Conversion from large tanks to Nano - top-off question

[clavery]

My husband and I are running two reeftanks - a 75G with power compacts and a 120 with MHs. We are getting KILLED with the electric bills running these two tanks, so we've been contemplating a switch to smaller tanks - perhaps a nano for his office and a 30G tank we already have in storage for the playroom.

We have pumps from a 35G ro/di water container that automatically top off the existing tanks (the lines run up through the ceiling, down the walls and into the tanks). Do most folks with nanos do automatic top-off or do you just manually replenish your water? In the self-contained units (like the Oceanic bio cubes) do you get a lot of evaporation and do you need daily top-offs? I'm trying to get my playroom bathroom back, if possible!!!!

Thanks for the info/advice.

Cheryl

 

[Agu]

I drip kalk almost every day into all three tanks, no auto topoff.

However if you can set it up I'd recommend you do an auto topoff. It's a pain if you go away even for a couple of days with a nano keeping it at the right SG. If we're gone more than 24 hrs I have to arrange for someone to top off my tanks.

The enclosed top tanks may be better but my 10 gallon open top tanks lose between a pint and a quart a day.

 

[manse]

If you run open top you will need to top off at least a couple of times a week. If you have an enclosed hood then you may be able to get away with top offs once a week. But winter is coming, and, as I see you are in NY, chances are the house gets very dry in the winter. This really increases the evap.

Keeping salinity constant is a key, as you know, and you can have some *big* swings in the smaller tanks if you are not on top of your top offs.

I have a 12 gallon, a 22 gallon, and a 30 gallon. I am just setting up the 22, and I have bought an ATO for it. I may also drill the 30 for a sump and put an ATO in there as well.

 

[clavery]

Thanks. I've sort of come to terms with the fact that I've lost the downstairs shower anyway!

Another question - we've gotten to the point that the large tanks are relatively stable and only require bi-weekly water changes and minimal maintenance. Do nano cubes require more or less work than an established large tank?

Thanks, all, for the responses.

Cheryl

 

[Agu]

I do weekly waterchanges, but it takes under an hour including set up and clean up for all three tanks.