Lets get started.

[IDunnoWhy]

OK, so this is my second post (look at me go ;Woot), but it’s a long one…(sorry, be kind )

Mods, if I started this thread in the wrong place, please feel free to move it.

Anyway, as I mentioned in my introductory post, I’m coming back to the salty side, I had a (failed) 29g reef years ago, it failed because I rushed, did subpar research, and listened to basically none of the info the more seasoned veterans offered me…;Facepalm

Fast forward many, many years, and I’m ready to give it a proper go.

So, as I also said in my first post, it’s going to be a Nano tank (due to apartments restrictions), and I’m totally OK with that. I’m thinking it will be 20g or less. I haven’t decided on fish/inverts, but it’s going to be a reef, and I’ll definitely be wanting low/mid light demanding corals, I know how expensive some of these lighting fixtures can be….

All that said, I could go “all in one” like the Fluval Evo 13.5, or I could maybe build something from scratch, and source each piece individually.

Both options seem fine to me, both have limitations…Could some of the more seasoned Nano Reef owners help steer me one way or the other? Offers examples why one is better than the other? Personal failures? Success stories, do’s/don’ts etc…

I’m not going to put a “budget” on this build per se, but I will need to get “clearance from the tower” (wife) for these purchases moving forward. I am going to prioritize ease of use though, I want something nice to look at, but not something with will require daily babysitting, at least not once the tank is established, which I’m aware will take some time.

I’m in no rush to do this, so if I have to wait for parts/supplies/corals/fish etc.. it’s no big deal, especially with the state of the world at the moment...So if I'm not "up and running" by the end of the year, it's not the end of the world.

Thanks!

 

[SlugSnorter]

so, for something with as few visible wires as possible you'll need one with a sump for the ATO. Personally I like the WaterBox Peninsula mini 15 for my desk, but ive got to keep a water bottle on top of or next to it for the ato and the wires are showing.

what size tank do you want? at 25-30 gal you can fit more stuff in the sump (fuge, better ATO, etc) and need less work overall

 

[IDunnoWhy]

so, for something with as few visible wires as possible you'll need one with a sump for the ATO. Personally I like the WaterBox Peninsula mini 15 for my desk, but ive got to keep a water bottle on top of or next to it for the ato and the wires are showing.

what size tank do you want? at 25-30 gal you can fit more stuff in the sump (fuge, better ATO, etc) and need less work overall

Going to be 20g or less, there will be no room for a sump, as for an ATO I'll just be using a bottle, or something like this...Ugly? yes, but probably the easiest for a tank without a sump...unless there is better ATO system for a nano.

I'll sort out "cable management" once I cross that bridge.

 

[SlugSnorter]

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Going to be 20g or less, there will be no room for a sump, as for an ATO I'll just be using a bottle, or something like this...Ugly yes? but probably the easiest for a tank without a sump...unless there is better ATO system for a nano.

I'll sort out "cable management" once I cross that bridge.

same thing im using lol, nothing better you can use honestly for the space/price. as for cable management. extenders can be your best friend. I like peninsula mini 15 for my tank, gives more leeway for fish without being as big as a 20 gal