mr aqua 12 equip?

[Mtk]

Hey everyone,

I have decided to downsize from my rsm 250 to a MR aqua 12 gal bookshelf tank. I will be trying to make this a low maintenance nps/ gorg tank. Here is a link to my inspiration for my build. http://www.reefhobbyistmagazine.com/magazine-tiled-q1-2016-26.html

That tank is running a aqua clear 50 with gfo and carbon in it and a macro aqua 50 skimmer. I was wondering what you guys would recommend for filtration for this. BRS recommended just a brs mini reactor with GFO and Carbon and skip the aqua clear and skimmer. They said I would get better results with the reactor then having a skimmer. So what do you guys think. Also any recommendations on a led light to just give it some illumination.

 

Thank's everyone

[jestep]

What's you initial thoughts on water change volume and frequency. I'd say that's going to be a huge factor.

 

The only way I would agree with the reactor only idea is if you are planning on large frequent water changes. Otherwise I think you'll benefit from an aquaclear and skimmer.

 

The normal dendros in the example tank are much easier, but be really careful with NPS specific coral and gorgs. Many of these are literally the most difficult coral to grow in an aquarium, NPS gorgs, Dendronephthya, spider sponges, etc.. They require almost constant food in the tank, so to keep algae and nutrient level down require frequent or continuous water changes.

[ReefWeeds]

Hey there! I am in the process of revamping my 12 L into a macro/gorg tank. I have it set up as an AIO with a media basket in chamber 1 and return pump in chamber 2. In chamber one, I run floss followed by carbon. I feed phyto and some other foods such as docs eco eggs, but not meaty type foods as I'm sure you'll need with NPS. But, I think the AIO setup works well which I think you'd have similar results with the Aquaclear. I honestly think you'd benefit more from the AC & skimmer like jestep mentions above. Without the AC, I can't see where you'd put some floss to remove the bigger chunks of food and such.

 

I am running 2 par 30s with goosenecks over my tank and it is a nice, simple illumination.

[Mtk]

Thanks for the reply's. I am planning on doing at least a 5 gal wc every week or more as needed. I am actually going to use natural sea water on this tank. I think I am going to start with a AC50 and then move to a skimmer if I feel it is needed.

Thank's