Coreyg93 Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Hey Guys! Did my research and decided on getting the fusion 20 as my first nano reef tank! As of now my build consists of: Obviously the fusion 20 (not the kit just the tank) Kessil A160WE + mounting arm + 90 degree Cobalt Neotherm 75W heater Now I know im missing alot here especially the live rock and sand, but im focusing on my main equipment first, then the live stuff. Ive heard mixed reviews on upgrading the return pump(s). I plan to put a nice powerhead in there so I dont think upgrading the return pumps will be necessary atleast not right away. Any advice on a solid powerhead? one i wont need to upgrade later on. I plan to grow all kinds of corals in this and have maybe a pair of clowns, a goby, or firefish too. what powerhead do you guys recommend? do i need a wavemaker or will some steady flow be enough? dont want it to be too strong so the fish are working constantly to not get blown away lol. Anything else im missing/need to get right away. I know over time i might need to add a skimmer, but for the basic things to get the tank started am I on track here? Thanks for any and all advice guys and gals! Link to comment
jdog Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I have the ghost skimmer,as long as you do not overload system it will work. There is not a lot of room in the sump area to do maintenance so try to figure out what you are going to do before hand saves some PITA you could also look into IM Media reactor. May I recommend a coarser grade substrate, the fine stuff will get blown all over your tank with to much flow. Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 Nice! so what powerhead are you running in yours? Link to comment
Cove Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I had the fusion 20 and now the 25 I highly recommend swapping out the pumps, I added two eheim 600s. Link to comment
jdog Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Nice! so what powerhead are you running in yours? I have the pump that came with tank just added another same kind had an extra used 2 hose lines, or you could purchase a bigger pump connect to one hose make sure pump fits in back. The pump that comes with tank does not supply much flow at all. Link to comment
jdog Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 See how you water flow is with the return pump/pumps you can add a water movement powerhead after, I don't know how clean looking you want your tank, wires and so forth? and what your budget is? The cleanest is the Ecotech Vortech 10 wires on outside not in tank but it is not cheap. Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 okay so rather than upgrade the return pumps im thinking of getting the spin streams for more surface wave action, and add a small powerhead to it to keep the tank from having any dead spots Link to comment
jdog Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I have the spin streams, with only one stock pump they barely move and they also bind up. Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 is it built with one stock pump running 2 overflows or is it 2 pumps running separately? Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 and my budget is definitely not goign to include a $235 water propeller lol. i think a $30 hydor will suffice Link to comment
jdog Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 IM has a lot of good ideas and items that look good unfortunately and in my opinion do not work well and I am one that has dealt with their sub performing products. On a good point IM did replace the items and I have a long list. is it built with one stock pump running 2 overflows or is it 2 pumps running separately? The Tank comes with one pump running both overflows connects through a Y hose and my budget is definitely not goign to include a $235 water propeller lol. i think a $30 hydor will suffice I am up to $2500 on my new tank build and still only half way done Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 well im kinda going into this with the plan to upgrade everything (eventually) from stock. I mainly just need the tank for the built in overflow and ease of use. just cant figure out if im growing corals and getting this thing going, what will i need? will the stock pumps suffice with the stock outflows as long as i add a powerhead like a nano hydor? or am i better off upgrading the pumps and adding the spin heads, and add a powerhead later if necessary. I know my questions are newbie ones but im just getting into this and im not familiar with how much waterflow is required over these corals and for these tanks in general. I know you dont want dead spots in the tank where the water is stagnant, i just have no clue if the stock stuff will be suffice atleast for the first month while im cycling my tank Link to comment
jdog Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Just remember it is only a 20 gallon tank, Don't try to overload the system with to many Coral and fish, I have a lots of flow in my 20 and seems like I still have dead spots. Some coral like lots of flow some not so much, then you have to consider your lighting also. The Ocean has been around a lot longer then us and I think it is damn smarter then us also! well im kinda going into this with the plan to upgrade everything (eventually) from stock. I mainly just need the tank for the built in overflow and ease of use. just cant figure out if im growing corals and getting this thing going, what will i need? will the stock pumps suffice with the stock outflows as long as i add a powerhead like a nano hydor? or am i better off upgrading the pumps and adding the spin heads, and add a powerhead later if necessary. I know my questions are newbie ones but im just getting into this and im not familiar with how much waterflow is required over these corals and for these tanks in general. I know you dont want dead spots in the tank where the water is stagnant, i just have no clue if the stock stuff will be suffice atleast for the first month while im cycling my tank It will be ok for the beginning because you really don't have anything in your tank, it's when you start adding livestock when things change, it also takes time takes time takes time for a reef tank to mature! Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 Awesome so when you guys say $2500 that was slowly over the course of time. When it comes to starting out I should be fine with the Light, heater, and standard tank equip while it cycles etc. Thank you so much for your help btw everyone! Link to comment
jdog Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Awesome so when you guys say $2500 that was slowly over the course of time. When it comes to starting out I should be fine with the Light, heater, and standard tank equip while it cycles etc. Thank you so much for your help btw everyone! You don't have to worry about that amount on a 20 gallon, this is for my 92 gallon and that is over 2 months. didn't want to scare you. Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 Oh okay cool haha. I mean I know you can buy state of the art stuff for these things and the budget can be through the roof but I'm trying to figure out what parts need to be nice starting off and what ones I can slowly upgrade over time as the tank matures and the corals and inhabitants require it. So a hydro and the stock pump is good for just starting out? What about these media trays I heard they're kinda crap. What has everyone been replacing those with? I'm not familiar with what filter media goes in these for saltwater. I know in freshwater its carbon and then just a filter for the big stuff and a place for the bacteria to grow not sure what's different with a reef tank Link to comment
Elizabeth94 Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 InTank media baskets seem like the most popular choice http://www.shop.mediabaskets.com/Fusion-10_c99.htm I would start with just filter floss and carbon in the media basket, maybe even some chemipure blue if you don't want to do just carbon. Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 Cool cool so there isn't much other stuff to throw in there specific to saltwater? Also so for a list of first things I need to buy to get the tank cycling what all would that include on top of what I have listed? Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 31, 2016 Author Share Posted March 31, 2016 Anyone else? I'm trying to figure out what my first order off aquacave should be, so as soon as I get my delivery I can go to my lfs and get the live rock, sand and water and get started. Link to comment
ml86743 Posted March 31, 2016 Share Posted March 31, 2016 It all depends on what you want to do with the tank IMO. If you're just starting out and doing softies, shrooms, and zoas you'll be fine with a cheap powerhead, carbon, and filter floss. Couple that with a diligent water change routine and you'll be golden. Kessil makes a killer light so you should be able to keep just about anything. I think you're off to a wonderful start, just keep asking questions, take your time, and do your research and things will be just fine! Good luck homie. EDIT: Just read your post about stock IM pumps. I've used the stock pump in my IM40 with no issues, it takes care of business just fine. I don't rely on that for my main source of flow, but it works and it holds up. I also have not replaced the stock media trays, they're flimsy and cheap looking but they work for me. I run filter floss and carbon in my chambers. Some people run GFO, Purigen, or Chemipure. All work well and it comes down to preference and what your tank needs. GFO is used for sufficient phosphate reduction while Purigen is supposed to take out tons of unwanted organics out...I guess that would include nitrates and phospahtes. I'm not too familiar with it. Chemipure is good carbon and they make CP Elite and CP blue which is a combination of carbon and other effective nutrient absorbing material. This could provide nitrate and phosphate reduction. You can however use too much and make your water too clean..so be careful with the dosage. Just starting off I would stick with a little bit of carbon, just to let your bacteria settle in. Its amazing how effective the nitrogenous cycle is. I'm a firm believer in a good WC schedule as well, this allows you to control nutrients as well as replenish elements. I have a new tank cycling and I'm going to try a new WC routine, five gallons four times a week. This is for a tank with total water volume of 70 gallons. Your tank would be fine with 10%-20% weekly, or however you would like to do so. Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted March 31, 2016 Author Share Posted March 31, 2016 Wow thank you so much ml you answered my questions flawlessly. I'm sure to have more but I thank you everyone for your time responding to all my newbie questions. I've done this before with a planted tank and it's thriving. I ask so much because I know it's important in saving money and being successful in the long haul Also, I don't know exactly what I want to do with my tank but I do know I have a tendency to go all out once I get started so I plan to setup as if I'm growing all types of corals etc so I am not limited as to where I go. I don't want to buy cheap and regret in the long run. With my experience with a planted tank I made such mistakes and regretted it. Now I'm upgraded, and out a good bit more money in the long run, I'd prefer to get the top of the line, or what will give me the ability to walk into my lfs and point litany coral, fish, or any other inhabitant and be able to successfully house it. Minus ones that require a bigger tank obviously Link to comment
dferrari13 Posted April 10, 2016 Share Posted April 10, 2016 Sounds like a great start...the hardest part in the beginning for me was forcing myself to go slow...I knew I didn't want to do this twice...so i took people advice and took my time and ended up very happy ...... I have the nuvo 10 and I upgraded my filter pump for two reasons....1 why not more flow (especially when adding the spin stream) and 2 it's always good to keep a spare of EVERYTHING......if my pump fails... i still have the stock pump...I also keep a spare heater, these are all part of a tanks life support system..I also invested in a power inverter for my car (incase of a poweroutage i can plug an extension cord into my car).....with saltwater any fluctuations of temp/chem/salinity/lack of flow could be detrimental to a tank. That's why I also recommend an ATO (automatic top off) to replace the evaporated water with fresh ro/di water constantly and consistently to maintain salinity. Otherwise salinity levels can rise and fall as you manually do top offs every other day or even everyday (which would be a huge pain in the ass to have to top off all the time) Link to comment
Rural Posted April 10, 2016 Share Posted April 10, 2016 my IM pump stopped after 1y of use. sicce replaced it. edit: then sicce stopped a year after, just after i posted this. Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted May 1, 2016 Author Share Posted May 1, 2016 Hey guys finally got my tax returns and you know what that means! Finally picked up my nuvo 20! Here are some of the first pics it's only been a day so nothing major. I know I've been told the stock lights are terrible but long story short I couldn't get the tank delivered to my apartment since I'm not allowed to have one and had to sneak it in. And the LFS wouldn't sell it without the lights. But no big deal my birthday is coming up and I'm sure my mom won't have a problem buying me that beautiful kessil 160 to replace these 2. Enjoy the pics guys and I'll continue to keep you posted and answer/ask questions etc as I go along! Link to comment
Coreyg93 Posted May 2, 2016 Author Share Posted May 2, 2016 Any suggestions on what to put in the filter baskets? I know one needs to be the filter sponge but the other 2? Also I'm upgrading the lights to the kessil a160we once I get my next paycheck so please to rad on the lights lol. Anything else? Yes that's a hydro 240 gph in there thinking it's enough for the water flow I need. Eventually gonna upgrade the return pump but taking the budgeting slow cuz cmon I have livestock to invest in still Link to comment
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