Help a noob starting a 20g nano reef

[nanoreefer15]

Hey guys

 

After a lot of research and asking questions I have a fairly good idea how I will setup my first 20g nano reef :-)

 

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion 20 Tank

Aqueon Pro 100 watt heater

Kessil A150w LED

15-20lbs live rock

2 inch deep sandbed aragonite

 

Would I need like a powerhead or circulation pump too? Any other filtration like a chemical or mechanical part or any other equipment? The NUVO comes with a 3 media basket or something...should I use/modify that?

 

Please offer any suggestions you can and thanks for the help!

[HarryPotter]

Hey guys

After a lot of research and asking questions I have a fairly good idea how I will setup my first 20g nano reef :-)

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion 20 Tank

Aqueon Pro 100 watt heater

Kessil A150w LED

15-20lbs live rock

2 inch deep sandbed aragonite

Would I need like a powerhead or circulation pump too? Any other filtration like a chemical or mechanical part or any other equipment? The NUVO comes with a 3 media basket or something...should I use/modify that?

Please offer any suggestions you can and thanks for the help!

Yes, a powerhead will be neccesary. If you have enough $$ a Vortech MP10 works awesome, but you could get a Koralia 240 or Jebao RW4

 

Upgrade to an InTank media basket to double your filteration- they are freaking amazing!

[PicoSavvy]

Depending on the flow rate of your return pump you may not need one, but I would still recommend one for more random flow patterns

[Admonition]

Would I need like a powerhead or circulation pump too? Any other filtration like a chemical or mechanical part or any other equipment? The NUVO comes with a 3 media basket or something...should I use/modify that?

Need? No. But a powerhead will be extra random flow in the tank which is helpful. While an MP10 is fancy, it's also pricey new. You can buy a koralia 240 (or something similar) for $20 new. Check out the for sale section though, there are always used powerheads cheap.

 

As far as filtration, I use an inTank basket with filter floss, purigen, and chemi-pre elite (in that order). The stock Nuvo baskets are horrible, I recommend the inTank ones, or you can always make your own.

[piano15]

A powerhead is very helpful. I've used the koralias and love them. The koralia 420 is good in my 15g.

[nanoreefer15]

I found the wavemaker here:

http://m.petco.com/product/116642/Hydor-Koralia-Nano-Water-Circulation-Pump.aspx?CoreCat=MM_FishSupplies_WaterPumpsPowerHeads

 

Does it matter where I place it in the tank?

 

Should I get the 240gph or 425gph? They're practically the same price anyway.

 

Is this the inTank media? http://shop.mediabaskets.com/CAD-Lights-34-Media-Basket-CAD34MR.htm

 

Filter floss? http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B50UPE0?vs=1

 

So the floss goes on the top?

 

Also is this upgraded filtration necessary at first (with live rock, a few corals, and 1 or 2 fish) or can I get it later on?

 

With the unused stock IM baskets, could that be used as a mini refugium?

 

Do I need a RO/DI system too?

 

Damn this is getting just as complex and expensive as I was scared of haha

[Balix]

Starting the system right is important and is very hard to fix if you start off on the wrong foot.

 

- Get RO/DI or RO water at least. Use clean water

 

- Get Auto-top off system at some point unless you want to pour a cup of water everyday

 

- inTank or IM custom caddy's will do. I have one with purigen and activated carbon in the other caddy. I remove the middle shelf so there's more flow through the purigen and carbon. Filter floss on top of each caddy.

 

- You can always upgrade later on by adding a protein skimmer but if you do weekly water changes then it should be fine even with 3 fish. You still have two inner chambers to work with later on.

 

- Get a Jebao-RW4 or Korlia Nano. If you have a good and strong return pump, you could probably get away with it. I had to turn my wake-maker down to the lowest setting because my LPS corals were flowing too much.

 

- I wouldn't bother with a refugium with a tank of that size and you really can't use the stock IM baskets (well, not practical).

 

Just get your salinity, temp and tank cycled correctly. Added one or two hardy fish and you'll be fine.

 

I highly recommend you go through other members tank thread and get info. You'll see what you like and don't.

[Reef-newcomer]

I am very new to the saltwater aquarium hobby and found out very quickly that you ABSOLUTELY need a protein skimmer! Some people don't have one because it is too expensive. I found mine, the Aqua euro USA nano protein skimmer for 39$. It has payed itself off so much. Also think about getting a filter. I got a Aqueon quietflow10 for 20$ and it is amazing. A RO/DI unit, in in my opinion is a waste of 200$. I just used Prime dechlorinator with tap water and my corals, fish, and anemones are just fine with it. Lastly, if you want to have corals and anemones get a circulation pump. I got the Koralia Nano Pump for 25$ and that did the trick. I hope you find this useful, and those are the best bang for your buck equipment for a nano tank. If you have any other questions just ask.

[nanoreefer15]

Thanks for the replies!

 

So updated list:

 

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion 20 Tank

Aqueon Pro 100 watt heater

Kessil A150w LED

15-20lbs live rock

1 inch Caribsea AragAlive Fiji Pink Sand

Koralia Nano 425gph Wavemaker

 

Instead of purchasing the inTank media basket and the custom media, could I just get a protein skinner? It seems kind of expensive to spend almost $150 for upgrading the filter. Which is better? I'm already at over $600 for the things I need to get and have to try to cut out any unneeded costs and buy them later as upgrades. Also could someone provide a link to the inTank media basket (couldn't find it)

 

 

Also some questions about the coral stocking:

 

Could I mix zoas, soft corals, LPS corals and SPS corals, or should I stick to only like 2 or 3? Which would work best with the equipment I have above (like the wavemaker, lights, and filtration)?

 

Thanks!

[Muraki]

Link InTank

[Reef-newcomer]

Get a protein skimmer it is one of the best things you can get for an aquarium

[Hig789]

Instead of purchasing the inTank media basket and the custom media, could I just get a protein skinner? It seems kind of expensive to spend almost $150 for upgrading the filter. Which is better? I'm already at over $600 for the things I need to get and have to try to cut out any unneeded costs and buy them later as upgrades. Also could someone provide a link to the inTank media basket (couldn't find it)

 

You are going to spend close to $150 on a quality skimmer anyways. There's thing you can go cheaper on but you filtration isn't one of them. I'd get the skimmer and you can upgrade the baskets later. all skimmers are not created equal.

 

A RO/DI unit, in in my opinion is a waste of 200$.

 

This is terrible advice. Yeah you dechlorinate the water but what about all the other crap that's in the water? Might be fine now but that stuff can build up in your system quickly and cause huge problems. Do you own a TDS meter?

[RG Rude]

Yes, a powerhead will be neccesary. If you have enough $$ a Vortech MP10 works awesome, but you could get a Koralia 240 or Jebao RW4

 

Upgrade to an InTank media basket to double your filteration- they are freaking amazing!

I have a Vortech MP40 but that Jebao RW4 looks like quite a unit at a fraction of the cost. I've heard it recommended in other threads but I think I'm going to take action and pick up a pair for my 29 gal. mixed reef..

[nanoreefer15]

So the skimmer is better than the upgraded filtration? What skimmer do you recommend for a nano tank (inexpensive yet effective)?

 

Also what test kits do I need? I'll get the API Saltwater Master Test Kit but what about for other elements? Which brand/products are good?

 

And for easy to keep/moderate care corals to start out with, would I need to dose any elements and supplements or would they grow fine without them?

 

Thanks again!

[2 f15hy 4u]

I think you could get away with holding off on a skimmer. There are a lot of successful aquariums without one. You can always get one down the road if you feel you need it, but you could hold off on that expense until then. As long as you do adequate water changes every week and keep up on your maintenance, you should be fine.

[Admonition]

I agree, a skimmer that'll fit in that AIO will run you around $100 new (less used). If you're trying to cut initial costs then I'd skip the skimmer for now. With only about 15 gallons of total water in your tank, water changes will be enough.

 

As for the inTank media baskets, you can skip those for now if you want as well, using the stock baskets. The inTank ones are only suggested because they're well made and fit perfectly into the tank, which helps get the most out of your media.

 

As for your coral list, that's up to you. You can do a mixed reef, just do your research on what they require for healthy growth. My suggestion to you, if this is your first attempt at saltwater, is to stick with softies and easy LPS. Learn the hobby with more 'forgiving' corals first, especially with the small water volume.

 

Edit: API is fine for basics. For the rest I recommend Salifert kits.

 

As for dosing, don't worry about that for now. Water changes should be enough to replenish the elements without the need to dose. You'll know via your test kits if your tank is consuming more than your water changes replace.

[nanoreefer15]

Thank you for the advice.

 

I've heard that the media baskets behind the fusion 20 aren't good because water flows right over media basket and back into the tank without passing through the layers of filtration. Is this a problem with the inTank too?

 

Could I buy an aquaclear 50 and customize it with the same media content and place it in the back compartment of the fusion 20 to avoid this?

 

Also, I didn't know the nuvo 20 only had 15 gallons of display space! Would that even be sustainable for a small reef with 3-4 fish, invertebrates and corals, or do I need a slightly bigger tank? If so which do you guys recommend?

 

Are sumps and refugium needed in nano tanks? How's the upgradeability of the nano tanks like the fusion (like let's say, as you gain more experience with the hobby, you are able to customize your tank/make it more advanced to suit your growing skill)?

 

Thanks so much for all the responses so far! :-)

[Admonition]

Thank you for the advice.

 

I've heard that the media baskets behind the fusion 20 aren't good because water flows right over media basket and back into the tank without passing through the layers of filtration. Is this a problem with the inTank too?

 

Could I buy an aquaclear 50 and customize it with the same media content and place it in the back compartment of the fusion 20 to avoid this?

 

Also, I didn't know the nuvo 20 only had 15 gallons of display space! Would that even be sustainable for a small reef with 3-4 fish, invertebrates and corals, or do I need a slightly bigger tank? If so which do you guys recommend?

 

Are sumps and refugium needed in nano tanks? How's the upgradeability of the nano tanks like the fusion (like let's say, as you gain more experience with the hobby, you are able to customize your tank/make it more advanced to suit your growing skill)?

 

Thanks so much for all the responses so far! :-)

Issues with media baskets flowing the water back into the display are more likely than not to be user error rather than an issue with the actual media basket. If you don't regularly replace clogged media like filter floss (which is usually placed on top) than the water has to find a different direction to go, which will always be the path of least resistance. In all honestly, if you keep up with this you'll be fine. I've never had an issue with my inTank baskets over my last three tanks.

 

You could do that with an aqua clear if you want, but it's not necessary and defeats the "AIO" point in my opinion.

 

I said about 15 gallons because that's my best guess for your TOTAL water volume on a 20 gallon tank after you displace the water with rock and equipment. As far as what your display section will hold, I don't personally know that number. However, that is easy calculated by taking the display sections measurements and doing the math. If you don't have the tank yet, IM has it listed on their website. And as far as the fish, that depends on which kind of fish

 

Sumps and fuges are not -required- for nano tanks, but can be benifitial. In my opinion, the point of an AIO is having everything "all in one". You kinda pay more for the tank for that exact reason. If I ever wanted to sump my system I wouldn't use an AIO.

 

And I don't understand your question of making it more advanced? Do you mean gadgets?

[2 f15hy 4u]

The IM Fusion 20 has a total of 20.35 gallons, and the display area is about 16.3 gallons (I'm assuming the back chamber is about 3" wide). You should be fine with a max of 4 fish in my opinion, depending on what fish that is.

 

As for your media basket, I couldn't find egg crate that wasn't in huge sheets in my area, and I was too cheap to buy the inTank baskets, so I went to the sewing section in hobby lobby and got that plastic grid stuff (I can't remember the technical name of it). I just got the pieces to the sizes I needed and connected them with a few zip ties.

 

Like Admonition stated, a sump or fuge isn't necessary. I personally wouldn't put a filter on the back either. That will really destroy the aesthetics of the tank, in my opinion.

 

I started out with a AIO 12 gallon Aquapod, all stock equipment, and I didn't start upgrading it until a year or two ago I've had it for 6/7 years now). I definitely agree with getting the more expensive/"advanced" equipment as you go or down the line. That way you know what you want and what will be the most beneficial to what you personally use on your aquarium. I now have LEDs, a controller, and a cheato basket in the back, and that's all that I personally need to comfortably and efficiently run my aquarium. It honestly depends. That's why I suggest upgrading the things that you've seen others upgrade right away, and then for the other personally preferred items, get them as you get more experienced and learn what you need to help you keep your tank at its best!

[ReefWeeds]

 

A RO/DI unit, in in my opinion is a waste of 200$. I just used Prime dechlorinator with tap water and my corals, fish, and anemones are just fine with it.

 

I do not agree with this advice. While prime will get rid of chlorine, RO/DI filters get rid of more than just chlorine. I think you're going to end up with problems long-run if you don't use RO/DI. You don't need to buy the filter, you can buy RO/DI at your LFS OR you can use steam distilled (needs to be steam distilled, not purified or just distilled), which is a better option than using tap with prime.

[Admonition]

+1 I agree with Stellablue

[2 f15hy 4u]

Oh yeah! You definitely need to at least use distilled water, because I was a dumb noobie and used well water, and, even though our water is really good, I blame using the water from home on why my tank crashed a while back. I've been using distilled water for forever now, and I can for sure see a huge difference.

 

+1

[ReefWeeds]

A powerhead is very helpful. I've used the koralias and love them. The koralia 420 is good in my 15g.

I also have Koralias in my 29 biocube and they work just fine. I have an Jebao Rw-4 in my 12 gallon, but haven't used it long so can't offer really any critique good or bad. For the price, Koralias are great.

[piano15]

I would go with the 425, you get more flow for almost the same cost.

 

Skimmers are great and help out but not necessary for 20g and under but you can wait and get one after if you need one. There is a lot of debate on using skimmers on small tanks. A lot of ppl run skimmerless with smaller tanks. Its really a personal choice although any bigger than 20g and I would say yes get one for sure. Keep up on weekly water changes and you should be ok as long as you don't over stock/over feed the tank.

 

You can easily keep 2 small fish and a small goby in the 20g with your cleaning crew, and corals. Go on liveaquaria.com and research the fish you like and can keep. No tangs, triggers, angels anything big.

Ocelleris clowns, perc clowns, yellow watchman goby, spotted blenny, etc are smaller fish you can stock the tank with.

 

During your cycling I would run filter floss but change it out regularly, minimum 1x/week but preferably every 3 days. Don't do water changes during the cycle, keep the lights off, test every few days for ammonia, nitrite, nitrates.

 

You can later run carbon, chemi pure, phosguard as needed, not all of this at once but what you need to run for your tanks health.

 

Not everyone can afford the cost of ro/di system or may have limits for plumbing ex lease agreements etc...i can't put one in my place. you can purchase ro/di water at water depots, local fish store, some grocery stores sell it as well. I just got a package of 180 litres ro/di for $20, bring my own bottle and fill her up. There is also the option of distilled water, walmart sells them. Tap water has far too many things in it that we can't remove and are not only harmful to the tank inhabitants but you will be fighting algae on a regular basis.

 

This can be a very expensive hobby but it doesn't need to get very expensive. Do research.

 

Sumps, reactors, wavemakers, skimmers, refugiums, are great, makes running the system easier for some but they aren't a must.

 

Many ways to run a successful system.

 

numbe

 

 

liverock filteration, water changes, testing perameters, stocking tank properly, good water source, stability, fully cycle the tank, do research, go slow....these are so very important

 

Have fun!

[nanoreefer15]

Issues with media baskets flowing the water back into the display are more likely than not to be user error rather than an issue with the actual media basket. If you don't regularly replace clogged media like filter floss (which is usually placed on top) than the water has to find a different direction to go, which will always be the path of least resistance. In all honestly, if you keep up with this you'll be fine. I've never had an issue with my inTank baskets over my last three tanks.

 

You could do that with an aqua clear if you want, but it's not necessary and defeats the "AIO" point in my opinion.

 

I said about 15 gallons because that's my best guess for your TOTAL water volume on a 20 gallon tank after you displace the water with rock and equipment. As far as what your display section will hold, I don't personally know that number. However, that is easy calculated by taking the display sections measurements and doing the math. If you don't have the tank yet, IM has it listed on their website. And as far as the fish, that depends on which kind of fish

 

Sumps and fuges are not -required- for nano tanks, but can be benifitial. In my opinion, the point of an AIO is having everything "all in one". You kinda pay more for the tank for that exact reason. If I ever wanted to sump my system I wouldn't use an AIO.

 

And I don't understand your question of making it more advanced? Do you mean gadgets?

First off, thanks for all the advice! I'll just upgrade to the intank media basket + filter media and avoid the filter because I agree, that would defeat the whole purpose aesthetically.

 

What I meant about the "upgradeability" is like the room for customization and building up your tank as you gain experience. I heard on a video by Red Sea that they said their Max series contains an "easy rear sump design for ease of use for the new hobbyist, but as they advance the tank is pre-plumbed to accept an under-tank sump for more advanced design and filtration". Not entirely sure what this means but I was wondering if the NUVO provides flexibility for progressively advanced sump design and technology? Video link here by the way:

 

I would go with the 425, you get more flow for almost the same cost.

 

Skimmers are great and help out but not necessary for 20g and under but you can wait and get one after if you need one. There is a lot of debate on using skimmers on small tanks. A lot of ppl run skimmerless with smaller tanks. Its really a personal choice although any bigger than 20g and I would say yes get one for sure. Keep up on weekly water changes and you should be ok as long as you don't over stock/over feed the tank.

 

You can easily keep 2 small fish and a small goby in the 20g with your cleaning crew, and corals. Go on liveaquaria.com and research the fish you like and can keep. No tangs, triggers, angels anything big.

Ocelleris clowns, perc clowns, yellow watchman goby, spotted blenny, etc are smaller fish you can stock the tank with.

 

During your cycling I would run filter floss but change it out regularly, minimum 1x/week but preferably every 3 days. Don't do water changes during the cycle, keep the lights off, test every few days for ammonia, nitrite, nitrates.

 

You can later run carbon, chemi pure, phosguard as needed, not all of this at once but what you need to run for your tanks health.

 

Not everyone can afford the cost of ro/di system or may have limits for plumbing ex lease agreements etc...i can't put one in my place. you can purchase ro/di water at water depots, local fish store, some grocery stores sell it as well. I just got a package of 180 litres ro/di for $20, bring my own bottle and fill her up. There is also the option of distilled water, walmart sells them. Tap water has far too many things in it that we can't remove and are not only harmful to the tank inhabitants but you will be fighting algae on a regular basis.

 

This can be a very expensive hobby but it doesn't need to get very expensive. Do research.

 

Sumps, reactors, wavemakers, skimmers, refugiums, are great, makes running the system easier for some but they aren't a must.

 

Many ways to run a successful system.

 

numbe

 

 

liverock filteration, water changes, testing perameters, stocking tank properly, good water source, stability, fully cycle the tank, do research, go slow....these are so very important

 

Have fun!

Thanks! Your advice is really helpful and I'll look back to this when I finally start up my reef :-)

 

Also just a quick question to everyone: are there any nano "shallow reef" tanks that are about 20-25 gallons? I really like the NUVO 20 but I feel like it doesn't really have room for my to expand as I gain experience because of its small limited size. Plus I like the footprint of shallow reefs too. So basically, any tank like a NUVO 20 but with a little more depth that you guys recommend? Also would I need a sump/refugium for that kind of tank or is that an AIO style as well?

 

Thanks so much everyone! :-)