Please Help!!! What do I really need for setting a nano reef aquarium

[Econ]

Hello folks:

I desperately need help in selecting the things I need for a nano reef aquarium. I've been lurking around some internet forums that specialize on this hobby asking questions and reading everything I can that will help me learn about setting up a nano reef aquarium. I also purchase a book for people new to the hobby. But thye reality is that I'm now more confused than when I started my interest on nano reeef aquariums regarding setting one up. Everytime I read a noobie type post on tank setups, I keep seen more and more info regarding products, practices, etc.

I already now that I want a 24 gallon tank. My choices are between a JBJ Nano Cube or the AquaPod. Based on what I've read in terms of reliability, I'm leaning towards the AquaPod. So in regards of the type of tank I think I'm pretty close make a purchase decision. But here is where the problem starts.

What type of lightning setting should I buy? I want live rock in the tank and have been reading that the 70w fixture that comes with the AquaPod is not enough. Then, which one should I get?

Then I keep reading about folks setting a sump as part of their nano system. What is a sump? Do I need one? All I can figure out about it is that the sump is based on a smaller tank place below the main tank and that is connected using some sort of plumbing system (which to me looks in most cases as a complicated thing).

Then I hear about the need of using a heater and maybe a chiller. I live in tropical weather that is fairly hot and humid most of the time. Is is very strange for temps to go below 70 degrees in the winter. Do I need a heater? Seems to me that a chiller would be appropriate, things the climate is mostly hot and humid. What kind of chiller would I need for a 24g tank?

Finally there is the question about the motors/pumps and the overflow. I take that the AquaPod doesn't have an overflow. Do I need to create one? How do I do it? What kind of motors/pumps do I need?

I apologize for such a long post, but I feel overwhelm due to all the info I have been getting, which to me has been confusing. I'm really interested in setting up a tank and feel ready to make a committment in terms of tank maintenance and financial investements required to keep the system healthy.

Please help me!!!!

 

[chocolateblnt]

It's a lot of work explaining what you need and what you need to do ... however I'll start you off with some research you can do for yourself !

1. Read and Learn to understand Reef Chemistry ... it is the fundamental knowledge you cannot start without ... Here is the link to all of Randy Holmes' articles ... http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605
-> concentrate on this one ...
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

2. I have read about many JBJ's, Aquapods, and other types of All-In-One nano's cracking or exploding etc ... So be careful of what you buy! I don't know which one's are good or bad because I never bothered with those type of nano's ... if you are planning on upgrading lighting it might be a smarter buy to simply go with a 20 Long Tru Vu and a 150 watt MH Pendant. I recommend a normal tank like a Tru Vu becaues of the infinite possibilities you can work with and dependability you can trust! A 20 L on www.customaquatic.com will run you about $100. A MH is a must if you plan on keeping corals/clams that are light hungry! Not to mention a lighting upgrade in a JBJ etc. is going to cause some heat issue's you'll have to deal with.

3. Most importantly make a list of what you want to keep whether it's fish, corals, inverts ... this will tell you what kind of equipment you need; then we can help you out better.

4. Sumps are tanks where you can keep bulky and eye sore equipment such as skimmers, heaters, etc. and perhaps a refugium sump which incorporates a refuge for macro-algae to help export nitrates. Depending on your bio-load you will most likely need a skimmer. Since you live in hot weather without Air Conditioning in your room ... you will most likely need a very small chiller; an expensive piece of equipment. All-In-One nano's don't have overflows and you would have to drill your own ... another reason to get a Tru-Vu.

... Keep reading and things will become clearer ... Good Luck ... if you need more info keep asking questions!

 

[Econ]

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate the help. The setting up part that has to do with water cycling and creating the bio I understand. My problem has to do with purchasing the right equipment. What kind of lightining fixture for live rock? Do I need a sump? Do I need an overflow? Things like that.

 

[chocolateblnt]

Like I said before ... you need to figure out what fish, inverts, corals you want to keep, make this your priority ... make a list and post it and then we can help match up proper equipment. However you probably will need a sump and a skimmer this is why I suggest getting a normal Tru Vu acrylic tank, much easier to incorporate a sump. Lighting is also dependent on what inhabitants you want to keep ... LR doesn't have "real" light requirements however it won't grow coraline or other neat stuff without light.

 

[Econ]

Ok, this is what I'd like to have in the tank:

Fish

1 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Yellow Watchman Goby
1 Spotted Cardinalfish or Kauderns Cardinal
1 Royal Gramma Basslet
1 Green Mandarin Dragonet


Coral

1 Montipora digitata
1 Stylophora Coral
1 Bubble Coral
Colony Polyp
Green Fluorecent Mushroom


Invertebrates

1 Blood Red Fire Shrimp
Cleanup crew

I don't know if I'll be able to fit all this (probably not), but whatever would be feasible to have in the tank should come from this list. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chocolateblnt]

I see ... All the fish are fine except the Green Mandarin; it needs lots of LR with a established aquaria for food; works unless you can get it to eat mysid but often times it might not work in time and the fish will starve to death ... However 4 fish in 24 gallons is enough! You will need a good filter and probably a skimmer.

You will need crystal clear water to take care of a Montipora & Stylophora they will not compromise and they are expensive to lose. Bubble Coral has sweeper tentacles and will sting corals near it ... you have to keep it away a few inches depending on it's size and length of sweepers. Take a look at mushrooms and polyp corals they will be good practice before you learn to keep all your levels steady! Hooooopefully you read that second article I linked you to!

No problem on the inverts ...

Start looking for a tank with good lighting and good filtration I guess something like the Nano Cube Deluxe or the Aquapod with the MH Sun-Pod but don't take my word for these All-In-One Nano's ... ask around for help to chose the best one!

 

[Econ]

Thanks. I'll go with 4 fish only then. What things do I need to create a sump and how do I connect it to a 24g tank?

 

[phenom5]

hey Econ,
well, IMO/ IME i would skip the all-in-one setups. i'm not sure how much the aquapod w/ the 70W HQI is, but i'm pretty sure you could setup a pimped out setup for around the same price if you go with a standard tank...especially if your going to add more light. the 70W HQI is not enough light for the 24g pod. i've got a 70W HQI over my 10g, and i've been kicking myself for not getting the 150W since i got the 70W. also, the aquapod/ nanocube have chambers along the back of the tank, so an overflow/ sump would be very difficult to setup.

here's what i would do...

get a 20g long glass tank, and take it to a glass shop to get it drilled. one hole at a glass shop shouldn't be much more then 15-20 bucks, and then another ~10 buck for the glass for the overflow...if you ask nice they'll probably cut all the pieces for your overflow too. here's some diagrams of the different types of overflows, for a nano i'd go with an external-durso style overflow. you plumb the drain using a bulkhead in the hole and PVC. then get yourself a 10g to use as a sump, or a bigger tank if you want to. drop by the DIY forum, there are usually several threads that deal with sump design. then basically all you need is a return pump, and to plumb in the return. as far as the heater & chiller...i would set the tank up and run it with freshwater...or saltwater for that matter, but i would get the lights going and the pumps going to see if you actually need the chiller. with an open top sump you may not, running a fan that blows across the top of the sump may be enough to keep it cool. if not i would look to add an iceprobe. the only other thing is a skimmer, which you could build a DIY skimmer or you could go with a coralife superskimmer65 for around 80 bucks.

hth:thumbsup:

 

[chocolateblnt]

YAY Another person that agree's to skip the all in one's

 

[Econ]

Hey Chocolate and Phenom,

Thanks for the help. Unfortunately, this is what in my view makes this hobby complicated for me. I have no way of getting the tank drilled. There are no places around where I live that will help with that. I also looked at the diagrams for the pumbling needed to conect the main tank with the sump tank and there is no way that I can put that together. Call me ignorant or dumb, but I just know I'll never be able to do that. That is the reason I need a som sort of "plug and play" system.

I went to a local shop and saw a very nice Oceanic 46g system that had all the holes drilled and also had an overflow. The problem was the price. Anyway, I'll continue to do some research to see if I can find what I want and if not then I guess I'll have to abandon my intention of setting up a nano reef system. At least until I can save enough money to buy something like the Oceanic tank I saw at my local store.

 

[chocolateblnt]

You can drill an acrylic tank yourself and it's much easier than glass!

 

[kenny77]

Econ I will second the idea of not getting an all in one's tank.

I know that when you start this hobby you feel like you can do none of this DIY project but they are easy and won't take you a lot of $ and time.

I'm from Puerto Rico too and if you need any help with any of this DIY project I can help you with no problem. I love working with other peoples tanks since I learn more.

Im on the process of setting up a Nano too. If you see the thread It may look conplicated but is not. A plumbing for that system will take me no more than 2-3 hours and a couple 6 pack of beer wich will make me take longer.

I offer you my help if you deside to go with a regulra tank and build the system by your self. beleive me you will feel even better knowing that you build you own mini reef with you own had and it was designed by you.

 

[chocolateblnt]

hahhahah yes a 6-pack of beer will make any project longer!

 

[Econ]

Kenny:

Thank you vey much for your offer. I'll definitely take you up on this offer. What's your email address?

Econ

 

[kenny77]

Econ you can email me at ratpack_77@hotmail.com. Just let me know the island isn't that big and to help a fella reefer.