10g Nano Project

M

mindaugas

Small Fish
#1
Mar 19, 2007
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Denver
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#1
20g nano project

::EDIT:: This has changed to a 20g setup now

Starting up a 20 gallon nano. I wanted to get some advice on equipment before I start, looking to do this on the cheap. I'd like to spend the most money on liverock.

Lighting? Will I need to do my own custom setup and make my own hood? Does any1 else with a 20g have recommendations on lighting and hood.

powerheads ... good brand and model? I saw some penguins at petsmart (gonna check LFS also) that looked nice, anywhere from $25-45. I was planning on 2 powerheads.

I've got a penguin mini, need to buy a bio wheel, but no big deal

I got the heater covered. I'm gonna get arogonite for the bottom. I'm gonna grab a hydrometer, test kit, and I've got a ph kit. I may get a refractometer depending on cost.

Thanks for any advice.
 

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A

aresgod

Superstar Fish
#3
Jan 14, 2004
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ok, well LR should not be too much money for a 10 gallon, get 10-20 lbs depending on your preference and what the density is.

lighting...all depends on what you want to keep, there are a few people on here who have a 96 watt PC light over 10's and are keeping clams, lps, etc...I assume you want to go full blown reef, so I would recommend either a high watt PC setup or a 70 Watt MH pendant, skip the hood, otherwise you will have temperature problems.

2 good powerheads try to shoot for 250-400 gph turnover total.

skip the biowheel, bad for saltwater tanks, everything else looks good, also might want to pick up a copy of mike paletta's book.

welcome to the tank!

Brahm
 

M

mindaugas

Small Fish
#4
Mar 19, 2007
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Denver
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#4
Yeah, full blown reef for sure. Is 10g too small for clown fish?

What does PC stand for when you say PC light? I mistyped, my hood only takes halogen bulbs, it was cheapo 10 gallon setup originally from walmart. Do you have a good recommendation on a fixture for a 10 gallon nano? I have from a 20g all glass, its only one strip, would that be enough? Lighting is definately the toughest part of all this.
 

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aresgod

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Jan 14, 2004
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well can you upgrade to a 20 gallon tank? the cost difference between a 10 and 20 is minimal, but the water volume difference/stability is huge.

PC stands for "Power Compact" it is a kind of fixture available out there. Depends on the kinds of clowns....like I said pick up a 70 watt Metal Halide pendant, or there is the 96 watt PC fixture from I think coralife.
 

M

mindaugas

Small Fish
#6
Mar 19, 2007
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Denver
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#6
I do have a 20g, I thought it would be too much $$ actually. You're right though, when it comes down to it, its a little more sand and LR. I even went to the garage and almost brought it up lol. Guess I'll give that a whirl.

Here is what I have so far:

20g all-glass
cast iron stand (prob build my own wood stand)
Instant Ocean
15lbs tidal meridian arogonite (need another bag)
Saltwater Master liquid test kit
100w Ebo-jager submersible heater
Penguin 170

I need:
lighting and powerheads. prob get 2 MJ1200's ($22 a piece at Petco) 590gph total

Should I also look into a skimmer?
 

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A

aresgod

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#7
Jan 14, 2004
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not familiar with the "tidal meridian" but I recommend buying dry sand, don't waste your money on any of the "live sand" Bull.

no need for a skimmer, just stock lightly and do regular water changes.

everything else looks good
 

M

mindaugas

Small Fish
#8
Mar 19, 2007
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Denver
www.mindaugas.us
#8
I think I may end up going with an all in one setup, trying to decide between the aquapod 12g and the biocube 14g ... its easier and this is my first time with SW. I can also mod the lighting, pumps, filters, etc easily on either setup when it's time to upgrade.
 

A

aresgod

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#9
Jan 14, 2004
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suit your self, but it will be cheaper in the long run I believe to assemble it yourself...and while it may seem overwhelming it really is extremely simple especially in these small tanks, very little equipment and lots of elbow grease.
 

Panther28

Panther28

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Jun 7, 2006
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#15
I have been doing a lot of research on tank shipping as I wanted to get a 58 gallon shipped, The shipping price is coming to about $400 + which is alot for a $450 tank. The bio cube shipping will be approximately $150 +. I would suggest getting the tank from an LFS! You will save money.
 

C

CoolWaters

Superstar Fish
#16
Dec 10, 2006
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#16
Panther28 said:
I have been doing a lot of research on tank shipping as I wanted to get a 58 gallon shipped, The shipping price is coming to about $400 + which is alot for a $450 tank. The bio cube shipping will be approximately $150 +. I would suggest getting the tank from an LFS! You will save money.
Click to expand...

yeah the shipping cost stopped me from buying thos things...

the only way its worth it is if the item is cost nothing...*laughingc

if anything buy it slightly used or get it from a LFS/ major stores (ex. petsmart, petco, ect)
 

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