Downsizing to 28g 150W HQI

TheSaltwaterGuy

TheSaltwaterGuy

New member
Hey you guys. I am just getting into the reef hobby, after a little over a year in FOWLR, and need some pointers. I was thinking of getting a 28g NanoCube 150W HQI from Drs. Foster and Smith. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. I have a few questions:

Would I need a chiller with this lighting?

What kind of supplements (calcium, kalk, etc) would I need to add?

And any other things that I would need to know to keep up a healthy reef tank.

Thanks in advance!
 
The biggest problem with doing smaller tanks would probably keeping your parameters level. I personally love the smaller cube tanks with one nice halide on it. Its a clean look and you can get the look you want without spending a small fortune. I think the biggest thing you need to figure out is what you really want out of this tank. What types of coral, fish, etc. will make you the happiest within the size tank you plan to do. the great thing about this hobby is that their are literally millions of ways to put a tank together and millions of different combinations of fish and coral you can do. One thing I have realized is that the more you learn the less you realize you actually know. Try to stick to your plan and execute the best you can. It is very easy to get confused as to what you want and you will never have a "complete tank " look we all strive for. If you are planning on doing LPS or hard corals you should look into dosing your tank with some sort of mineral supplements. If not you could get away with probably just doing steady water changes. I personally feel that the best way to replenish your tank with calcium and such is to regular water changes. I have had a ninety gallon reef tank running for almost two years and I do not add any additives and have had steady success. Now granted I have mostly soft coral and hardy corals but I am very happy with ricordias, bubble corals, mushrooms, zoas, hammers, frogs, brains, etc. If you can afford a chiller that would help but it depends on wher you live, how your home is heated / insulated / and wether or not you have air conditioning. The best advise I can give is take your time, ask many questions, and don't always listen to your LFS owners. They alot of times are hurting so bad they will sell you an achilles tang for your nano tank. Good luck and enjoy the hobby.........it is rewarding and amazing.
 
I plan on keeping SPS, LPS, and softies/zoas. As for fish, I was thinking a pair of Ocellaris Clowns, a Royal Gramma and maybe a Tailspot Blenny.

I was also curious as to if I'd need a sump for a nano tank? I've seen people use them on theirs but have never thought I needed one.

Thanks.
 
No sump. The biggest mistake people make with nano's is trying to make it a small version of a larger tank. KISS works best. The whole trick to nanos are weekly 20% water changes. Thats all there is too it!

Mark

p.s. As much as I like SPS, they really dont work out that well in nano's. Stick with LPS/Softies and you can easily have a beautiful, carefree tank. IMO, Nanos are sooooo much easier that larger tanks, I have had both.
 
I wasn't planning on getting many SPS, maybe 2-3 frags and let them grow.

I know an anemone wouldn't do well in an 18"x18"x22" 28g, but what are the chances of the clowns hosting in some frogspawn or torch corals? I know its possible.
 
You don't need a chiller, I have a 150 watt Sunpod on my BC 29, I keep the a/c about 73 in my house. The temp on the tank stays at 79 degrees. At night the heater kicks on so I have no fluctuations.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12409152#post12409152 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheSaltwaterGuy
Anyone else have any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Have you checked out the nano forum on RC or even another board that is all about small tanks?
 
I wouldn't put to much stock in streetjudge's advice. 2 different tanks.

With his tank he probably has an open top which allows for better cooling just because the surface area is exposed to the air, most of the JBJ28 is enclosed, the only open part is the back chambers. I had the same setup as him, a 24g Nanocube topless with the Sunpod fixture. Can't compare the 2 tanks.

You might not need a chiller but if you don't get a chiller you will need a fan.

I have an Azoo fan hooked up to my Reefkeeper 2 that controls cooling but also speeds up evaporation, either manual daily topoffs or get a good ATO.

SPS in this type tank is simple.
1) Use a good salt (I use Red Sea Pro Coral Salt but Tropic Marin, Oceanic, Reef Crystals will all be the best due to their higher CA levels).
2) Add flow, I have a Korallia #2 in the display but you can go down to a #1 probably or look into the smallest Tunze Nano Stream Powerhead.
3) Use a 2 part when you need to dose. A good salt, weekly water changes and keeping the number of SPS low should be enough so that you don't have to dose. If you need to though Kent Nano Part A & B or B-Ionic are 2 good options.
If you get some SPS the easiest ones are Millipora, Digitata, Monti Caps and Birdsnest. ORA pieces are usually very healthy and hardy and I am a huge fan of them, they hold their color and do very well when first getting into SPS. Avoid wild caught SPS frags/colonies like the plauge.

I have an Onyx Clown, hosted a Torch in the old tank but every clown is different.


I have a build thread for my tank, it's still pretty new and I hacked down most of my corals and sold off the larger pieces but pictures can be found here:

http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/nano-reefs/30772-illuminatis-mysterious-nanocube.html

There is also an entire thread in the Nano Forum for owners of the JBJ 28g:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1314926


If you get it good luck, it's a nice tank.
 
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