New to the Nano reef

[slukach]

I have to get in to check out the pump. But from what you have explained, it shouldn't be too difficult to switch it out. Whne I am removing and adding things to the chambers, should I take off the hood totally, or just flip it back?

As far as the "Y" connector, what size did you guys get (1/4", etc/)? I stopped at a LFS today and one thing the guy said was that I should get another flow direction going. He showed me a huge tank and there was flow on both sides, but I like how the Y connector can circulate water all over.

 

[Illuminati]

I got the 3/4", I think that is the right size, I'll let you know when I get it in and show you what I did. Basically the same thing Greg did but mine has longer tubes from the end of the wall to the nozzle if that makes sense. You'll see.....

I'd never take the hood off unless you need to, it's a pain to get it back on, just flip it up

 

[slukach]

Thanks. I can add the Y connector anytime right? So, I can at least get the tank started, and then get the part later. It does make sense about the length of the tubes. You can almost have water flowing on both sides of the tank. Pretty cool.

 

[slukach]

Ordered the stuff from modular hoses. Thanks for the link colinadam.

 

[Illuminati]

Ahhhh! Hope you didn't get the 3/4", it's to big, I'm trying to figure out what I need. Cancel it if it's not to late.....

 

[slukach]

Actually I did. I'll see if I can cancel.

 

[Illuminati]

If not I am going to try some reducers, they are end pieces that can go from 3/4" to 1/2". If 1/2" is still to big they make another that goes from 1/2" to 1/4". One way or another this will work

Luckily if that solves the problem and you get the 3/4" the reducer packs come with 2 each so I could send you the extra's. Not ideal though, hopefully you can get it cancelled in time.

 

[slukach]

Its already been shipped out. But i can send it back and get the right meas. When you find out what the right size is, let me know. I am just going to get the tank going by Monday, hopefully over the weekend (set up sand, live rock, etc, and start it cycling). So, I can just return the order, get the right size and hook it up down the road.

 

[Hopeful Reefer]

Have you decided where you are getting your live rock from? Are you buying it local to you or flying it in or having it shipped from somewhere?

 

[slukach]

Going local. The shipment fees are crazy. And if I want to save on fees I have to drive out to the airport and get it.

I will be calling aroung to a few places tomorrow to get some prices. And then the heater and new pump should be here saturday.

Ahhhh, slowly but surely.

 

[greggwisniewski]

OK so I found a better stand at a LFS. Its actually the oceanic 29 gallon Stand but it fits perfectly and matches better. My pump and hoses should be here tomorrow or saturday. Going to put tap water in it tomorrow and let it set for a day or so to check for leaks. if all goes well I should have live rock and sand in for the new year.

 

[slukach]

Colin and Greg,

I noticed that my nano has a small "mark" in the middle of the black material that covers the 3 chambers (almost like the tip of a triangle with the outflow and the inflow of the backing. Did your respective cubes have the same mark?

 

[Illuminati]

I have a hole in the middle of the back wall that goes into the chamber, not sure what it does.

Is it a hole or just where the black vinyl (or whatever that is)?

 

[thecichlidpleco]

you sohuld get your live rock from reefermadness, they have shipping included in the price(when you spend $150), but it ends up being about $3.50/pound.

 

[greggwisniewski]

I too have the black marking.. not sure what it is either. None the less I got thelive sand, live rock and the tank is up and running. So far everything seems ok ended up putting 20lbs of live rock may add a little more but for now its not to bad. The new pump with the y adapter is working nicely.

Another question, how many hours a day should the lights be on? Do the LEDs have to be on a certain amount of time a day? Does anyone make some sort of timer to run the day and night lighting?

Also, what temp are you maintaining?

 

[Illuminati]

My temp is 82 but most keep it around 80.

I have my lights on 12 hours, off 12 hours.

The LED's are moonlights you can have them on when the other lights are off.

There is a product called the coralife powerstrip that doubles as a timer. Might be worth checking out. It is at Dr. Foster & Smith.

Once you get past the sand storm you'll have to aquascape it and post some pictures

 

[Hopeful Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8854146#post8854146 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by colinadam
There is a product called the coralife powerstrip that doubles as a timer. Might be worth checking out. It is at Dr. Foster & Smith.

AVOID THIS POWERSTRIP LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek1:

There are a ton of other timer options out there...do not buy this one under ANY circumstances!! There is an entire thread on here about different people from Reef Central that have had fires due to this powerstrip!! :eek2: I'm not just making this up either...Click here for proof...I would hate to have anyone put this much $$$$$ in to putting together a beautiful tank, no matter what size, and loose it to a cheap piece of junk like this...I am speaking not just as a fellow reefer but also someone who has been a professional in the fire service for 16 years!

If you want an idea that is a little more DIY (and only a few $$ more) try this out...it will really make the thing look professional...get a few outlet boxes and some digital timers from Home Depot (Click Here)...wire 1 timer in an outlet box with 1 outlet...power comes in to the timer, then goes to the outlet...fairly easy to wire...you can make the power feed to the box out of an old computer power wire, just cut the computer adapter off the end...you can do 2 of these...then, set the timer to whatever you want...and the lights are fully automated at that point...just make sure that these are plugged in to a GFCI outlet so that if any little bit of water goes in to the system you don't end up like some of the people in the house fire thread...

Good luck...any more questions about this approach, send me a PM and we can discuss further...

 

[greggwisniewski]

Actually didnt have the slightest bit of a sandstorm. I used the bag an bowl method... placed the sand in the tank, put a trash bag down then a bowl on top of it. just kept pouring the water in the bowl and it worked beautifully. I did some basic scaping with some fiji rock and tonga branch... I will get some pics up soon. Not sure if im going to keep it like this or not.

 

[slukach]

Colinadam,

The stuff arrived from Dr, F&S today. When I take out the stock pump, do I take the tubing out that is connected to the point where the water goes from the back of the tank into the tank.

Also, I think you said something about letting the carbon in the back until it cycles. Should I do that, or take that stuff out and put in the heater and the other things that go in their respective chambers.

Also, I am picking up the LR on tuesday. Fully cured and $3.50/lb. No shipping charges. Woo Hoo!!!!1

And finally, is the live sand they sell at LFS's in the bags good stuff. I saw it in 20lb sizes and others. The guy I am getting the rock from is out of sand, but he said he doesn't use the pre-bagged sand, but this stuff imported from Fiji. I figured the live sand at the LFS would be fine.

So, I am two days away from having this tank cycle. Ugh, I can't wait, but patience is truly a virtue.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[slukach]

There are a ton of attachments to this MaxiJet. Do I need everything (underground gravel adaptor, air control valve and tube, etc)?