Nano Build Thoughts

[Letterkenny]

With a little one on the way and an upcoming move, I’m going to break down my waterbox 130 and move to something smaller and less maintenance. I was originally thinking a waterbox 15 peninsula but looks like those have been discontinued. I’ve checked out some of the nano builds but are there any recs for doing a circa 15-20g nano build (maybe the waterbox cube, innovative marine 15g or 14g peninsula), flow recs, and other equipment? I’m planning on using one of my XR15 Blues G5 for lighting.

This will be a nem only tank and my main goal is to keep it as low maintenance as possible and am thinking of maybe doing a bare bottom even. I had a 45g nem tank before but somehow that got infested with bubble algae and other algae so I’m really looking to not do any corals and just move my inferno and black widow Nems I have in my 130 to this down the road.

 

[Tahoe61]

My IM 14 peninsula has only been running 2 months. Equipment thus far is only the Tunze 3 Nano ATO, I really like it. Hygger Nano wavermaker, powerful, maybe too powerful.
I am leaning towards the AI Blade Coral Grow 12 in. I may not even add a skimmer, but if I do it will probably be the Bubble Magus.
I like the dimensions of the IM 14. Very easy to work on, most nano equipment fits perfectly.

 

[Letterkenny]

My IM 14 peninsula has only been running 2 months. Equipment thus far is only the Tunze 3 Nano ATO, I really like it. Hygger Nano wavermaker, powerful, maybe too powerful.
I am leaning towards the AI Blade Coral Grow 12 in. I may not even add a skimmer, but if I do it will probably be the Bubble Magus.
I like the dimensions of the IM 14. Very easy to work on, most nano equipment fits perfectly.

This protein skimmer? Looks like a sale right now so I might go pull the trigger on some of this.

MiniQ Nano Internal Protein Skimmer

Compact Nano Skimmer with USB Charging Drop-in design for AIO or sumpless tanks Built-in bubble diffuser diversion box Redesigned silicone air silencer for quiet operation Water adjustment valve Easy installation Reliable needle-wheel pump USB charging port For aquariums up to 20 gallons The...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Tahoe61]

This protein skimmer? Looks like a sale right now so I might go pull the trigger on some of this.

MiniQ Nano Internal Protein Skimmer

Compact Nano Skimmer with USB Charging Drop-in design for AIO or sumpless tanks Built-in bubble diffuser diversion box Redesigned silicone air silencer for quiet operation Water adjustment valve Easy installation Reliable needle-wheel pump USB charging port For aquariums up to 20 gallons The...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Yes.

It gets great reviews and you can't beat that price.
I usually go with the Tunze Comline Doc 9001, they last forever but I am not fond of the way the magnet sits.

 

[Letterkenny]

Yes.

It gets great reviews and you can't beat that price.
I usually go with the Tunze Comline Doc 9001, they last forever but I am not fond of the way the magnet sits.

I had a Tunze in my JBJ 45 and it worked well. If the smaller one fits I might try that. Might also look at getting a fluval 13.5 instead as the IM 14 are taking a while to ship.

 

[Tahoe61]

Fluvals are sure popular now. Take the lid off and it's more attractive to me. It's a great price, nice size.
I sure like that IM 25 gallon lagoon.

 

[Steven Garland]

I say the IM 14g or 20g. Just get the dual 1/4" nano RFG's from VCA and you're good to go out of the box. Don't waste the money on a skimmer either. Sounds harsh but here is why:

I have a WB10 and I personally don't use one and I feed heavy,haven't done a actually wc in months. Just maybe a 1/4-1/2 gallon here and there when I need to. I actually dose NeoNitro/Phos every few days to keep nutrients where I them ( 8-10 no3 / .05-.08 ).

One thing I finally learned about nano's.. Start with good live rock/rubble somewhere in the tank and keep it. A rock solid CUC is key (l keep 2 Turbo's,about 6 Blue Legs and 3 Ceriths,1 Neon Goby who digs caves lol and a Lettuce Nudi who pops up time to time. Last but not least,pods/phyto....They are amazing in so many ways. ROX carbon and a piece of filter pad

Just dosed some AB+ probably 30 mins before this FTS.