My First Reef Tank! Fluval M40

[whiteblaze11]

So after years in the aquarium hobby and doing just about everything with planted aquariums i decided to take the plunge and start my first nano reef tank. Since I'm a student and i move around a lot size and simplicity are big factors. I decided to go with the Fluval M40 since its not too large. The local aquarium shop is close so supplies aren't hard to come by but my the biggest issue is the lighting selection i have to choose from. I really don't want to break my budget on a light thats over $200 from the start. I am only looking to grow softies and some LPS in the beginning. My biggest question would be what is a good light thats not over $150? I have done some research and just need an opinion on maybe what is the best choice.

1. Fluval Nano Halo Led

2. FInnex FugeRay Marine+

3. 1 or 2 Par 38 bulbs from reefled

4.Other Led lighting suggestions???

 

I will be posting updates and pictures of the setup as things come in from being ordered!

[ManGups]

Nanobox tide used or a Al prime used will come by 160~170. They will do well and can grow SPS too of u decide later to do so.

 

Better spend a little more now get one of the better lights rather than later realize the equipment is not enough and the buy a replacement equipment.

 

I have a M60 and I really like that tank too.

[whiteblaze11]

How hard is it to find a used light?

[Rory282]

Hi Whiteblaze,

 

Check out the coral box moon led. If you buy it from fish street and you can find 2 other reefers who want to buy this light it's only like 146$.

You can't beat that price imho.

[whiteblaze11]

Im leaning towards the Orbit Marine LED 18" fixture since the overall dimensions of the light are just 1inch longer than my overall tank length. Is that a bad thing with it being about .5inch hanging off on each side?

 

Was also maybe just going with the fluvial nano halo but just don't like the option of controlling the light like Orbit Marine LED.

[reefertom]

I recently set up my first marine tank, a Fluval M40, and i went with the Maxspect Nano. Pretty impressive so far!

[whiteblaze11]

Little out of my price range but the light looks Impressive! Just being on a college budget makes it hard. Not wanting to start with the tough SPS corals but mostly mushrooms, polyps, softies, maybe some LPS. I know everyone says that its not worth starting with a little cheaper light but I know I will upgrade within a years time but not looking to spend more on a light than my entire setup.

 

Tank and supplies are ordered hoping it will come in next week!

 

I won't be setting up the tank right away since i move at the end of the month and don't want to get the tank cycled and have to break it down a week later.

 

Are Pistol shrimps really as loud as people say? Heard they can wake you up in the middle of the night especially the tiger pistols but i have heard the smaller sized ones are just as loud as clipping your finger nails.

[Sharbuckle]

Welcome to the salty world of nano reefs! Depends if you're in the same room as your tank. Pistols can be loud, its just a cloud click noise.

 

Does your name represent the Appalachian Trail?

[Cencalfishguy56]

Little out of my price range but the light looks Impressive! Just being on a college budget makes it hard. Not wanting to start with the tough SPS corals but mostly mushrooms, polyps, softies, maybe some LPS. I know everyone says that its not worth starting with a little cheaper light but I know I will upgrade within a years time but not looking to spend more on a light than my entire setup.

 

Tank and supplies are ordered hoping it will come in next week!

 

I won't be setting up the tank right away since i move at the end of the month and don't want to get the tank cycled and have to break it down a week later.

 

Are Pistol shrimps really as loud as people say? Heard they can wake you up in the middle of the night especially the tiger pistols but i have heard the smaller sized ones are just as loud as clipping your finger nails.

those aquamaxx nemo lights on marine depot look promising

[ManGups]

How hard is it to find a used light?

It should not be hard. It comes up just keep watching the hardware classified. In fact I just sold my tide yesterday.

 

There are many lights u can choose from but buy something which u know u can sell if later u need to upgrade and u know has been verified that it works well and works for a little more than what you want. Say you buy a light which can support LPS and then 4 months down the line you want acros but then you light does not support it so now u start looking for a new one and spend more money.

 

The orbit marine I have never used I will probably not want it hang 1/2 inch off the tank. The M series are good looking tanks - don't spoil the look.

You already have the fluval light use it few months then get the light you want. Don't hurry and buy ...

[whiteblaze11]

So I'm new to this thread and can't really figure out the multi quote thing so just doing another post.

 

My tank will be more likely be in my room but i guess the shrimp can't be much louder than my dart frogs who like to call in the morning. Well the username is just a silly nickname i was given in Track yrs ago.

 

Would the nano version of the aquamaxx led that marine depot offer be ok?

 

Ya now that you say that i might just stay away from the orbit led bc i really don't want it ruining the look of the tank. Seems like right now I'm leaning towards the Fluval nano led for now.

 

Thanks for the help everyone!

[whiteblaze11]

Im looking to get a lid for this tank since i am planning on getting a fire fish eventually and i don't want to loose him to jumping. I heard screen lids are good for saltwater and was curious if there was anywhere making custom covers or should i get a glass one?

[dpoltsdsu]

There are a couple screen kits one can make. I think bulk reef supply has one. I'd avoid glass lids. They get a ton of dust and salt creep on them. They also can trap heat in the aquarium which can be a problem in warmer climates

[WhiteWulfe]

smiz here on the forums also does custom covers, really nice ones too.

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/364554-custom-acrylic-tops-tank-toppers/

[whiteblaze11]

Wow those custom acrylic ones are amazing! They are pricey but will have to save for one!

[whiteblaze11]

Finally got my Fluval M40 tank today! Cant wait to get it set up next week! Decided to go with the AquaMaxx Nemo AquaMarine LED light at 18 watts. Looking to grow mostly just softies. mushrooms, polyps and maybe LPS.

 

Here are the specs for the light:

Features

• More Power!
• Aluminum Unibody Design
• Ultra Slim 1/2" Body Thickness
• High-Quality Multi-Spectrum LED Diodes: Including White, Blue, Red and Green.
• Built-In Controller With Timer & Dimmers to Simulate Sunrise & Sunset
• Quiet, Fanless, Design
• Theatrical Thunderstorm Feature
• Safe 24V Low Wattage UL-Approved Power Supply
• Adjustable Bracket for Easy Installation
• One-Year Manufacturer`s Warranty

Specifications

• Power: 18 Watts
• LED Diodes: 8000K White, 460nm Blue, 630nm Red, 520nm Green
• Fixture Dimensions: 8" x 6.3" x 0.5"
• Can fit tanks up to 3/4" thick.

 

[Rory282]

Looking forward to see the nemo light above the m40!

[whiteblaze11]

So hoping i will be able to set up my tank next weekend! Just ordered my custom media basket from intank today!

 

[whiteblaze11]

Finally got my tank up and running yesterday! Have about 13lbs total of live rock in both the scape and filter. In my filter media basket I have fine filter, ammonia and phosphate reducer along with some live rock. The temp is around 79.

When is a good time to do a first water test?

Also should i leave my lights on during the cycling process?

 

[Matteo]

I think that light will do fine on lower light lps. I would put most lps towards the up.

[whiteblaze11]

HELP!!! So my tank has been up and running for around 4 weeks now. I have been having some algae issues. I have the nemo led light from aquamaxx running on its 12hr cycle with the blue lights staying on for an extra hour in the morning and night before the white lights come on. My biggest question is how much white light or blue light should be on for the 12hr cycle during the day? Also the brown algae might just be diatoms but not really sure. I have 6 snails in the tank currently 3 trochus and 3 astraea.

 

I have the opportunity to get a Kessil 150w Ocean Blue 15000K light never been out of the box for 50% off from my local fish store and was curious if anyone had any input on the light. Is it too much blue?

 

Any help is appreciated!!

 

Sorry for the bad cell phone pictures but light during the day from the cellphone picture looks to have a lot more blue than to the normal eye

[ManGups]

Reduce the cycle for 8 hrs first ..the light setting I guess anyone who own the memo light can answer. Search the forum someone posted in detail about the memo light.

 

Also how new is ur tank .. Diatoms are normal for new tanks and the will go away soon

[Marine Depot]

HELP!!! So my tank has been up and running for around 4 weeks now. I have been having some algae issues. I have the nemo led light from aquamaxx running on its 12hr cycle with the blue lights staying on for an extra hour in the morning and night before the white lights come on. My biggest question is how much white light or blue light should be on for the 12hr cycle during the day? Also the brown algae might just be diatoms but not really sure. I have 6 snails in the tank currently 3 trochus and 3 astraea.

 

I have the opportunity to get a Kessil 150w Ocean Blue 15000K light never been out of the box for 50% off from my local fish store and was curious if anyone had any input on the light. Is it too much blue?

 

Any help is appreciated!!

 

Sorry for the bad cell phone pictures but light during the day from the cellphone picture looks to have a lot more blue than to the normal eye

 

Algae issue are fairly common for new aquariums. We actually have a couple of videos regarding this topic. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have about the NemoLight, its settings, and the hobby in general ... just give us a ring when you get a chance at 1-800-566-FISH (3474).

 

[whiteblaze11]

Thanks for the Help will look into it!

My screen kit arrived today! Built it and installed it on my tank and it looks pretty good i think!

[Clown79]

Hows the aquamaxx light?