New Reefer trying a Nuvo 20

[Kmore1219]

Hi everyone, this will be my first saltwater tank and I am super super stoked about it. Ive decided to go with a Nuvo 20 since I've looked at a lot of other threads about it and I'm loving the look and versatility of it. Since I'm a college student I will be attempting to run off a college budget for this (luckily I just landed a solid job) which brings up my first question for everyone, where to stand my tank. I have a huge desk from Ikea http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60245721/ and I only use about half of it so I figured one side of it will be perfect for the tank, my only thought is just how good it will be at holding the weight. I hope to not spend the extra $100 for a stand since I can definitely use that money in other areas.

As for what my equipment is going to be so far I have decided on:
-Reef Saver Rock
- 20lb Arag-Alive sand
-Red Sea Coral Salt Mix
-Cobalt Aquatics 75 Watt heater
-Kessil A160WE Light
- Definitely going to be using the filter socks that came to use some carbon, heard about using Chemi-Pure Nano and may go that route.

Obviously with having the Kessil I definitely plan on adding some corals although since this is my first tank I plan on sticking to the easier ones to care for, any good suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am hoping for some suggestions on a good powerhead and other useful equipment. Since my new job is work from home I plan on maintaining the tank with water changes and will easily be able to top off the tank on my own until I splurge on the ATO.

Sorry for such the long post with so much information, Im super excited for this tank and want to be sure to start it off as best as I can.

 

[jsker]

Welcome to,Reef 2 Reef, and reefing. Powerhead, look at the hydor powerheads.

 

[Shep]

That table might be able to hold the weight but it would worry me lol and look at hydor for powerheads and ATOs. They make really high quality stuff for any budget and tank

 

[RobBaglieri]

I have the same tank. Its a great way to start. I have one hydor and one tunze powerheads that alternate. Not sure if a 75 watt heater is adequate. I am running the ehime 100 watt in my tank and temperature seems stable.

 

[ZJedi945]

Looks like a great setup for sure. ChemiPure Elite has saved my but a few times, I would run it for sure. I would think for sure that a 75 heater would be fine. Just be careful with those Cobalt heaters. I would go with the Hydor Nanos. They are small and provide great flow for a tank of that size. Oh and welcome to R2R!

 

[SJ-reefer]

Glad to have you, I also have that tank. Using a Jebao rw4 currently for flow and I upgraded the stock pump to a marineland 300gph I had laying around.

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Kmore1219]

Marked off the spot where my tank will be sitting, just started the fall semester so things have been hectic lately. I am really hoping to get the tank started within the next month, and yes, that money jar is dedicated to my tank.

 

[Kmore1219]

Finally bought my tank, some rock , and salt today. Should be here next week and then ill be picking up a powerhead and heater so I can get everything started!

 

[Kmore1219]

The day has come!

 

[Kmore1219]

Tank is sitting on my desk so I can stare at it as I work all day. Perks of having an at home job.

 

[Kmore1219]

Any thoughts on the scape?

 

[Albz]

Any thoughts on the scape?

looking good! nice

 

[sil40sx]

Nice rockscape,. I would do mine similar to that If i would be given a chance to redo mine.

 

[jsker]

So what did you finally end up with going with equipment? like the rock scape also, and a rimless with a clean look.

 

[jwhann6]

Love the aquascape! Look forward to seeing it progress. Keep it up!

 

[Kmore1219]

So what did you finally end up with going with equipment? like the rock scape also, and a rimless with a clean look.

I went with the Hydor Koralia 565 and a 100 watt Cobalt heater. Got a good deal on both of them so I'm pretty excited to test them out.

 

[Chrisfish]

Welcome!! Love nano tanks I have a 30 gal., and your rockscape is awesome. This hobby is very addicting. Can't wait to see it stocked. Oh and some of the best advice given on this forum ...... Take it slow and do lots of research.

 

[Kmore1219]

Welcome!! Love nano tanks I have a 30 gal., and your rockscape is awesome. This hobby is very addicting. Can't wait to see it stocked. Oh and some of the best advice given on this forum ...... Take it slow and do lots of research.

Yeah I plan on taking it pretty slow but not by choice lol, just working on a college kid budget and would rather go slow and save money for all the good equipment rather than rush and get some cheap stuff. I plan on letting the rock cycle in the tank for quite some time and buy more equipment as I wait.

 

[jwhann6]

Yeah I plan on taking it pretty slow but not by choice lol, just working on a college kid budget and would rather go slow and save money for all the good equipment rather than rush and get some cheap stuff. I plan on letting the rock cycle in the tank for quite some time and buy more equipment as I wait.

As a recently graduated college student who kept a reef tank throughout school, you seem to have the right idea. Take your time, buy good equipment slowly as you begin to need it and stay within your budget.

Only other general advice I can give for keeping a nano like this is to not overstock it. Like everyone else has said, parameters change much quicker in smaller tanks and having a heavy bioload will only make it harder to keep them stable.

Thanks for sharing your build and good luck!