Da_Pump Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 Hey there everyone. I've been out of reefing for 2 years now (unfortunately) and I'm looking to get back into it. I previously had a 55gal softie/LPS tank with 20gal sump. It was all going well until I got a hitchhiker on a frag from LFS and that was the end of everything. That hitchhiker's name was an algae called dictyota algae and it was a death sentence for the tank. If you aren't familiar with this algae, a quick forum search will yield the result that this algae is a bit of a death sentence. Needless to say, I've learned my lesson and will never run a reef without a quarantine ever again. Fast forward to the present. I'm more patient and have been surfing forums and everything for these two past years, pining over other people's tanks wishing i could build one up again. Finally the time is coming. I've been slowly getting equipment over the years and have a decent stash of stuff to start a new tank. The problem I face is that I've been gathering equipment for a 60gal reef ready cube that I already have, but it's looking more like I'm gonna need to have a tank considerably smaller. Hopefully in the next 5 years I'll be able to use the 60 gal. Here's a list of equipment I already have:Brand new 60 gal reef ready cube16" Evergrow Controllable LED fixture (The Barrier Reef Aquariums one)SWC 120 Cone Skimmer2 x BRS Media Reactors2 x BRS 1.1mL dosing pumps50GPD RO/DI unit (3 stage plus DI)Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 Jebao WP25 &WP10Jebao DC Return PumpReefKeeper Lite w/Temp Probefilter socksvarious test kitsBRS GFO and CarbonBRS 2-part and magnesiuma few jugs for holding 2-partI'm sure I'm forgetting a few things from that list. But the important thing is that I'm going to have to get a smaller tank and I'm leaning towards the Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Fusion. I have a few questions regarding the consideration of the downsizing.Of the equipment I already have, what can I still use on the Nuvo? I'm fairly certain I can use the LED's without a problem, but can the Tunze Osmolator fit in the return section of the "sump" in this tank?Should I sell the 60gal cube to help fund this nano project? If I don't, will it keep for another 5 years on top of the two I've already had it? It's taking up considerable space and the reality is that I may never get to use it. It's hard to face reality sometimes For the Nuvo 20, there appears to be a number of "upgrades" that can be purchased. These are the ones I'm planning on getting:Ghost SkimmerMagnafuge LED light2 x Custom Caddy Media Baskets2 x MiniMaxx media reactorsHeater of some sort (probly cobalt neotherm)I've read really mixed reviews on the Ghost skimmer, but I'm having a hard time finding a good alternative to it. any suggestions/links? I do not want to do the HOB route and, because of that, I'm ok with the skimmer sticking up above the sump area in the back.What I want in the tank is for it to be a mixed reef of softies, LPS, maybe SPS (stylophora and birdsnest maybe) and possibly an anemone. I know, I know, its a 20gal system. But one can dream As far as fish go, I'm either planning on just a frogfish and nothing else, or a pair of clowns for the anemone, some bangaii's, and perhaps something else. I'm very open to suggestions given this is just in the planning stages of everything.Overall, I'd love some feedback about the plan, the situation, equipment reviews, general advice etc. I'm reasonably handy so I'm all about DIY if you have suggestions in that regard. Thank you in advance!! Link to comment
TBone12 Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 I'm in the process of planning a build as well. I keep going back and forth between the fusion 20 and 30L. I'm leaning more towards the 2o though. There is a fusion 20 club thread in the AIO forum. There are some really good ideas about what can be run in there. As far as skimmers go I have seen some run the eshopps nano and tunze nano as alternatives to the ghost. Hope this helps. Link to comment
Da_Pump Posted January 19, 2016 Author Share Posted January 19, 2016 Thanks! Ill check out the AIO forum right now. I appreciate the help with the skimmers too. Link to comment
Genie382 Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 The tunze ATO should fit just fine in the back area of the tank. In terms of equipment upgrades for the tank, I recommend upgrading the media baskets (intank has a great set) and I've heard great things about the media reactor. From my understanding the IM skimmer is a hit or a miss, biggest complaint are microbubbles. I love frogfish! Good luck with your build! Link to comment
Da_Pump Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 Thanks for the input! I've recently read a thread about modifying the footprint of a CAD Lights PLS 50 Elite so I'm gonna try that out and see how it goes. Thanks for the confirmation on the tunze ato fitting int he return area btw, I appreciate that Link to comment
Balix Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Thanks for the input! I've recently read a thread about modifying the footprint of a CAD Lights PLS 50 Elite so I'm gonna try that out and see how it goes. Thanks for the confirmation on the tunze ato fitting int he return area btw, I appreciate that Another option is a tunze skimmer in the middle return chamber. However, you will need to run two pumps and get rid of the "Y" tubing so it will fit. I think that's a better option then to mod the cad lights and it's good to have two pumps just in case one dies out on you. Link to comment
Da_Pump Posted January 27, 2016 Author Share Posted January 27, 2016 I don't mean to question you, but I'm just curious about this: Won't the changing depth of the return chamber due to evaporation effect the accuracy of the protein skimmer? Also, would the Tunze skimmer, two return pumps (which I fully intend to do) and the tunze ATO(not the nano version) all fit in the third chamber?Thanks in advance for your clarification! Link to comment
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