a controller... I have 0 experience working with an ato but seems like the most logical purchase since it will be an open top

 

[john miller]

I've been running a JBJ ATO/MJ 1200 for several months and it has worked flawlessly. Right at $100, so cheap too.