Adam's 8g IM Nuvo

[watercrawl]

Adam's 8g IM Nuvo

 

With the addition of a baby to the house, we needed to remodel our basement which meant I had to get rid of my Tanganyika cichlid community tank. I spent a lot of time on that tank. It was a 75g with a 20L sump, a custom stand, and lots of time. I missed it a lot, and really wanted a new tank project. However, the wife said no more tanks in the house....we still have our sons 37 gallon.

 

So I convinced her to let me get a small, inexpensive tank for work. I decided on a small reef tank as they always interested me. However, funds are tight so this needed to be done as inexpensively as possible.

 

I researched and researched and researched. It seemed like it wasn't going to be possible...$200 lights, $100 in LR, $100 tanks....and all of the trimmings. I initially thought I was looking at atleast $500 to set up even the smallest tank before any livestock.

 

A little more research, and it became my project to get a decent reef tank for as little as possible. I have a little patience....and I love projects. So I began my hunt.

 

I came here looking for information, and stumbled upon a used IM Nuvo 8 for $100. Sign me up. Seller was nice enough to include a few extra's as well.

 

Next I ordered some dry base rock from ReefCleaners, and then placed an order at DrFosterSmith for live sand, test kit, CPE, and Reef crystals.

 

Today I sit with:

 

 

Equipment

• Tank: Innovative Marine 8 gallon
  
• Lighting: Stock 8w 10,000k LED lighting with separate plug for night light
  
• Circulation: Stock Pump pushing approximately 100 GPH
  
• Heater: 25 watt heater included with tank deal...unknown maker
  
• Biological: 7 pounds of live sand & 10 pounds of base rock....currently cycling
  
• Timer: Cheap mechanical timer for day lights
  

Chemistry

• RODI water from LFS
  
• Instant Ocean Reef Salt
  

Misc. Items

• Thermometer
  
• Hydrometer
  
• Two Little Fishies magnetic glass cleaner
  
• Filter floss
  
• Chemi-Pure Elite carbon (to be added after cycle)
  
• Misc. other items like buckets, RODI jug, siphon for WC's, etc.
  

Livestock

• I'm pretty set on getting a pistol shrimp and goby pair.
  
• No idea on corals yet
  
• Probably order a CUC from ReefCleaners in the next couple weeks.
  

 

*I stole the above formatting from another tank thread....hope no one minds.

 

So I'm right at $200....and I don't really NEED anything more that I'm aware of other than livestock of course.

 

I'm fairly happy with that.

 

Current "To Be Bought in The Near Future" list:

• Nano Koralia 240 GPH or upgrade return pump for more flow
  
• Cheap light to grow chaeto
  
• Purigen
  

 

Now, don't get me wrong....I'd love a DA Reefkeeper, an auto top off, an Ecotech MP10, a high end LED light....and all the trimmings. But, and especially with a limited budget, I'm finding it fun to try and be cheapskate and still have a nice tank.

[lgreen]

*I stole the above formatting from another tank thread....hope no one minds.

lol

 

So I'm right at $200....and I don't really NEED anything more that I'm aware of other than livestock of course.

Looking good! I would definitely add the Koralia nano or upgrade the stock pump.

 

Now, don't get me wrong....I'd love a DA Reefkeeper, an auto top off, an Ecotech MP10, a high end LED light....and all the trimmings. But, and especially with a limited budget, I'm finding it fun to try and be cheapskate and still have a nice tank.

Those things are nice sometimes, but definitely not necessary to have a nice tank.

[Gramophone]

Looks like a great start! Would like to see where this goes

[watercrawl]

A week plus with zero nitrites, zero ammonia, and a few water changes to get the nitrates down and I added a CUC from ReefCleaners.

 

I also added their $0.01 macro algae (glued to a small rock piece) and some chaeto I added to the back.

 

Now to wait another couple weeks.

 

I also added a Koralia Nano to the tank. Still playing with placement.

[ZeroEvoX]

Sub'd

[dwdenny]

Any updates following