Setup questions

[jbc35]

Hello again--

I'm new here; just purchased a 12G nanocube with stand. I'm getting ready to start my setup this weekend and am not sure on a few things.

Currently my gear is:

12G Nano Cube DX
Stand
20lbs Arag-alive sand
16 lbs. live rock to be delivered sat. from liveaquaria.com
submersible heater
I was going to stick with the cube filtration, replacing the biological filter media with live rock rubble.

I was going to forego the skimmer at first, relying on weekly water changes, otherwise going with the nanoskimmer from sapphire aquatics if I feel I need it.

Questions on which I'd appreciate any advice--

1. When I'm mixing seawater and filling the tank for the first time, is it a requirement that you follow fenner's advice to let it mix for 24 hours before adding it to your tank?

2. Coralife R/O filter 50 gpd (I'm having trouble figuring out how to hook this up to my faucet without leaking around the connection and wasting a bunch of water--this makes me feel bad; has anyone else had trouble with this model and is this normal?)

3. Do I need an additional powerhead for the 12G nanocube? I'm thinking of buying one to help mix seawater, but not sure if I need to put another one in the tank?

4. I'm starting to think about cleanup crew. Any suggestions on what I should be looking at in about 2-3 wks after cycling?

Thanks!

Joe

 

[Dj Orion]

I have faced every problem you just stated. I haev a 12g nano dx also. I have the sapphire nc12 skimmer, and find that it usually dosent skim as much as I would like it to, and question its usefullness. I use a bag of chemipure elite instead of the rubble, and I cut out a square of Poly fiber pad, to catch any debris.

As for the coralife r/o, i have created this pathetic method of tying a rag around the sink head and crappy plastic piece and tying it tight. This at least keeps it from spraying everywhere. I am going to Home Depot tonite to try to find a better plumbing fixture, than the white adapter they supply you with. I'll keep you posted if it works out.

Since its a 12g nano, go get a 5g bucket and pre mix it. It should last you a few weeks of water changes. I usually do 2 buckets of r/o water and only mix one with salt, that way I can always use R/O whenever I need it to top off the tank.

Tunze makes a really good nano sized powerhead that works great and dosent cost that much. It is the tunze 5024.04 and its awesome. really tiny. I also found that replacing the stock pump with a maxi jet 900 pump will reduce the amount of heat being pumped into the tank while also increasing your current flow.

I hope my experiences helped at all, and good luck!

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I have a 24 g pod and 12 g fowlr pod In the 12g there wasn't much room but I will be upgrading the stock pump to a Maxijet 900 as soon as I can.

Skimming a nano is tough especially if you have the hood on. My 24 is open top so it is easy to use a remora skimmer. The 12g not so easy cause of the hood. Take a look at my tank threads and feel free to ask any q's.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/26175-chiefs-24-pod.html

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/28744-chiefs-12g-fowlr-pod.html

 

[Dj Orion]

Skimming a nano is tough especially if you have the hood on. My 24 is open top so it is easy to use a remora skimmer. The 12g not so easy cause of the hood.

I totally agree. The sapphire skimmer fits into the rear chamber under the hood. The problem that I run into with it is that there is always a fluxuation of water levels in the chamber (due to water changes, top offs etc) and that causes a reduction or inconsistancy in the amount of bubbles produced by the pump, therefore creating less skimmate at any given time. (I have become best friends with my turkey baster) Chief I bet an external skimmer would maka a world of difference. I also have only one fish tho,,,, wait, do corals crap as much as fish?????

 

[jbc35]

Thanks everyone--Getting ready to start the setup tomorrow--anticipating an all-day project. Also have a 20G Cichlid tank that I may convert into another reef if this works out.

Got to find out what to do with the Cichlids....

 

[Bob 1000]

When upgrading from the factory how ever many gallons per hour pump, it makes the tank stay a little warmer...mj 1200 makes the water hot with thelight on...

 

[masterswimmer]

Good luck with your new endeavor. Post pix when you're done.

swimmer

 

[chazertis]

forget the skimmer, keep your bioload low, and do water changes

 

[tosiek]

If you go to a local hardware store (a good one) you can get rubber washers for the faucet twist thing. Should stop if not help with the water leaking. Just get one to fit inside.

If your adding water and gonna let it cycle no need to let it sit, just throw it in when you fill it the first time. when your doing water changes later and have live things in there make sure you wait the 15-24 hours as stated.

there are a buncha threads on clean up crews. If your planning on getting hermit crabs i would just not bother with the red or blue leg ones and go with the more brightly colored ones with a tank that small. They all cause more trouble than they are worth in the end. The holloween, electric blues and true scarlets are the nicest but cost a bit more.

 

[reefman]

replace the plastic piece with a metal piece. i dont know why it ever come with a plastic piece in the 1st place.