Fluval Evo 13.5 Mix Reef

[Reefing009]

Got a Fluval Evo 13.5 for $100USD when it’s on sale. Immediately upgrade most of the equipments since I will be keeping corals in the near future. I had a 65G SPS reef tank for 5+ years before and call it quits last year since I don’t have time anymore and the tank was neglected. I got the itch again and decided to get back in with a nano reef since it’s smaller and doesn’t take long for maintenance.
This time around I’m automating as much of the tank as possible to prevent making it feel like a chore.
Equipments:
- Hipargero LED 60W on a mechanical timer.
- Stock return pump, although I have a cobalt maxi jet 1200 that I could use but for now the stock pump is sufficient.
- Aqamai KPS
- Intank chamber 1 media basket
- 100 watts cobalt heater
- Eheim automatic fish feeder
- Autoaqua nano ATO
- Dry rock with some live rock rubbles
- 20lbs live sand

Tank has been up for 2 weeks. Live stocks includes 2 oscellaris clownfish, 2 blue legged hermit crabs, a few pulsing xenia (eventually have to pull them because these will grow like weeds but I like the pulsing action). Will add more fish/ corals as tank matures.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Beautiful. Very happy for you!

 

[tupes]

Welcome @Reefing009 off to a good start. Please keep us updated.

 

[thegreyanenome]

Looks like a nice tank I need an ATO real bad but can’t afford one, also need a new light

 

[Reefing009]

Quick update: A lot has been going on since my last post. I upgraded the light to a AI Hydra and a Mp10. Didn't realized that I need a reef link to be able to customize the mp10 but it is a excellent pump. Definitely more quiet than the Aqamai KPS.
I've added more zoas, ricordea, and lps to the tank. Currently doing 2 gallon weekly water changes for now. I've been using Reef Crystal but is switching to ESV for precise measurement of parameters since this tank is so small and everything need to be spot on. Can't wait for the tank to mature so I can add those color sticks lol

Here's the picture dump

 

[Pjernigan22]

Was just thinking about that light for that tank, I see you had to hang it.

 

[tupes]

@Reefing009 is there a reason you went with a hydra 26 and not the prime? With that light on there you could probably grow sps under the sand... lol.

 

[Reefing009]

Was just thinking about that light for that tank, I see you had to hang it.

It came with the hanging kit from the guy I bought it. Originally was gonna make a DIY light mount but scrap the idea and go for a clean hanging option instead!

 

[Reefing009]

@Reefing009 is there a reason you went with a hydra 26 and not the prime? With that light on there you could probably grow sps under the sand... lol.

I figure 2 led pucks will blend better than one which is actually working out pretty well. It is definitely overkilled but I have it maxed out at 30% currently running acclimation mode so slowly ramping up to the 30% max. Plus if I decided to upgrade to a 40gallon later on then I can just reuse the light

 

[Reefing009]

Added alot of corals and making adjustments to the tank and water parameters. I’m currently doing a weekly water changes about 2 gallons. Here’s pictures and video update!

 

[Reefing009]

FTS video!

 

[tupes]

Looking good.

 

[Reefing009]

I’m still alive! Lol Been busy with work but the tank is basically on auto pilot. Still dial in the doser. I messed up the calculation and had a small increase in alk to 10.6 and cal to 480. Not a huge increase but considering I was averaging 8.5-9alk and 420 Cal, some of the zoas got stressed and a few frags are showing signs of zoa pox. I’m keeping an eye on them before resorting to dipping them in furan 2.
Here’s a few update pictures!

 

[tupes]

How do you have your back chambers setup?
-My 1st chamber has filter floss
-2nd has the original sponge at the top and a pack of marine pure gems under the sponge
-3rd is only the return pump

 

[jurgenph]

very nice!

which dosing pump did you get?


J.

 

[Reefing009]

How do you have your back chambers setup?
-My 1st chamber has filter floss
-2nd has the original sponge at the top and a pack of marine pure gems under the sponge
-3rd is only the return pump

-First chamber has a Intank media basket. First level have filter floss, second level have BRS lignite carbon, last level have marinepure nano bio balls.
-Middle chamber house the 100w heater Cobalt aquatics
-Last chamber is the stock return pump and the ATO laser.

 

[Reefing009]

very nice!

which dosing pump did you get?


J.

Just a cheap Jebao DP4. I’m dosing alk, cal, mag, and acro power