CaliberGSD’s Nuvo 40 Build

[CaliberGSD]

So it’s been about 5 years since I’ve been in the game and finally getting back in.

Built my own stand so it fits in better with the rest of our furniture. Staining obviously is not my strong suite.

Still haven’t picked up a light just yet. Still debating between either 2 HD Primes or a Hydra 52. Plan is to be able to handle SPS and look clean.


40 lbs Reef Saver Rock
40 lbs CaribSea Arg-Alive Indo-Pacific Black Live Sand



Equipment

- AI Hydra 52
- Changed out stock pump for a IM MightyJet 538
- Colbolt 150 watt heater
- ApexEL (Temp, PH)
- 2 InTank Media Baskets
- 1 InTank Fuge Basket
- Mp10W
- Aqua Lift Pump for ATO
- JBJ ATO
- IM CheatoMax Fuge Light

 

[NY_Caveman]

So it’s been about 5 years since I’ve been in the game and finally getting back in.

Built my own stand so it fits in better with the rest of our furniture. Staining obviously is not my strong suite.

Still haven’t picked up a light just yet. Still debating between either 2 HD Primes or a Hydra 52. Plan is to be able to handle SPS and look clean.


40 lbs Reef Saver Rock
40 lbs CaribSea Arg-Alive Indo-Pacific Black Live Sand



Equipment

Changed out stock pump for a IM MightyJet 538
Colbolt 150 watt heater
ApexEL (Temp, PH)
2 InTank Media Baskets




Will add as I go

Welcome to R2R! Looks good! For SPS I would go with the best light you can. Have you seen this LED comparison tool?
http://www.aquaillumination.com/science/par.html

 

[CaliberGSD]

Welcome to R2R! Looks good! For SPS I would go with the best light you can. Have you seen this LED comparison tool?
http://www.aquaillumination.com/science/par.html

I have not seen that link. Thanks!

Yea I think I’m pretty set on the Hydra 52 which sounds like will be compatible with the Apex here shortly without attachments.

 

[CaliberGSD]

Added the sand and rock

 

[CaliberGSD]

So decided to go with the AI Hydra 52. Got it hooked up and also synced up with the Apex. Now knowing this light is pretty darn powerful. How do I know how much is too much light? Any suggestions?

 

[NY_Caveman]

So decided to go with the AI Hydra 52. Got it hooked up and also synced up with the Apex. Now knowing this light is pretty darn powerful. How do I know how much is too much light? Any suggestions?

The best way to determine an appropriate light level is using a PAR meter. Sometimes LFS (local fish stores) rent them out, or maybe you have a reefing buddy or club near you that will share.

Secondary to that several people use LUX meters or mobile phone LUX meter apps. You can find info on that through searches. Generally folks use a conversion value for different lighting to convert LUX to PAR. Some, like myself, also use basic LUX readings to determine if lights or bulbs are degrading over time.

Without any measurement it is tough to tell, but to some degree you can let the corals “tell” you what they like over time through trial and error. Best advice is to start low and increase slowly over weeks or months. If you are just starting the tank, I would not run the lights while cycling or even during the early maturing stages. There is nothing in the tank to utilize the light except algae at that time. Hope that all helps!

 

[NY_Caveman]

BTW, that light you have should be perfect for all your needs in that tank.

 

[CaliberGSD]

I finally decided and picked up a Mp10W. I’m just trying to decide the best placement.

If I put directly in the center of the tank then it will be blasting at the side of a rock.

I could move it towards the front a bit but then it will be blasting across the front of the rocks and not sure if the corals will appreciate that when they come.

Thoughts?? Right now I have it more towards the front of the rocks.

Hopefully some of these pics help.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Tagging along....

I’m looking into this same exact tank. Have been out of the hobby for 6 years or so and am finally in a place that I will be able to start a fresh build.

As far as knowing if the light is strong enough- you could always use a PAR meter if you have access to one OR (and this is what I’ve always done, especially with SPS) put all corals down in the sand bed for a week or two and slowly move them up the rock. The main thing to pay attention to is that the spread of the lights is where you want it to be. With the Hydra, you will have great spread and can grow almost any coral.

If your coral don’t color up after moving them from the sand bed up towards the light after a few months then you need to start looking deeper into your water chemistry. I see you used to keep tanks so I’m sorry if you already know this but SPS are tricky in the way that they don’t always color up. It’s either because not enough light, not enough nutrients or not enough flow.

Just my $.02 but tagging along for the ride! Excited to see where this goes!

 

[Sdoutreefer]

As far as MP10 placement, I would put it in front of the rock. Make sure you’re seeing flow throughout the tank. You really want flow behind the rock, eliminating any dead spots. You can always turn up/turn down the power on those, which makes those power heads a thing of beauty.

 

[CaliberGSD]

Can anyone help me with readings?

I just want to double check my eyes. Any help?

Wish these came in digital!

My ApexEL is telling me I have a ph of 7.4 yet this seems to say something different?

 

[NY_Caveman]

Can anyone help me with readings?

I just want to double check my eyes. Any help?

Wish these came in digital!

My ApexEL is telling me I have a ph of 7.4 yet this seems to say something different?

I would call them 8.0, 0, 5 relative to their order. I know people knock API, but I have found the tests work pretty well (I use API as backup to my Red Sea, Hanna and Salifert tests). Colors are often hard to read, especially for higher Nitrate. Nitrate I probably trust the least at higher levels, but the pH has always been right on in my testing (assuming the tests are not expired)

 

[CaliberGSD]

Today got the IM ChaetoMax LED light and InTank Fuge Basket up and running in the second chamber with a gulf ball size of Chaeto

 

[Lollipop]

dont do it. i tried and imserably failed it. it makes huge mess

 

[CaliberGSD]

dont do it. i tried and imserably failed it. it makes huge mess

Too late lol

Please explain

 

[Lollipop]

the best thing i did for IM nuvo was getting those ball shaped bio media back in the sump (there are more space than you think underneath)! i cant recall but each ball was like 1" diameter. i transfered them to my new tank overflow - i never had to wait for cycling my 90 (DT), 30(sump), 25 (frag)!

 

[Lollipop]

i dont have to explain. you will figure it out!!!;Mask

 

[Lollipop]

and dosing stability.

 

[paulydee67]

hi i have the same tank.i am also using the same cheato light with the media basket.i just started it with cheato again.last time i tried cheto it died.my tank has been up for four months.