A few nano questions..

NanoNut · 03-10-2007, 02:47 AM

Hello! I got a few questions that I get contradicting advice about....so I thought I'd let you fine people give me your .02c if you wouldn't mind.

Im thinking of purchasing an Aquapod 24 150w MH for a nano reef tank, eventually for mostly LPS, & a few compatible small fish.

Questions:

1) I hear some nano reefers would use bio balls or some other bio media in an Aquapod 24 for a reef setup. I hear others that scoff at that and say using Live Rock in place of bio media is better. Can I get pros and cons on both of these?

2) I also hear some who say using a protein skimmer in a small nano reef with regular water changes is near useless, I kinda doubt this but I wanted some more points of view on it. I realize there is far lower load in a reef tank than FO tank but something makes my eye twinge thinking about running without a protein skimmer but I'm a beginner in reeftanks so that's why I'm asking.

Thanks for the comments in advance, all are much appreciated! I'm looking to make my mistakes BEFORE I setup the tank so I tend to ask a bunch of questions... and BTW I love this place

NanoNut

lcstorc · 03-10-2007, 09:19 AM

If you are going for a reef then I would skip the bio-balls and use LR instead. The bio-balls are fine for a FO or FOWLR tank but not for a reef. The reason is the type of bacteria and how it works in your cycle. Both LR and bio-balls are good for the first steps in the cycle. Amonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate. That is where the bio-balls stop. So you end up with high nitrates if you use the bio-ball. That is fine for fish but not for corals. The LR takes it the extra step changing the nitrates into a harmless gas that is then released in bubbles. This is what you need in a reef.
As to the protein skimmer, I would definitely get one. Smaller tanks are harder to take care of than larger tanks due to the small water volume. Anything you can do to help your parameters stay in line is a good thing. I'm sure you can keep a nano or even a large tank without one, but it pulls lots of the bad stuff out of the water making any tank easier to keep in line.
Just my 2c.

saltwaterfarm · 03-10-2007, 09:34 AM

Lynn hit the nail on the head... I have a BioCube 29 Reef. The bio-balls were a constant source of 'trates for me. Since their removal... I have not had trouble. In addition, the skimmer is really a beneficial piece of equipment for your reef... no matter what size... What you do have to consider is the skimmer itself. Some small skimmers are just plain crap. If you are planning it all in advance... I would definitely recommend an AquaC Remora HOB skimmer, or something along those lines. It will take a little DIY and some extra planned space... but will be worth it. The little fission skimmer sold for nanos is... worthless, IMO. At least I can't get it to work right, anyway. As long as you have LR in the display, there is really no reason to add any to the chambers in the back, IMO. The chambers are good for heaters, and if you need to add carbon, pumps, etc. After the removal of my bio-balls, I added a clump of Chaeto macro algae to aid even more in nutrient removal.
Hope this helps!

aquaman3680 · 03-10-2007, 10:41 AM

with that aquapod you can add a skimmer as there is the space for it. Where the return pump is on the back is where you would add a skimmer pump. You need to make sure that the dimensions will work as every skimmer will not work. One skimmer that i know will work is the octopus skimmers! They are great and do a good job.

Matt

KMP · 03-10-2007, 11:26 AM

i gotta run so dont' have much time. but w/my ap24 i took out the bio balls, and one of the sponges. put in bags of carbon, phosban, and purigen (all in chamber 1). been running like a champ for a year.

you will continue to get conflicting info, best advice i ever got is if it's working dont' mess with it.

saltwaterfarm · 03-10-2007, 11:55 AM

I have also heard good things about the Octopus, and Sapphire Aquatics skimmers. Note: I said some... not all... I should have been more specific... Sorry.

NanoNut · 03-10-2007, 06:47 PM

Very knowledgable replies, much appreciated! I'm sure glad to hear about the skimmer, I couldn't for the life of me, figure out why some say it's not needed so I figure I'd ask.

You guys are great

Any other recommended liveaquaria sites other than Foster and Smith to purchase from? I have a LFS although its about 50 miles away, but I certainly will entertain buying via internet as well.

NanoNut

Snelly40 · 03-10-2007, 07:10 PM

good luck with everything, i love my aqua c remora by the way if ur looking for a good hob skimmer

NanoNut · 03-11-2007, 06:15 AM

Yep looks like I'll be getting the Aqua C Remora as well

Most everyone has great things to say about it!

Nanonut

johnbljr · 03-14-2007, 06:52 PM

you may want to check the lighting differences on the Aquapod vs the Biocube..I have been hearing that the Biocube lighting is much better.

Ganomish · 03-14-2007, 11:00 PM

I run both my 12 and 24 gal with no skimmers.
I do use floss, to surface skim the first chambers. Change 2-3Xs per week. They actually get pretty brown.

I feed very little and have no fish, so that could contribute to my success. I haven't detected any nitrates in either tank since they have cycled fully.
I also use bags of rubble in the chambers.
I figure, can't hurt, and I rinse the bags occasionally in my water change water to keep sediment from building up.

Cheers
Fred

03-10-2007, 02:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
NanoNut Tunicate Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Palmdale CA Posts: 10 View Gallery Karma Komment	A few nano questions.. Hello! I got a few questions that I get contradicting advice about....so I thought I'd let you fine people give me your .02c if you wouldn't mind. Im thinking of purchasing an Aquapod 24 150w MH for a nano reef tank, eventually for mostly LPS, & a few compatible small fish. Questions: 1) I hear some nano reefers would use bio balls or some other bio media in an Aquapod 24 for a reef setup. I hear others that scoff at that and say using Live Rock in place of bio media is better. Can I get pros and cons on both of these? 2) I also hear some who say using a protein skimmer in a small nano reef with regular water changes is near useless, I kinda doubt this but I wanted some more points of view on it. I realize there is far lower load in a reef tank than FO tank but something makes my eye twinge thinking about running without a protein skimmer but I'm a beginner in reeftanks so that's why I'm asking. Thanks for the comments in advance, all are much appreciated! I'm looking to make my mistakes BEFORE I setup the tank so I tend to ask a bunch of questions... and BTW I love this place NanoNut

03-10-2007, 09:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 21,727 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A few nano questions.. If you are going for a reef then I would skip the bio-balls and use LR instead. The bio-balls are fine for a FO or FOWLR tank but not for a reef. The reason is the type of bacteria and how it works in your cycle. Both LR and bio-balls are good for the first steps in the cycle. Amonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate. That is where the bio-balls stop. So you end up with high nitrates if you use the bio-ball. That is fine for fish but not for corals. The LR takes it the extra step changing the nitrates into a harmless gas that is then released in bubbles. This is what you need in a reef. As to the protein skimmer, I would definitely get one. Smaller tanks are harder to take care of than larger tanks due to the small water volume. Anything you can do to help your parameters stay in line is a good thing. I'm sure you can keep a nano or even a large tank without one, but it pulls lots of the bad stuff out of the water making any tank easier to keep in line. Just my 2c. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

03-10-2007, 09:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
saltwaterfarm Manta Ray Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,222 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A few nano questions.. Lynn hit the nail on the head... I have a BioCube 29 Reef. The bio-balls were a constant source of 'trates for me. Since their removal... I have not had trouble. In addition, the skimmer is really a beneficial piece of equipment for your reef... no matter what size... What you do have to consider is the skimmer itself. Some small skimmers are just plain crap. If you are planning it all in advance... I would definitely recommend an AquaC Remora HOB skimmer, or something along those lines. It will take a little DIY and some extra planned space... but will be worth it. The little fission skimmer sold for nanos is... worthless, IMO. At least I can't get it to work right, anyway. As long as you have LR in the display, there is really no reason to add any to the chambers in the back, IMO. The chambers are good for heaters, and if you need to add carbon, pumps, etc. After the removal of my bio-balls, I added a clump of Chaeto macro algae to aid even more in nutrient removal. Hope this helps! __________________ Lisa 90 Gal AGA, DIY Sump/Fuge, Current Outer Orbit 250w MH's with T5's. AquaC Remora Pro Skimmer, RK2.[/font] Purple LTA, pair of Percula Clowns, Clams, Softies, Shrooms, Ricordea, Echinophyllia, Torch, Frogspawn, Blastos, Sponges, Acro, Wellso, the NEW Zoa Mountain, and some more stuff... 3 Gal Sexy Shrimp Pico. 29 Gal Oceanic BioCube, Current Sunpod 150w MH.

03-10-2007, 10:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
aquaman3680 Golden Moray Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 2,136 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A few nano questions.. with that aquapod you can add a skimmer as there is the space for it. Where the return pump is on the back is where you would add a skimmer pump. You need to make sure that the dimensions will work as every skimmer will not work. One skimmer that i know will work is the octopus skimmers! They are great and do a good job. Matt __________________ Check it out! The 90 gallon Road Trip

03-10-2007, 11:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
KMP Torch coral Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Woodland, CA Posts: 585 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: A few nano questions.. i gotta run so dont' have much time. but w/my ap24 i took out the bio balls, and one of the sponges. put in bags of carbon, phosban, and purigen (all in chamber 1). been running like a champ for a year. you will continue to get conflicting info, best advice i ever got is if it's working dont' mess with it. __________________ Kenny 24g Aquapod, 24lb Live Rock, 28lb Live Sand, (3) MJ 900s (25.5w, 460gph), Closed Loop Circulation Nanocustoms 4.36 Series Lighting (144w), (2) 36w 10000k Daylights. (2) 36w Actinics, (1) R2 Moonlights

03-10-2007, 11:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
saltwaterfarm Manta Ray Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,222 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: A few nano questions.. I have also heard good things about the Octopus, and Sapphire Aquatics skimmers. Note: I said some... not all... I should have been more specific... Sorry. __________________ Lisa 90 Gal AGA, DIY Sump/Fuge, Current Outer Orbit 250w MH's with T5's. AquaC Remora Pro Skimmer, RK2.[/font] Purple LTA, pair of Percula Clowns, Clams, Softies, Shrooms, Ricordea, Echinophyllia, Torch, Frogspawn, Blastos, Sponges, Acro, Wellso, the NEW Zoa Mountain, and some more stuff... 3 Gal Sexy Shrimp Pico. 29 Gal Oceanic BioCube, Current Sunpod 150w MH.

03-10-2007, 06:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
NanoNut Tunicate Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Palmdale CA Posts: 10 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: A few nano questions.. Very knowledgable replies, much appreciated! I'm sure glad to hear about the skimmer, I couldn't for the life of me, figure out why some say it's not needed so I figure I'd ask. You guys are great Any other recommended liveaquaria sites other than Foster and Smith to purchase from? I have a LFS although its about 50 miles away, but I certainly will entertain buying via internet as well. NanoNut

03-10-2007, 07:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
Snelly40 Manta Ray Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,038 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: A few nano questions.. good luck with everything, i love my aqua c remora by the way if ur looking for a good hob skimmer __________________ Snelly's 90gal Reef-O-Rama *Member-"Crabs Are Evil" Society*

03-11-2007, 06:15 AM	#9 (permalink)
NanoNut Tunicate Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Palmdale CA Posts: 10 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: A few nano questions.. Yep looks like I'll be getting the Aqua C Remora as well Most everyone has great things to say about it! Nanonut

03-14-2007, 06:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
johnbljr Midas Blenny Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 117 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: A few nano questions.. you may want to check the lighting differences on the Aquapod vs the Biocube..I have been hearing that the Biocube lighting is much better.

03-14-2007, 11:00 PM	#11 (permalink)
Ganomish Tubeworm Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 37 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: A few nano questions.. I run both my 12 and 24 gal with no skimmers. I do use floss, to surface skim the first chambers. Change 2-3Xs per week. They actually get pretty brown. I feed very little and have no fish, so that could contribute to my success. I haven't detected any nitrates in either tank since they have cycled fully. I also use bags of rubble in the chambers. I figure, can't hurt, and I rinse the bags occasionally in my water change water to keep sediment from building up. Cheers Fred

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