jbj nano 12 dx basic upgrades

[Arkayne Reefer]

I have a jbj 12 dx running stock currently but have been thinking about some upgrades.

Powerhead - I know most people go with a maxi jet 900, I have a 1200 lying around but didn't know if that was too much flow for the tank or would that be ok? If it's too much I'll just get a 900 unless there is another band that's better/quieter

filtration - it comes with some sponges, activated carbon bio balls and ceramic rings in the back. I've seen some people keep it as such and some remove some or all of it to put in LR rubble. Any good opions on this?

lights - I have the stock 24 x 2 10k/7100k bulbs in there now. Are there better bulbs to buy and can these actually keep any types of corals? I was looking for mainly shooms and zoas with some softied. Maybe LPS if they are possible but hats a big maybe. Later I would like to get leds but for know I just wanted to keep it stock if I can keep some corals

are there any other things that could/shoud be upgraded or improved upon?
any help is greatly appreciated

 

[ReefWreak]

900 should be fine.

I prefer removing everything from the back of the tank except for a skimmer. I'm not sure a skimmer fits the 12dx. In that case, I would consider making a refugium in the back and growing algae back there to keep it out of the front of the tank. You can find a cheap LED floodlight on ebay and use it easily to grow plenty of algae. It'll make your life a lot easier.

Otherwise I like rubble, except that detritus will settle there, and you'll run into nutrient issues long term.

I kept LPS, softies, and some montiporas in my old 24g nanocube with the stock power compacts, so it's doable, just don't expect beautiful colors out of SPS. Most of the LPS, and certainly softies should all keep their color.

Honestly, if you have the room for a new tank, I wouldn't put much money into this tank, because you'll want to upgrade sooner than later. I would keep things bare and basic in this tank, do your frequent water changes, keep stocking light, and get your feet planted in the world of salt water aquariums, and then once you're really comfortable, it'll be time to upgrade, and you can put that money towards a bigger tank and get into the fancy equipment.

12g is just too small IMO to get too fancy and have high expectations (though of course there are always exceptions).

 

[Arkayne Reefer]

Ok, I'll just replace the Powerhead for now and get everything settled. I'm fine to sticking to softies for this tank. I prefer the look of them anyways.

The only skimmer I can think of that would fit in the back is the little one for the biocubes. Not sure how good it will be but I'll research and see. If it turns out to be terrible I can just add a fuge area. Is the activated carbon bag worth keeping in the back or is that something to toss out too?

thanks for the help