My Fluval EVO 13.5 Build Thread

[Michael W.]

It all really depends on what you're looking to keep. Depending on your aquascape and coral choices, one koralia 240/425 or one jebao (cheap and controllable) would be perfectly fine IMO

I haven't had many issues with me jebaos (any issues have been solved by cleaning them for an hour in vinegar/ water)

I had two of these on my Evo before getting the mp10s: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS8782D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MFATBbQCWPG6H

Will look into all of those... I'm trying to keep costs low for this tank but will splurge if needed. Also I have realized you changed the top of the tank for a completely new lighting system plus no hood. In your opinion would you consider that necessary in the long run or was it just personal choice? I have found some replacement pieces that I could use for a new light and hood option but I don't want to spend the extra money if I can run with the stock lighting and hood.

 

[Reef of Fillory]

Will look into all of those... I'm trying to keep costs low for this tank but will splurge if needed. Also I have realized you changed the top of the tank for a completely new lighting system plus no hood. In your opinion would you consider that necessary in the long run or was it just personal choice? I have found some replacement pieces that I could use for a new light and hood option but I don't want to spend the extra money if I can run with the stock lighting and hood.

Stock lighting should be adequate for zoas and softies. You can probably also keep some lower demand LPS, and maybe a birdsnest. I had my BTA under the stock lighting for about 1 week before I changed over to an AI Prime light [great light for this tank] but I don't know long term how the stock light would support an anemone.

I had issues with extra heat with the stock hood/lighting, and I prefer the look of hanging a light above the tank. I also knew that I was going to go SPS on this tank and needed the extra lighting.

* I suggest going with the cheap powerheads, not going all out - Jebao's are my choice for controlability @ $40-50 compared to the koralia's for $30-40 I think that the Jebao Sw2 is also smaller than the koralias, and the direction is more controllable.

My opinion would be to give the stock hood/lighting a chance - no need to upgrade if not necessary for what you're wanting to keep.

If you search the forum for @NanoDad - he's using stock lighting on the EVO and his tank/coral is looking pretty good!

One other thing is i'd HIGHLY recommend getting rid of the sponge in chamber 2. I added a DIY media basket that I made for around $20 total [if you want to spend the $, the in-tank brand baskets are awesome]. Then either add in a cheap Amazon grow light and grow some chaeto in Chamber 2, or add in the fluval skimmer.

The combination of a chamber 1 media basket, bottom of the media basket with chaeto + amazon grow light, and skimmer in chamber 2 has my nutrients 100% in check. Couldn't recommend it more - but no two tanks end up the same.

 

[Michael W.]

Stock lighting should be adequate for zoas and softies. You can probably also keep some lower demand LPS, and maybe a birdsnest. I had my BTA under the stock lighting for about 1 week before I changed over to an AI Prime light [great light for this tank] but I don't know long term how the stock light would support an anemone.

I had issues with extra heat with the stock hood/lighting, and I prefer the look of hanging a light above the tank. I also knew that I was going to go SPS on this tank and needed the extra lighting.

* I suggest going with the cheap powerheads, not going all out - Jebao's are my choice for controlability @ $40-50 compared to the koralia's for $30-40 I think that the Jebao Sw2 is also smaller than the koralias, and the direction is more controllable.

My opinion would be to give the stock hood/lighting a chance - no need to upgrade if not necessary for what you're wanting to keep.

If you search the forum for @NanoDad - he's using stock lighting on the EVO and his tank/coral is looking pretty good!

One other thing is i'd HIGHLY recommend getting rid of the sponge in chamber 2. I added a DIY media basket that I made for around $20 total [if you want to spend the $, the in-tank brand baskets are awesome]. Then either add in a cheap Amazon grow light and grow some chaeto in Chamber 2, or add in the fluval skimmer.

The combination of a chamber 1 media basket, bottom of the media basket with chaeto + amazon grow light, and skimmer in chamber 2 has my nutrients 100% in check. Couldn't recommend it more - but no two tanks end up the same.

I have been reading around and have decided that it would probably benefit me in the long run if I started this tank off with a revised lighting system. I am planning on going for the AI Prime light (that you also recommended) but I don't want to leave to top to my tank open. Is there any tank covers on the market that would fit the EVO or would that end up being a DIY project?

 

[Reef of Fillory]

I have been reading around and have decided that it would probably benefit me in the long run if I started this tank off with a revised lighting system. I am planning on going for the AI Prime light (that you also recommended) but I don't want to leave to top to my tank open. Is there any tank covers on the market that would fit the EVO or would that end up being a DIY project?

doing it DIY is really easy. All you need is some screen door frame [Lowes/HDepot], 4 corners for the frame, a hacksaw, some rubber bead [sold with the frame stuff and some Tulle [wedding dress stuff from JoAnn Fabrics].

If I remember correctly, I paid around $8 for the frame, $4 for the corners, $5 for the hacksaw, $3 for the rubber bead and $1 for the Tulle so about $20-25

I glued small pieces of acrylic to the edges of my frame so that it sat inside the rim of the tank [not the prettiest as I used little chunks I had sitting around] but I liked that a lot better than the "clips" they make that sit over the edge of your glass

The AI prime is perfect for almost all nano tanks

 

[Michael W.]

doing it DIY is really easy. All you need is some screen door frame [Lowes/HDepot], 4 corners for the frame, a hacksaw, some rubber bead [sold with the frame stuff and some Tulle [wedding dress stuff from JoAnn Fabrics].

If I remember correctly, I paid around $8 for the frame, $4 for the corners, $5 for the hacksaw, $3 for the rubber bead and $1 for the Tulle so about $20-25

I glued small pieces of acrylic to the edges of my frame so that it sat inside the rim of the tank [not the prettiest as I used little chunks I had sitting around] but I liked that a lot better than the "clips" they make that sit over the edge of your glass

The AI prime is perfect for almost all nano tanks

Sweet! I will either go for that DIY project or order a custom lid from Safe Top Lids. Also what is the recommended tank mount for the AI Prime? Would it just be the normal $30 one from Marine Depot or is there a better one?

 

[Reef of Fillory]

Sweet! I will either go for that DIY project or order a custom lid from Safe Top Lids. Also what is the recommended tank mount for the AI Prime? Would it just be the normal $30 one from Marine Depot or is there a better one?

It really just depends on your desired aesthetic. I liked the aluminum sliding mount, but you can also use the flex arm as well. Both work the same way

Aluminum Mount:

Flex Mount:

You can also hang it if that's something you like the aesthetic of:

 

[Michael W.]

It really just depends on your desired aesthetic. I liked the aluminum sliding mount, but you can also use the flex arm as well. Both work the same way

Aluminum Mount:

Flex Mount:

You can also hang it if that's something you like the aesthetic of:

Thanks! I think the sliding looks the best as well.

 

[Michael W.]

It really just depends on your desired aesthetic. I liked the aluminum sliding mount, but you can also use the flex arm as well. Both work the same way

Aluminum Mount:

Flex Mount:

You can also hang it if that's something you like the aesthetic of:

Another quick question about lighting. I am set on getting the AI Prime, but don't know whether I should add sand and water to my tank right now and wait to get the light until the holidays, or get the light right now and hold off the sand and water for later. I'm sorta pressed for money so I'm taking everything in parts.

 

[Devaji]

cool little tank I am thinking of one by the couch...

this is what I would do. depending on what rock you use I would hold off on the light until black Friday. should save a few bucks there.
you dont really need a light for the cycle its better you dont IMHO.

what rock are you using? If you want live I would look in to KP or real reef rock I like and used both...

good luck move slow and asked lots of questions you will have much more fun that way.

cheers
D

 

[Reef of Fillory]

Another quick question about lighting. I am set on getting the AI Prime, but don't know whether I should add sand and water to my tank right now and wait to get the light until the holidays, or get the light right now and hold off the sand and water for later. I'm sorta pressed for money so I'm taking everything in parts.

If you're wanting to get the tank started, you definitely don't need the AI Prime for a while. The cycle will take some time, and it's perfectly fine to cycle without light [or with the stock lights]. I would personally wait for Black Friday to buy equipment, and get the cycle started if that's what you're looking to do [rock, sand, start the cycle - lots of info on the forum here about cycling a tank].

If you're looking to do things right [slowly], I would get rock/sand in, cycle the tank, if the cycle goes quickly [if you use live rock with minimal die-off] then you could start with a fish, clean up crew etc. and then once you get to the point of needing the light [or Black Friday] go for the light upgrade.

Honestly, you're probably not going to be keeping SPS or other high light corals in there anytime very soon, so I might even hold out on upgrading the light until you feel a need for the light. The stock light might do just fine for you for possibly up to a year depending on how quickly things work out for you and how quickly you get to the LPS/SPS bug.

One thing that IMO is a necessity on almost all tanks, but definitely on a nano tank is an Auto Top Off. I can't recall if you've mentioned that you intend to buy one, but I use the Innovative Marine Titanium Hydrofill which is pretty affordable, and will make a huge difference in how irritating daily maintenance can get.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auqa...KeORPc2-2ui42T5Z-S-z2DwRFYWpQWlQaArQJEALw_wcB

 

[Michael W.]

If you're wanting to get the tank started, you definitely don't need the AI Prime for a while. The cycle will take some time, and it's perfectly fine to cycle without light [or with the stock lights]. I would personally wait for Black Friday to buy equipment, and get the cycle started if that's what you're looking to do [rock, sand, start the cycle - lots of info on the forum here about cycling a tank].

If you're looking to do things right [slowly], I would get rock/sand in, cycle the tank, if the cycle goes quickly [if you use live rock with minimal die-off] then you could start with a fish, clean up crew etc. and then once you get to the point of needing the light [or Black Friday] go for the light upgrade.

Honestly, you're probably not going to be keeping SPS or other high light corals in there anytime very soon, so I might even hold out on upgrading the light until you feel a need for the light. The stock light might do just fine for you for possibly up to a year depending on how quickly things work out for you and how quickly you get to the LPS/SPS bug.

One thing that IMO is a necessity on almost all tanks, but definitely on a nano tank is an Auto Top Off. I can't recall if you've mentioned that you intend to buy one, but I use the Innovative Marine Titanium Hydrofill which is pretty affordable, and will make a huge difference in how irritating daily maintenance can get.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auqa...KeORPc2-2ui42T5Z-S-z2DwRFYWpQWlQaArQJEALw_wcB

I was definitely planning on getting an ATO unit for this tank at some point. I will push it up the list and drop the light down. I have decided that this wednesday I will be filling my tank with sand and water and dry live rock. I'm fine with a longer cycle time, no big rush here. Also, with the ATO unit, I was originally planning on getting the AutoAqua Micro ATO but if the hydrofill is recommended then I will look into that too. When you're getting the Hydrofill, you need to purchase both the controller part and the pump part correct? The price points are pretty similar between Hydrofill and AutoAqua so I'll just go based by which one people seem to like more. Does it make a very big difference whether you get a name brand reservoir or find one yourself?
Thanks for all the help and information!

 

[Michael W.]

cool little tank I am thinking of one by the couch...

this is what I would do. depending on what rock you use I would hold off on the light until black Friday. should save a few bucks there.
you dont really need a light for the cycle its better you dont IMHO.

what rock are you using? If you want live I would look in to KP or real reef rock I like and used both...

good luck move slow and asked lots of questions you will have much more fun that way.

cheers
D

I am planning on just getting some dry live rock from my LFS... they're restocking it Wednesday which is when I plan on starting my cycle but I will look into the rock you recommended.

 

[Devaji]

yeah KP sells a good aqua-cultered pkg shipped USPS priority if you get a small amount.
the other live rock I talked about is man made then cycled. so little to no hick hikers.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Real-Reef-...452999?hash=item25c24a82c7:g:WXgAAOSwq9NZu1dr
its sold from a very reputable company. ( this auction anyway )

yes an ATO is a must have. I like the smart micro I use it one bigger tanks to

 

[Michael W.]

yeah KP sells a good aqua-cultered pkg shipped USPS priority if you get a small amount.
the other live rock I talked about is man made then cycled. so little to no hick hikers.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Real-Reef-...452999?hash=item25c24a82c7:g:WXgAAOSwq9NZu1dr
its sold from a very reputable company. ( this auction anyway )

yes an ATO is a must have. I like the smart micro I use it one bigger tanks to

If I go with the smart micro does the package from marine depot have everything I need- minus the reservoir- or is there tubing that I would also need to purchase?

I think I may just go with the dry live rock from my lfs. It's closer, and I can choose the ones that I want from there.

 

[Michael W.]

If I go with the smart micro does the package from marine depot have everything I need- minus the reservoir- or is there tubing that I would also need to purchase?

I think I may just go with the dry live rock from my lfs. It's closer, and I can choose the ones that I want from there.

 

[Devaji]

If I go with the smart micro does the package from marine depot have everything I need- minus the reservoir- or is there tubing that I would also need to purchase?

I think I may just go with the dry live rock from my lfs. It's closer, and I can choose the ones that I want from there.

yeah it should have the tubing with it.
its nice to pick and choose your rock. dont be afraid to break pices and glue them together to get the look you want. and I would get 15-25% more than you think you will use so you have options.

there is plenty of amazing info on aquascaping around. I would suggest you take a few days and look it up and get some ideas.

 

[Reef of Fillory]

I was definitely planning on getting an ATO unit for this tank at some point. I will push it up the list and drop the light down. I have decided that this wednesday I will be filling my tank with sand and water and dry live rock. I'm fine with a longer cycle time, no big rush here. Also, with the ATO unit, I was originally planning on getting the AutoAqua Micro ATO but if the hydrofill is recommended then I will look into that too. When you're getting the Hydrofill, you need to purchase both the controller part and the pump part correct? The price points are pretty similar between Hydrofill and AutoAqua so I'll just go based by which one people seem to like more. Does it make a very big difference whether you get a name brand reservoir or find one yourself?
Thanks for all the help and information!

The Hydrofill required a separate pump, I don't have any experience with the AutoAqua. Either one should work great - I use a maxijet as my ATO attached to the Hydrofill [the pump is plugged into the ATO unit and turned on/off as needed]