Last Minute Checklist - Nano Experts

[xxxbadfishxxx]

Aight guys/gals.

I think i am going to pull the trigger on a 12 gallon aquapod. I think i am going to go with the aquapod over the JBJ because of more lighting. The Model number is #7050, i assume that this is the most recent model? link to one i plan on buying. So i assume all i need is.

I plan on housing a jawfish and maybe an onyx clown, cleaner shrimp, various snail/hermits. Soft corals, nice zoos, and rics mainly.

1- some sand - buy some arragonite and add some from my 50 gallon.
2- 10lbs of baserock, 5lbs of liverock from establishe 50 gallon.
3- water, jumpstart with water from my 50 gallon.
4- Thermometer - what size, and whats a good one that can be hidden in the compartments. Please recomend a brand.
5- maybe an additional mj900
6- eventually a protein skimmer.

Questions
A- are protein skimmers necessary? if you do 20% waterchanges weekly?
B- do you guys use the bioballs? or do you swith it with LR rubble?
C- what other simple mods do you do.
D- the last thing i want is a cracked tank, from what ive read, Aquapod has a better track record of tanks not malfunctioning then JBJ, is this ture?

Ive searched the last 15 pages of threads for the most part and these are the questions i have. Thank you in advance.

I also

Jeff

 

[bennerkla]

Welcome to the nano reefing world.

A- For the most part, no. 20% water changes are even, in my opinion, better.

B- Bioballs tend to produce a huge amount of nitrates if not cleaned. Also, they require water to run through them, not just sit in a bucket of water. They usually don't go with nano tanks. LR rubble is fine.

C-Float switch is great, making a refugium out of a HOB filter is nice, canopies, etc.

D- Yes, especially the 12 gallon tanks.

Thermometer wise, go with the Coralife Digital. It's only like 6 bucks, and works well. As for a heater, I've had horrible luck. The Tronic was nice while it worked, though.

I would use new saltwater, it is the LR that is cured, not the water.

Hope this helps, let me know if you need anything else,

Ben

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

no that helps a lot. I think i am going to order tonight.