JBJ LED 28 Gal Nano

[skykingcory]

Thinking about getting an advanced LED JBJ nano tank. I currently have an older 75 gal reef tank and I'm ready to move my tank's location in the house and downsize. I've never been around a nano and have some questions after a lot of reading. Are most running the In-Media basket with a skimmer also or do you only have room for one? Also I see a few people running reactors. Is this because the In-Media basket with their media doesn't suffice? Also I'm guessing an aftermarket skimmer is a must? The LFS says the stock skimmer will work with weekly water changes but have my doubts. I see the aquamaxx is somewhat preferred. Does this skimmer mount inside the back of the tank or hang off the back? Also I would think a tank heater would be a must to keep temps up during night hours?

Any help would be much appreciated. Definately cautious about going smaller into the unknown. :beachbum:

 

[Than23]

My best advice would be to just start out slowly adding things, and that could be said for any new aquarium start up.

Most of your questions will be anwsered with what are you going to stock the aquarium with.

I've had the 28 JBJ LED running for four months now. The only thing i've changed from the stock tank build is the InTank media basket. I'm currently not running a skimmer, reactor, chiller, ect... So I wouldn't say a skimmer is a must and you can find plently of people on the forums not running a skimmer. That being said either the Aquamaxx HOB or Tunze 9002 are probably the most popular. The other upgrade most people do is replace the stock pumps with the maxi-jet 1200's but I havent got around to that yet either. For the heater, I would definetly add one. The temp in my tank hangs around 77. I don't ever see it increase during the day either even after the LED's have been on for 6+ hours. Thats an awesome feature!

My tank contains 4 fish, and mostly LPS, rics, zoas, shrooms. No sps, so I don't need the cleaner water that a skimmer will supply. I do a 5 gal water change biweekly and dose with Kent's 2 part solution once or twice a week.

This method works for me. I have no algae so far and that's all I really care about. I think its mostly due to the CUC I puchased from Reefcleaners.

Hope that helps.

 

[ange062]

My personal opinion is that nothing is a must, it all depends on what you want to keep. Skimmer is a great idea long run, especially if you plan to keep a heavy bioload (lots of fish) or sensitive corals (SPS). Water changes likely won't cut it long term, IMO.

Reactors are great for reducing phosphates, and have worked wonders on my tank. My only regret is not starting running one sooner before phosphates were absorbed by the rock and sand, if I did it over GFO would be in a reactor from day1.

And yes, the InTank media basket is awesome and once you have the tank you will understand why. You can fit both the media basket and an HOB skimmer. I'd say a heater is a must during these winter months, during warmer months it will likely never turn on as the fully enclosed lid will cause more issues with water being too warm then it will with being too cold.

As than said, take it slow and upgrade as needed, it's the best way to do it

 

[skykingcory]

Thanks. I currently run GFO and Carbon on my bigger tank when needed. I just didn't know if the In Tank Media that contains the GFO would be enough? I'll transfer water, live, rock, and some coral from my bigger tank.