New Member- Help needed with JBJ HQI 28G set up

[ladyhealth]

Hello Everyone!

I got a JBJ HQI 28g Nanocube for christmas! I hope to get my set up by wens I can't wait!!!!!!!

I'm new to the hobby and I'm looking to take things REALLY slow. I have been researching and reading for close to a year now. I still feel really intimidated. My long term goal is to have a reef tank with a few fish, and a clam or two, maybe a flame scollop (if permissible).

1)This is the list of stuff I already have:
40 pounds of live sand- (arag live) Caribe Sea
15.5 pounds- Oceanic Sea Salt mix
160 g Reef Crystals- Instant Ocean

2) I'm trying to determine which additives and testing kit(s) would be needed. Something reliable and cost efficient would be great.

3) I have been reading that this system needs a chiller. Those JBJ chillers (JBJ Mini Arctica 1/15 hp chiller or 1/20 hp Nano Arctica Chiller) are just way too expensive. Can anyone recommend something else? Or is the JBJ essential? Also, it seems the mini is the right one for this AIO. Any thoughts from the pros?

4) I still have to buy the live rock. I know I need 1-1.5pounds per gallon. Is it ok to do just 1 pound? Or I shouldn't skimp?

5) I would love it if someone could provide a list of things needed for start up and perhaps a link with simple step by step instructions for initial and on-going set-up.

Happy Holidays everyone and thank you all soooooo much for any possible advice you can offer. I deeply appreciate it

Best Wishes
Ladyhealth

 

[Dace]

First welcome to The saltwater hobby, Clams are going to be something you will have to add when you tank is pretty established as for the flame scallop i would scratch of the list. But thats just my opinion. I see you have two choices of salt. I would use one or the other. I've experience algae blooms when trying to switch salt. Reef crystals or Instant Ocean would be the better choice for me. As for test kits. I would buy a ,multi test kit for your initial setup that bring PH,Ammonia,Nitrate,and Nitrite like Marine Lab, as for the other must have test kits,
SALIFERT
Calcium
Alkalinity
Magnesium
As for additives i would just use ESV B-ionic Calcium 2 part which with a tank this small you should do fine with the 2part and bi-weekly 15% water changes.
As for the chiller, it is highly recommended you get one because that HQI bulb will heat your tank when in use and will cause to much of a temp swing, as for the chiller they all seem to be pretty pricey for this hobby and the one you mention seem to already be one of the lower end chillers so you will have to determine Werther used is the way to go if you cannot get a new one. but i wouldn't worry about the chiller for a bit because it will not be needed for your cycling period of slightly after that. you will not need your lights to cure your rock if you go with non cured rock.
As for the rock 1.5lbs is just a rule of thumb but 1lbs will be just fine. Excessive live rock in a system is kind of over rated for me, if someone setting up a system has a good skimmer not so much rock is need, Hold on i did say skimmer right? I don't see anything about a skimmer on your post. Are you getting one, because I'm one of those old reefers that believe in skimmers for any application. If you don't use one then you should use at least 1lbs of rock per gallon. I would highly recommend incorporating one into your setup. I would also add some power heads into this setup. those return pumps these system come with is not adequate enough for total volume water movement in the tank. Don't forget the heater also. Ebojager make some really reliable trouble free heaters I would also invest in a refractometer.

Hope this helps,

David

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Welcome to MR. Dace is right on the money, listen to him.

 

[akma]

The jbj's come with a skimmer. Just need a airstone.

 

[NYreefNoob]

i got my current 1\10 hp chiller on ebay it's a facctory refurb, i would lokk into that

 

[Jasonanatal]

This should have more then what you want to know. Any questions feel free to drop me a line. Also the chillers are a much needed requirement in my opinion for this aquarium and I would look into upgrading the Protein Skimmer but lets take things slow and steady.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum...-gallon-nano-cube-hqi-nano-reef-aquarium.html

 

[bad coffee]

Hello Everyone!

2) I'm trying to determine which additives and testing kit(s) would be needed. Something reliable and cost efficient would be great.

3) I have been reading that this system needs a chiller. Those JBJ chillers (JBJ Mini Arctica 1/15 hp chiller or 1/20 hp Nano Arctica Chiller) are just way too expensive. Can anyone recommend something else? Or is the JBJ essential? Also, it seems the mini is the right one for this AIO. Any thoughts from the pros?

4) I still have to buy the live rock. I know I need 1-1.5pounds per gallon. Is it ok to do just 1 pound? Or I shouldn't skimp?

5) I would love it if someone could provide a list of things needed for start up and perhaps a link with simple step by step instructions for initial and on-going set-up.

Happy Holidays everyone and thank you all soooooo much for any possible advice you can offer. I deeply appreciate it

Best Wishes
Ladyhealth

Welcome to MR! keep researching and asking great questions and you'll like it around here!

answers for you.
2: Buy saliferts. they're the best for the money. Sure you could get cheap ones, but they're not as accurate.

3: For a small tank, you might be able to get away with an in-room air conditioner (why not benefit from the electrical cost as well) If you're still needing a chiller, i bought a used 1/10th for around $300. Keep your eyes open for a deal and you should find one. Just remember that this isn't a cheap hobby. buy quality equipment once or cheap stuff more than once.

4: My first tank was a 15 gallon. I searched and hand picked really nice pieces for that tank. I suggest you do the same. Look for shapes you like, rather than 'X amount of pounds.' When you have the rock the shape you want, stop buying. Rather than buy piece by piece you can buy a bunch and then re-sell the ones you don't. I purchased cured rock because i'm lazy. Now I'd spend less on uncured and enjoy all the life that comes with it. your choice.

5: My short list that you will appreciate later.

RODI filter WITH a TDS meter. Start your tank with RODI and you'll be much better off. having a TDS meter from the start will let you know you're putting 'pure' water in your tank.

Refracometer. Don't buy a hydrometer. Spend the $10 on part of the refractometer.

Top-off system. With a small tank, you'll get really really tired of adding fresh water every day. Even if it's a cup of replacement water every day, it gets to be a chore. I have a litermeter I bought used, and it's the thing I'm most thankful I've purchased. If you can't find a used one (they're hard to come by) and you don't want to spend the cash on a new one, there are many other top-off methods. Do the research.

Set up steps:

Put the tank on the stand and LEVEL IT. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! shim the stand, not the tank if it's out of level. (every tank I've set up has been a bit out..)

put your substrate in.

Fill with rodi water, and turn on your pumps and check for leaks. Fix any problems. keep the pumps on.

Add salt. Let it mix for a bit (an hour or so, until you don't see any undissolved) then check it with the refractometer. Adjust salinity till it hits 1.024 or 1.025. Your choice.

Take out 1/2 the water, and add your rock. arrange it the way you like it. (it might take a few tries.)

fill the tank up with the water you took out. cover the rest and use it for your next waterchange.

Test the levels every day until the cycle completes. then add animals.

B

 

[ladyhealth]

Thank you all for your wonderful advice

Dearest MF Members,
Thank you all for the warm welcome . Your advice means a lot because at times the hobby gets a bit confusing.

Here are the specs of my tank. I hope to get it by WensJ
The tank comes with the following:

• 1) 150W HQI/14K
• (4) Nite-Vu LEDs with Separate Power cord
• (2) UL-Listed Accela Powerheads (266gph each/16W each)
• (2) Directional flow nozzles on each side of the aquarium
• (1) Ocean Pulse Duo?Alternating WaveMaker
• (1)Protein Skimmer (counter current) with Air Pump
• (1) Integrated center overflow
• (1) Newly redesigned filtration system with designated heater column and protein skimmer column with constant water levels
• (4) Integrated cooling fans (3000rpm`s)
• (1) Flame retardant ABS canopy housing
• (1) Integrated thermal protector for canopy (auto shut off protection)
• (1) Removal filter media basket with handle and sliding door for easy access
• (1) Filter media?sponge, activated carbon, ceramic rings

By the way Marinedepot had a wonderful deal that was tooooooooooo good to pass up). We got the tank and stand and shipping for a grand total of around $560!

Here is the link if anyone is interested:
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~JB7235.html

Last night I bought the following items:

1) Coralife Battery Operated Digital Thermometer
2) Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Master Test Kit
3) Aquarium Pharmaceutical Reef Master Kit (wasn?t sure which to get so I got both, because I have another tank which I am setting up with just fish and the price seemed really good)
***but I am concentrating on my reef tank first.
Question: Could I have used the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Master Test Kit for testing the parameters for my reef tank?


4) I ordered the refractometer last nightJ A portable one from Dr. Foster and Smith-On Sale.

I plan on buying the following items:
(SALIFERT Test Kits)- Still shopping online for good deals
1. Calcium
2. Alkalinity
3. Magnesium

4. ESV B-ionic Calcium 2.

5. Currently looking for the chiller. (More than likely I will purchase a used one)

6. Still need Live Rock- perhaps cured not sure yet, depends on how soon I can get the chiller and the cost.
Question: Could someone recommend a few good LFS in Manhattan?


7. I need some power heads ----
Question: Does anyone have any recommendations for something good but at a reasonable price? And how many should I get?

8. Ebojager heater

9. Strongly considering the need for a RODI filter WITH a TDS meter.
Question: Does anyone have any recommendations for something good but at a reasonable price? Something with extremely easy installation?

***I?m not too savvy with installing stuff and my husband is a total sweetheart and will try his darndest to set stuff up, but????????.. let?s just say that I think I have a bit more technical skills than him and he needs to stick with his day job! HEHE!:teeth:

10. Airstones.
Question: Ummmmmm---------? Where do I put that??

11. Will research the top off system and later consider the additional protein skimmer once things get movingJ

Any other advice my friends?

Thanks in advance once again for your time and patience I'll be sure to keep everyone up to date about my progress
Best Wishes,
Devi

 

[ladyhealth]

Hi ReefNoob,
I tried to reply to your message, but the system won't let me yet. It says I have to make 10 posts before I can respond to you. Also, I'm still trying to figure this website out and I'm having a few computer problems--- a bit frustrating:-(

I'm not sure what I want to keep in the tank yet. I think I would like to keep both types of coral and clams, with a few fish. But I'm still researching and putting together my community list

I would like to get pretty stuff that I won't kill b/c of inexperience. I plan on taking things really slow

Any advice is welcomed

 

[NYreefNoob]

http://myworld.ebay.com/currentusa/

this is the guy i bought my chiller from, he sells factory refurb's for current. i would suggest a remora skimmer. and bad is right dont go by pounds on rock find one with odd shapes that will fill out aquascaping. and really look at what you want your tank to have in it in a year from now, dont go over board on buying fish, wait and buy the few you want first time around. there are also alot of good vendors here to buy from for quality live stock and equipment. there is a few of us nano owner's on here . i would search the web for corals and fish you want and then a week later do it again, i change what i want on a regular basis, but have finally gotten away from impulse buying

 

[bad coffee]

LH,
List what tests are in both aquarium pharm. kits. what you need for the reef to start
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Calcium
Alkalinity
Magnesium
pH

Check with our vendors. most of them (if not all) carry live rock. it will be better and cheaper than LFS's.

The powerheads and the chiller: Wait till you set up the tank and see if you need them. the tank has both powerheads and exhaust fans included. You might get away with the stock items, and save you from buying things you don't need now. You will need a powerhead to mix up saltwater, and a small heater for the bucket as well (and a bucket too!) these can be cheaper ones that are just used for this purpose. I actually use old ones I have lying around.

If you live in NYC, chances are you can get away with a 4 stage RODI. Check www.buckeyefieldsupply.com I bought mine from one of the mail order fish places, and paid about $100 more than I needed to. You can spend some time researching and price shopping and get what you need. Post what you think is a good deal here and someone will tell you if it's a ripoff or a great deal.

B
(ps I cleaned up the thread. It looked like you hit 'back' and then typed a few new replies below your old post.)

 

[ladyhealth]

Thanks

BC,
Thanks for the info

I will be sure to follow up on your advice, but quick question.

If I purchase cured rock, won't I need stable temps (which means I need the chiller?)

 

[bad coffee]

BC,
Thanks for the info

I will be sure to follow up on your advice, but quick question.

If I purchase cured rock, won't I need stable temps (which means I need the chiller?)

You only need a chiller if your tank temp goes above 83 or 84degrees. It's winter time, and most people I know don't keep their room temps that high. So it will be your lights and heater that keep the temp up. Depending on how long you run the HQI, and how hot your apartment is, your temp should be nice and stable. I have 2 150w's above a 58, and it doesn't get hot enough to run my chiller in the winter. Summer is a different story.

Also, I have a reply that I'm trying to post, but I know I am doing something terribly wrong.

The post that I am trying to add is below:
{snip}

your reply is the same as your post above. (your reply under post #7, (my first post.)) If you have another/different question, just list the question. All the rest of the info is above, and if we've read down this far, we've read it! If you keep posting the exact same post, we'll miss any new questions you ask.

b

 

[NYreefNoob]

on a tank that size with a mh you more than likely will need a chiller, chief doesnt use one on his ap 24g with a 250w mh but i have to use one on my ap 24g with a 250w mh. i posted a link to a guy that sells factory refurbs from current. plus the currents have a plug in for a heater lso so it controls both, all i can tell you is do not rush. take your time it will cost less and turn out better. the flow part also depends on what type of corals you want to keep. i would buy 1 small piece of live rock and get a box of the 25 lb from marco rock. it will cure fast and give you time to figure out what you really want to do in the hobby.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Rick is right I don't use a chiller but I do use a fan and I have my controller set up to turn off lights and heater when the tank gets too warm and it also turns on that aforementioned fan. My 24 AP is also open top. You have a lid on that Nanocube so it is better to use a chiller if you have heat issues.