Questions regarding a Nano

[loonz]

Hi guys,
I have one 1x36Watt PC with a 10000k bulb that i intend to use for a Nano reef setup.I have not decided on the tank size, but would like to ask a few questions first.
1)I would like to keep Maiden's hair algae in the nano,would the present lighting setup be sufficient?If not,what else(lighting or otherwise) would i need?
2)I have the intention of going with a DSB(3"?),some LR,sumpless and skimmerless for this setup.Would it be wise?Has anyone encountered a layer of scum on the water surface with such systems?If so,what caused it & how did you overcome the problem?

hmm...thanks in advance for answering my questions...will post more when they come up!

 

[davelin315]

Algae in general needs very little lighting, and you should be able to get away with that wattage for just algae, however, your maiden's hair, being a macro algae, may get overgrown with undesireable algae and then die off, so you might want to consider some more lighting to promote stronger growth. As far as going skimmerless, you will be okay with that, some people don't use skimmers on very large systems. As far as going sumpless, etc., you should be okay as well, although you will have to place a heater directly into your set up, which could cause problems with various soft corals. To get rid of any surface film, just point a water source at the surface to break it up, or you can even throw a filter on the back and have it pour into the tank. Whisper filters are pretty cheap, and will allow you to agitate the surface as well as circulate water (it will also serve as a sort of hang on tank sump, in which you can place your heater). The one thing, however, that you forgot to mention is what size tank are you going with? That will have an impact on some of the answers I gave.

 

[loonz]

Thanks for answering.The lighting fixure is about 22" long and i am looking for something NOT MORE THAN 20" in length,10" in width and 14" in height due to space constraints.I wouldn't get a heater since i live in the tropics.My 65g gets to 84F sometimes.I'm afraid that if I were to go the 4" DSB way,the tank would be mighty shallow,no?