Fluval Evo 13.5....... first nano!!

[Salukis97]

I’d somewhat agree with you if this was a large tank. Even though I’ve done the same with a large tank and yeah it was a pain catching them. But we’re talking about a nano. There’s like 3 big pieces of rock I can just take out for a min so I can catch them.

 

[Fat Sacs]

To each there own, I personally would of went with different livestock to achieve the bioload.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I’d somewhat agree with you if this was a large tank. Even though I’ve done the same with a large tank and yeah it was a pain catching them. But we’re talking about a nano. There’s like 3 big pieces of rock I can just take out for a min so I can catch them.

They can be a pain to catch, but 3 rocks seems easy. If the kids picked them you will probably have to keep them anyway

Ammonia may have kicked in a little with the addition of fish as the bacteria adjust. A good example of why it is best to move slow after the cycle (as you are) and let the system mature along the way. Could also have easily been simple test error.

 

[Salukis97]

Yeah I told the kids we’re gonna give them back to the pet shop because ultimately I want a goby and maybe a couple clowns. Plus, don’t damsels nip at corals? Not gonna put any corals in until I know for sure I’m not gonna start another cycle, but I’ve noticed they like to nip at the rocks a lot.

Ammonia is back to basically zero this morning. Everything else seems in order...

Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 5
Ph: 8.2
Calcium: 420
Phosphates barely detected but couldn’t really tell based on the color chart. I’m using phosgaurd and chemipure elite, so I’m hoping to avoid the massive green hair outbreak I had in my last tank. That took forever to clear up.

 

[Evan28395950]

Yeah I told the kids we’re gonna give them back to the pet shop because ultimately I want a goby and maybe a couple clowns. Plus, don’t damsels nip at corals? Not gonna put any corals in until I know for sure I’m not gonna start another cycle, but I’ve noticed they like to nip at the rocks a lot.

Ammonia is back to basically zero this morning. Everything else seems in order...

Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 5
Ph: 8.2
Calcium: 420
Phosphates barely detected but couldn’t really tell based on the color chart. I’m using phosgaurd and chemipure elite, so I’m hoping to avoid the massive green hair outbreak I had in my last tank. That took forever to clear up.

I believe they nip alittle, wouldn’t cause much noticeable damage.

 

[sm32589g]

Nice thread. I'm going to follow this. I'm thinking about getting this tank. How do you like it so far? Would you have gone with a different tank?

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

Saw your DIY filter mod. Lots of us Evo 13.5 owners use these inTank Media Baskets.

https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_s...3.5&sprefix=intank+,aps,334&crid=ELUMI1YW489B

 

[Salukis97]

I don't have any real big complaints so far. I do think the water flow could have been more sufficiently directed in the sump, but it's not a deal breaker. I don't think you'll find a cheaper kit that is reef ready (albeit basic) and has a nice look. I am definitely planning to upgrade the pump at some point. I'm going to give the light some time and see how things grow once I get some corals in there. I've seen a couple people on youtube with very nice reefs using the stock light.

 

[Salukis97]

Saw your DIY filter mod. Lots of us Evo 13.5 owners use these inTank Media Baskets.

https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_7?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=intank+media+basket+fluval+evo+13.5&sprefix=intank+,aps,334&crid=ELUMI1YW489B

Yeah I've seen those and they look great, but I'm gonna run with the diy method for a while and see how things go before I drop another $50+. So far so good......

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

I don't have any real big complaints so far. I do think the water flow could have been more sufficiently directed in the sump, but it's not a deal breaker. I don't think you'll find a cheaper kit that is reef ready (albeit basic) and has a nice look. I am definitely planning to upgrade the pump at some point. I'm going to give the light some time and see how things grow once I get some corals in there. I've seen a couple people on youtube with very nice reefs using the stock light.

I agree on the water flow. I upgraded to a Sicce Syncra 0.5. Much better flow now. I also replaced the stock return outlet with a random flow generator.

The stock light has worked well for me so far. My coorals seem to be OK.

 

[Salukis97]

I agree on the water flow. I upgraded to a Sicce Syncra 0.5. Much better flow now. I also replaced the stock return outlet with a random flow generator.

The stock light has worked well for me so far. My coorals seem to be OK.

Haha yeah I think your tank is actually one of the ones I was talking about seeing on YouTube. Looks awesome man.

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

Haha yeah I think your tank is actually one of the ones I was talking about seeing on YouTube. Looks awesome man.

Thanks! Appreciate it.
Having an issue now with my coralline algae dying, turning white. Not sure why.

 

[Salukis97]

Thanks! Appreciate it.
Having an issue now with my coralline algae dying, turning white. Not sure why.

Aww man that sucks. Hope you get it figured out. My rocks are just now finally starting to get some color to them. Going to post an update video here in the next few days.