Back again!

[wescorps]

Hi folks, I'm new to ARC and just getting back in the hobby. i'm still feeling a little Intimidated having read many of your posts... I've read many books on the subject and had a 220 gallon years ago, but still feeling a little nervous *about starting. Here's what I have so far: a 24gal Nano Cube and upgraded the lighting to HQI. One thing I have now is patience. My tank is empty and will remain that way until I have the equipment needed. My question would be, any suggestions on equipment? E.g. Protein skimmer, power heads and supplements as well. *Maybe a good book?
Thanks Wes

 

[db366]

Best reading on nanos is on reefcentral imo. Aquaticlife makes a good skimmer that is extremly well priced, as does hydor (slim), and Tunze 9002. As for powerheads I'd upgrade the return to a maxi-jet 1200 and then get either a MP-10 (pricey) or a korallia nano. As for supplements just wait until you need some, there really isn't a reason to add anything at first.

I would however suggest running a good carbon, purigen, and chemi-pure for media.

 

[mr difficult]

Welcome back to the hobby a lot of great info here on the arc. I would read some post and see what others are starting to talk about with nano systems.

 

[smallblock]

Jcusmarine made an excellent thread for new guys lemme find it for you.

Edit: here ya go, very good read hope you enjoy and welcome to the club. Also thanks for joining and supporting our cause you made a very good decision. Also don't be afraid to ask questions. There are some really knowledable people here who are happy to help. All we ask is to respect your livestock and handle them with love and responsibillllllaty and last but not least have fun!!!!

 

[raz0945]

Welcome to ARC!

 

[wescorps]

Thanks for all the info. I have looked into the Hydor Slim, I'm glad to hear others recommend it. One thing I was concerned with, is there going to be to much heat coming off these lights? Chillers are very pricey.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

You could have a heat issue with the HQI upgrade. It depends on several other factors such as what do you intend to keep (some things like warmer water) and what will the room ambient temperature be. Frankly, I probably would've skipped the HQI upgrade and went LED on that tank. In the end it would have been less expensive.

As for a skimmer....the Tunze 9002 (and now 9006 I think) are excellent choices and highly efficient. CPR also makes one that will work (SR3 I believe). Definitely upgrade the pump to a MJ1200. And as far as media....I'd run Purigen. A number of people have removed the chambers and plumbed the back of the tank to run a sump...something else to consider.

 

[wescorps]

I still have the original light, should I replace the HQI with the LED. I was concerned with the depth, that is why I added the HQI.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Wescorps;695085 wrote: I still have the original light, should I replace the HQI with the LED. I was concerned with the depth, that is why I added the HQI.

LED's will take up less room. Take a look at the display nano at Imagine Ocean. They are using a Exxotic (may have spelled that wrong) LED unit that they sell for $99 and growing SPS as well as others. Light looks great. This will keep you from adding a chiller and no bulbs to replace for like 50,000 hours....less heat...etc etc.

 

[wescorps]

Yep,

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

You can retrofit your exiting canopy. No need to sell the entire canopy.....just keep the guts. Jenn at Imagine Ocean can show you how it's done.