Fluval Evo 13.5 Build (pics)

[josh0013]

Back in the hobby after 9 years.  I’ve learned a lot but I remember most of all, patience is everything.  Been slowly saving and buy equipment over the last few months.  It was easy to go slow because I was moving for work so no need to setup tank.

 

Tank was setup early Feb 2018 and cuc added March 9th

 

Tank: Fluval Evo 13.5 Nano AIO

 

Three Chambers: 

1. Heater (Tunze ATO coming this week)

2. In-Tank media basket with filter pad and Chemipure Blue nano

3. Stock return pump

 

Display: 

Stock lighting and cover

Jebao P2 Wavemaker

12 lbs. live rock from local shop

Black Caribsea Hawaiian substrate

 

Mods: plug hole in back chamber

 

Equip: RO system from BRS with DI on order, salifert test kits, refractometer, algae scraper and brush, my favorite of all... Turkey baster 

 

Livestock: Emerald crab, margarita snail, nessarius snail, Trochus snail, 1 large red leg herm, 3 small red leg herm 

 

 

 

[k4ndyk1ng]

Very nice rockscape what are the livestock plans for this tank? 

[josh0013]

Bright vibrant coral, mostly softies.  Red fire shrimp and maybe a clown.  I always want something different but clowns just move around so nicely in a nano.  Also thought about a Shrimp/Goby pair.  

 

Also thinking i might fo the firefish route.  Open to suggestions!

[k4ndyk1ng]

1 minute ago, josh0013 said:

Bright vibrant coral, mostly softies.  Red fire shrimp and maybe a clown.  I always want something different but clowns just move around so nicely in a nano.  Also thought about a Shrimp/Goby pair.  

 

Also thinking i might fo the firefish route.  Open to suggestions!

Any of them would be really nice, if this is a bedroom tank I wouldn't recommend the shrimp and goby pair as when I had my pair the shrimp was so loud at night. Maybe a clown and a firefish? 

Also I can't seem to find the dimensions for the chambers anywhere could you do a massive favour and measure them?

Thanks 

[josh0013]

About 12 inches deep... little under and 3 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches for each chamber.  

 

Living room tank... adding pic of location.  No curtains yet but we will see how the window effects the tank, it’s not been an issue so far.

[josh0013]

ATO showed up!  Will set up within the next couple days.  Need to mount hydro in stand and clean up wires/supplies/etc.

 

Return pump hanging right off the back and out of site from rest of the room.  

Any ideas on where can I find a suitable container for the top off?  Home Depot? Lowe’s?

[CarolinaShoreReef]

1 hour ago, josh0013 said:

ATO showed up!  Will set up within the next couple days.  Need to mount hydro in stand and clean up wires/supplies/etc.

 

Return pump hanging right off the back and out of site from rest of the room.  

Any ideas on where can I find a suitable container for the top off?  Home Depot? Lowe’s?

Awesome setup! I look forward to hearing how the ATO works for you I'm currently in the market for one! 

[josh0013]

FInished ato minus RO container... please don’t judge the mess of wires and fast food cup.  

 

The Tom Aqua Lifter is quiet, sits on black bracket close to the surface and is working great so far.

 

I have it measuring water in chamber 3 and flowing into chamber two.  I’m still pumped about this tank.  Making an order from Aqua SD soon to start coral stocking.

[josh0013]

And a pic of my emerald... he’s all over the tank, not scared of anything.  When I get to moving anything or a wc, he puts his arms up and stands his ground. 

[k4ndyk1ng]

Tank is looking good, I can't wait to see how this progresses. 

[zackeepscoral]

Black sand is on point ?

[josh0013]

2 minutes ago, zackeepscoral said:

Black sand is on point ?

My first time using black... I can’t wait to get some colorful coral stocked.

[zackeepscoral]

3 minutes ago, josh0013 said:

My first time using black... I can’t wait to get some colorful coral stocked.

Going to look sharp my man

[josh0013]

New additions to the tank.  Went to get some empty shells at my local marine pet store for my hermits.  Picked up this Ricordea.  My first coral and I just loved the simplicity of it and to only pay $20.. I fell victim to an impulse buy lol.  

 

On a a side note... the largest crab grabbed a new shell asap, only to turn around and eat one of my snails.  He’s really big compared to everything else.  I may have to take him out for the rest of the cuc’s sake.  

 

More coral frags coming tomorrow!

[josh0013]

FTS update

 

Added a pair of snow onyx last week.  Diatoms have diminished, tank is turning green now in place of diatoms and I have the largest blo of copepods I’ve ever had in a tank

 

[k4ndyk1ng]

Looking great!

[josh0013]

Just some updated pics.  I have a black stomatella hitchiker that is finally out so I could snap a picture.  Went to Nashville for a reef swap and picked up some more frags.  

 

Brief update, clowns are doing great.  They are already rubbing against the hammer.  Tank is doing great, fighting gha on the black rocks... not a problem on the rocks as much.  Thinking of adding a shrimp... either fire or peppermint.  Open to opinions.