New Fluval EVO 5 Nano Build

[Dustinc1983]

Hello R2R ! I’m just doing a simple Fluval EVO 5 nano build and thought I would post some pictures, information and opinions. All feedback welcome! I will be moving some rock, CUC and a clown into the new EVO from a current established 2 year old tank. I purchased the EVO for $79.99 new, on sale from MSRP $109.99.

I received the EVO and upon unpacking I immediately noticed some scuffs, scratches, the LED bracket was bent and the threaded hole for the screw to tighten against the glass was stripped! I returned and got a replacement. New one arrived yesterday and is perfect. Clearly the previous one was opened and damaged. Moving on...

First thoughts (replacement) on the EVO 5. Build quality seems good for the price! LED housing is waterproof aluminum, plastic tank lid is sturdy and clear, all parts fit snug, glass seals good and clean, filtration is basic but adequate (foam, carbon, biomax) circulation pump is fair and is a tight fit with the power cord. Funny observation the pump says “freshwater only” even though this is sold as a saltwater kit. I assume it’s a spec V with a slightly better light: 11,000k , 7.4W 37 LEDs, 759 lumens.

I replaced the carbon with chemi-pure blue nano packets. Will use stock foam for initial set-up (maybe a little floss) and stock biomax.

Ive used around 5 lbs of CaribSea aragonite dry sand. Rinsed and rinsed until water was clear.

Will be adding some live rock from my existing tank (maybe 5-7 pounds) I plan to add some freshly mixed salt water 2.5 gallons and add remaining water from my other tank (not sure if this is ideal but seems okay; all parameters good)

Here are some first pics:

 

[Dustinc1983]

Put some water in last night and some rock.. still a little cloudy. I think I will add in some more rock today as well

 

[Dustinc1983]

Some corals in.. Duncan, Kenya tree branch (was stuck to my rock), Frogspawn (closed up in the move) green stylophora .. wonder if the stylophora will grow under this stock light? It started out as a tiny nub.. also looks like my Duncan has 3 new heads blossoming as well.

 

[Alex808]

Cool Set up. This was initially what I wanted to invest in but decided to go the budget route. Spent 90 bucks on the Fluval Nano light instead lol.
How’s the flow in this thing? I added a power head aimed side ways and it covers all corners.

 

[Dustinc1983]

Looks great! I’ve always loved the pick/nano reefs. Do you have just the two clowns ? I was thinking one clown but he/she might be bored

The flow isn’t amazing I can tell already. I do have some koralia nanos laying around. I might toss a 425 in there but then that might be to much haha. I think they make a 225?

 

[Peace River]

Nice setup! Even with a 10g nano it can be difficult to keep up with top offs and maintain stability. Do you have any plans for an ATO?

 

[Alex808]

Looks great! I’ve always loved the pick/nano reefs. Do you have just the two clowns ? I was thinking one clown but he/she might be bored

The flow isn’t amazing I can tell already. I do have some koralia nanos laying. I might toss a 425 in there but then that might be to much haha. I think they make a 225 or so.

2 clowns. A sexy shrimp and a cleaner shrimp. A red and a blue hermit crab and some snails. Definitely get some flow though. Once the power head was installed, everything really came to life.

 

[Dustinc1983]

Nice ! I have a cleaner shrimp in another nano to add in tomorrow and I think I’ll toss in a power head. I’ve always been diligent with manual topping off but an ATO has crossed my mind now with a 5 gallon. Any budget recommendations ? Seems like everyone I see is more money than the tank.

 

[Peace River]

Nice ! I have a cleaner shrimp in another nano to add in tomorrow and I think I’ll toss in a power head. I’ve always been diligent with manual topping off but an ATO has crossed my mind now with a 5 gallon. Any budget recommendations ? Seems like everyone I see is more money than the tank.

Yes, you're right that they're not inexpensive. One option for a nano ATO that I've seen is the Smart ATO Micro 120P.

 

[Alex808]

Nice ! I have a cleaner shrimp in another nano to add in tomorrow and I think I’ll toss in a power head. I’ve always been diligent with manual topping off but an ATO has crossed my mind now with a 5 gallon. Any budget recommendations ? Seems like everyone I see is more money than the tank.

I’m fortunate enough with this set up that evaporation is kind of slow. I have a cover that I took off for the pictures because it’s a crude diy and doesn’t add much to the aesthetic of the tank. Honestly haven’t looked much into an ATO because my maintenance routine is so low.

 

[Dustinc1983]

Cleaner shrimp is happy exploring his new nano, thinking of adding a rock flower anemone ..

I have noticed the return pump is a little noIsy. I might not have it fully in place on the bottom; it’s a tight fit!

 

[Dustinc1983]

Need to add some color.. things look a little underwhelming with white light.

 

[Dustinc1983]

Introduced a frostbite clown 35 days ago. Everything normal, eating good, tank parameters good.. woke up today and he died. No other fish in tank. A little strange...

 

[Peace River]

Wow. I'm truly sorry to hear about the loss of your fish.

#reefsquad

 

[Dustinc1983]

I have noticed a 3-3.5 degree F temp change from night to day. (small 50w in rear chamber) I am wondering if this is too much of a swing for a 5 gallon nano. Funny the corals are always happy...

 

[Dustinc1983]

Thank you. It’s a bummer when you don’t have a good explanation as to what happened. Might explore a different single fish because a couple years back a clown pair died unexpectedly after about 6 months in tank. (Bigger tank then)