Nano Advise

angus34081 · Apr 23, 2020

I've been away from the hobby for a loooong time and finally want to dive back in. No better place to get advise since I've been away and things have changed since I left. So I'm looking for help setting up a nano reef tank for my daughter to discover and enjoy. I have my old Radion XR30W 1st Gen light(s) that I can use. I have seen that there were upgrade kits but even those came out years ago so not sure where I could even find those to buy.

My goals-
20 gal tank apx
Have the ability to house an assortment of corals.

I guess here are my questions:
=What plug and play set would be the best way to go?
-Should I keep and try to use/upgrade my Radion's or go with whatever the plug and play comes with?
-Set up add on suggestions (powerheads, return pump, skimmer, etc).
-Any other tips or suggestions are always welcome.

Peace River · Apr 23, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!! There are lost of options and I'm sure that others will chime in soon!

SaltyCupcake · Apr 23, 2020

Welcome to R2R!! I'm still brand new so I can't offer any advice yet. Luckily, there are tons of people here who know pretty much everything so I'm sure you'll get a lot of great information that will help you out.

Fred2482 · Apr 23, 2020

Welcome! Waterbox had some affordable options! I would KEEP the radions. Not sure on protein skimmer for a 20 gallon. Return pump should be easy, maybe a sicce?

BeejReef · Apr 23, 2020

Sorry, wouldn't know where to begin. Sure your daughter will love it!

The Aquatic Arsenal · Apr 23, 2020

Brandon Smith · Apr 23, 2020

fishface NJ · Apr 23, 2020

Welcome to R2R!

reef lover · Apr 23, 2020

Welcome to r2r! Look around...the options are endless...

Dr. Phil · Apr 23, 2020

Welcome to R2R!

Dr. Phil · Apr 23, 2020

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Gernader · Apr 23, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!

AcroNem · Apr 23, 2020

welcome! Options are endless really, but I would definitely leave the skimmer out on a 20gal, good carbon and water changes will handle it

P-Dub · Apr 23, 2020

WELCOME to both you and your daughter! The sky is the limit on how you may wish to set up your tank. I say go with the equipment you have and build from there as needed. Don't be afraid of controllers, they have changed the game for me and wouldn't go without, now. The best advice I can give is TAKE IT SLOW, then SLOW down a little more.

KJ · Apr 23, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

Billldg · Apr 23, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

angus34081 · Apr 23, 2020

P-Dub said:
WELCOME to both you and your daughter! The sky is the limit on how you may wish to set up your tank. I say go with the equipment you have and build from there as needed. Don't be afraid of controllers, they have changed the game for me and wouldn't go without, now. The best advice I can give is TAKE IT SLOW, then SLOW down a little more.

I definitely learned that my first time around, SLOW and steady wins the race.
Any idea where I should look for upgrade kit on the radion? I had no luck when I contacted eco directly.

angus34081 · Apr 23, 2020

angus34081 said:
I definitely learned that my first time around, SLOW and steady wins the race.
Any idea where I should look for upgrade kit on the radion? I had no luck when I contacted eco directly.

Also, I never even thought about a controller. I see there are many different options, any recommendations or ones I should avoid?

P-Dub · Apr 23, 2020

angus34081 said:
I definitely learned that my first time around, SLOW and steady wins the race.
Any idea where I should look for upgrade kit on the radion? I had no luck when I contacted eco directly.

Can't help you there on the upgrade. But like I said, go with what you have and see how that works out for you as time goes by.

Fred2482 · Apr 23, 2020

angus34081 said:
Also, I never even thought about a controller. I see there are many different options, any recommendations or ones I should avoid?

I like apex. Its flexible and pretty easy. A lot of people complain about the wifi, however my apex has been connected for a year and the only connectivity loss I ever had was due to an actual internet or power outage . My biggest complaint is the 15 amp total limit on the energy bar!