Nano DX12 - Do I need anything else?

[mels95yj]

Ok, guys and gals, I've decided to set up a 12DX in my office. I've had a 46g at the house for a few years now. I've gotten out of the loop of mods, etc, so I come to you for your answers. BTW, I have searched, but just want to make sure. Here's what I've gathered that I'll need. I just want to keep 1-2 fish, softies & maybe a LPS or two.

Nano DX12
Empty first two chambers & replace with LR
Heater & pump in third chamber
Upgrade pump to MJ900 with Hydro device
Purchase surface skimmer from ebay

Now my questions:

1. Is a 50w enough?
2. Will just having the MJ900 w/Hyrdro be enough water movement? Remember, just softies & LPS.
3. Will the lighting will suffice for LPS? I'm thinking Frogspawn, Torch, Hammer, Brain or Plate.
4. Is there any other can't live without mods? I'm wanting to do this correctly the first time.
5. I haven't seen anything about a protein skimmer with these. Does anybody run them? A sump/refugium is out of the question.

Thanks in advanced for your help.

Mel

 

[theop]

I've had my 12g dx set up for about 2 weeks in my office.

1. The newest nanocube dx come with the surface skimmer. It is held in place by the water flow and can fall down when you turn the pump off. I used a little bit of superglue to keep in in place.
2. 50W heater will be fine unless your office is really cold.
3. The 48W of lighting is on the low side, but could may be ok. Still, it is ~4 W/gal which isn't too bad.
4. I planned to get the MJ900, but found that stock pump doesn't seem that bad. I may still upgrade in the future, since it is rated for a little higher flow at the same wattage. If you want a hydor, definately upgrade the pump since the flo does reduce pump output.
5. I turned my fans around to blow inward and noticed it runs a little bit cooler and is quieter.

 

[mr pink floyd]

stock pumps ad lots of heat, my friend has a minijet 606 in his 12, not DX but loves it!

 

[mels95yj]

Thanks for your help! I found a LFS, well an hour away, that supposedly has the 12DX for $139. They're out of stock until Tuesday. Yeah, I figured the lighting isn't the best, but the tank isn't as tall as my 46g, so I figured I could place the LPS on the sand and still be good. Thanks again for your help.

Oh, any special tips on turning the fans around, or is it a straight forward process? Any other tips?

Mel

 

[ClarkiiClown]

You will probably end up upgrading the light. 50W isnt enough. I have 110 and it isnt enough

Eheim pumps run really cool. I have the return and one in the display.

Hydors for spin are great too.