My second try at this -The 15 gallon edition

[Fishboy James]

Introduction

So this is my first build thread and I would like to collect ideas and criticisms on my plan. I'm in college now and just cannot escape the reefing bug. I had a cheap 5 gallon setup in highschool but it was a total failure. The corals were mostly in stasis, not really growing or dying. There was green hair algae everywhere and it wasn't really a success. I wish I could pinpoint exactly why it failed but honestly, it was probably just a mixture of failures combined. Now, I want to set up a 15 gallon with that knowledge and hopefully aim for success.

The equipment

The tank- I think I will go with a IM fusion 15. Technically, the maximum size of aquariums allowed in my dorm is 10 gallons but just cannot pass up on the deal. I doubt the RA will be able to tell there's an extra 5 gallons somewhere. On a side note, I feel like I'm missing something with the fusion 15. The 10 gallon version is more than double the price for less volume. What's the deal with that?

The Light- Based on what I have found, I think Ill go with a Noopsyche K7 mini. It just seems like one of the better options for cheaper lights but if anyone has a light that they like better, feel free to let me know.

Heater- I still don't really know how to go with the heater. I was thinking of just getting a cheaper Aqueon one but I really don't want that failing on me. I will probably continue to shop around.

Flow- I am a firm believer in randomized flow and I really don't want the flow to just pound the same spot all the time. With this in mind, I'm looking at a Hygger 1600 gph wavemaker. I like the low profile and controllability of it and I think it will control the flow aspect quite nicely.

Filtration- Live rock, a little carbon dosing, activated carbon, and spots for bacteria to grow will probably be the main filtration. I want to keep water changes to a minimum, so I'm walking a fine line.

Water and nutrient top off- I will be dosing kalkwasser through an ato. Its not the smartest idea but I am a huge kalk fan and its really the only way I can do it. I will be feeding the corals with reef roids and other supplements if I need it.

Wrap up

Overall, I think I will go with a mixed reef with just corals. I can transport corals back home in a 5 gallon bucket but fish will just complicate that. Any advice or suggestions about my equipment is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[thomas_neil]

Introduction

So this is my first build thread and I would like to collect ideas and criticisms on my plan. I'm in college now and just cannot escape the reefing bug. I had a cheap 5 gallon setup in highschool but it was a total failure. The corals were mostly in stasis, not really growing or dying. There was green hair algae everywhere and it wasn't really a success. I wish I could pinpoint exactly why it failed but honestly, it was probably just a mixture of failures combined. Now, I want to set up a 15 gallon with that knowledge and hopefully aim for success.

The equipment

The tank- I think I will go with a IM fusion 15. Technically, the maximum size of aquariums allowed in my dorm is 10 gallons but just cannot pass up on the deal. I doubt the RA will be able to tell there's an extra 5 gallons somewhere. On a side note, I feel like I'm missing something with the fusion 15. The 10 gallon version is more than double the price for less volume. What's the deal with that?

The Light- Based on what I have found, I think Ill go with a Noopsyche K7 mini. It just seems like one of the better options for cheaper lights but if anyone has a light that they like better, feel free to let me know.

Heater- I still don't really know how to go with the heater. I was thinking of just getting a cheaper Aqueon one but I really don't want that failing on me. I will probably continue to shop around.

Flow- I am a firm believer in randomized flow and I really don't want the flow to just pound the same spot all the time. With this in mind, I'm looking at a Hygger 1600 gph wavemaker. I like the low profile and controllability of it and I think it will control the flow aspect quite nicely.

Filtration- Live rock, a little carbon dosing, activated carbon, and spots for bacteria to grow will probably be the main filtration. I want to keep water changes to a minimum, so I'm walking a fine line.

Water and nutrient top off- I will be dosing kalkwasser through an ato. Its not the smartest idea but I am a huge kalk fan and its really the only way I can do it. I will be feeding the corals with reef roids and other supplements if I need it.

Wrap up

Overall, I think I will go with a mixed reef with just corals. I can transport corals back home in a 5 gallon bucket but fish will just complicate that. Any advice or suggestions about my equipment is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Sounts like its going to be a great build. I have a couple suggestions for your questions.

For the light have you checked out the marketplace on the R2R? You can find really good deals on used or new equipment no one wants anymore. I picked up my AI Prime 16hd for $200 with the mount all new in the box for. Just an idea if you're willing to go used or spend the time looking for new on there.

For the heater id suggest either going cobalt - which are kind of pricy, or bulk reef supply titanium heater with an ink bird controller. The good thing about the inkbird controller is once you have it, you only need to replace heating elements which are fairly cheap.

I have the same wave maker in my 20 gallon just one size up. Great little pump, its quiet and moves water decently. The controller is kind of complicated but that's what youtube is for.

My filtration is pretty similar to what youre looking to do. I dont carbon dose but I use a coarse sponge with filter floss under it then carbon then a fine sponge at the bottom to hold it all in place. My second chamber is my heater and bio block for bacteria. My last chamber is my return pump and ato.

For nutrients I use all for reef mainly for the trace and minor elements. If youre trying to keep nutrients down look into some coral that have high nutrient export. I'm currently working on getting xenia and GSP to grow on my back panel since they have high nutrient export like chato would.

 

[OldRed1]

Different James? For heating, check out the Bulk Reef Supply titanium heating elements married with an Inkbird temperature controller. The redundancy will keep you and your tank safe!

 

[Fishboy James]

Sounts like its going to be a great build. I have a couple suggestions for your questions.

For the light have you checked out the marketplace on the R2R? You can find really good deals on used or new equipment no one wants anymore. I picked up my AI Prime 16hd for $200 with the mount all new in the box for. Just an idea if you're willing to go used or spend the time looking for new on there.

For the heater id suggest either going cobalt - which are kind of pricy, or bulk reef supply titanium heater with an ink bird controller. The good thing about the inkbird controller is once you have it, you only need to replace heating elements which are fairly cheap.

I have the same wave maker in my 20 gallon just one size up. Great little pump, its quiet and moves water decently. The controller is kind of complicated but that's what youtube is for.

My filtration is pretty similar to what youre looking to do. I dont carbon dose but I use a coarse sponge with filter floss under it then carbon then a fine sponge at the bottom to hold it all in place. My second chamber is my heater and bio block for bacteria. My last chamber is my return pump and ato.

For nutrients I use all for reef mainly for the trace and minor elements. If youre trying to keep nutrients down look into some coral that have high nutrient export. I'm currently working on getting xenia and GSP to grow on my back panel since they have high nutrient export like chato would.

After reading your comment, I think I will go with a used light. I found a Kessil A150w skyblue for only $125. In the pictures the light works but the top looks a little rough. Would that be a no go or is it something I could probably fix up?

 

[thomas_neil]

That I’m not sure on, don’t want to give you bad info. Did the seller say how long the light was used for? That would be my first question.

 

[ShaunMc]

If the RA says anything, the display of the IM15 is only 10 gallons and after displacement of its contents, the total actual water volume is likely to be close to 10 gallons.

 

[tautog83]

Just stick with the noopsyche

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

It's a hard pass for $125 on a used A150 in that condition. Looks in very bad shape.

I have an almost brand new A160we with the spectral controller for $220 shipped.