Nuvo 30L Build Thread - Started build December 2018

[mwbeach]

I have been out of the hobby for 2.5 years due to a move and not setting up a tank. I had a 29 gallon for several years and had all types of corals in it. This time I am going to setup a Nuvo 30L AIO tank.

I am still working on the equipment list. Here is what I have so far:

Tank - Nuvo 30L. Upgraded media baskets. Upgraded spin nozzles.

Light- Maxspect Ethereal

Sand - Reef Flakes

Rock - Dry rock from prior tank. Been dry for 2.5 years.

Other items haven’t been decided yet. Open to any input on filtration, etc.

 

[mwbeach]

Tank. Brand new. Never seen water.

 

[mwbeach]

Last Weekend: 12/1/2018

Did a water test. No leaks.

Also washed the rock

 

[mwbeach]

12/8/2018

Got the sand and washed it till water is clear. Took about 20 minutes and 10-12 containers of water.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

I really like the Santa Monica Drop Scubber for these tanks.
https://www.marinedepot.com/Santa_M...HoFcDe2ner8e5qQ9KETbGRC5xheAdVTBoCCakQAvD_BwE

It keeps my Nuvo20 at nearly undetectable levels with only a 6 hour lighting period and heavy feeding. I've been using it for about 9ish months. I know its a little pricey but just something to consider.

Also imo skip the skimmer if you plan to do water changes at all. They just don't translate well to smaller tanks.

 

[mwbeach]

I really like the Santa Monica Drop Scubber for these tanks.
https://www.marinedepot.com/Santa_M...HoFcDe2ner8e5qQ9KETbGRC5xheAdVTBoCCakQAvD_BwE

It keeps my Nuvo20 at nearly undetectable levels with only a 6 hour lighting period and heavy feeding. I've been using it for about 9ish months. I know its a little pricey but just something to consider.

Also imo skip the skimmer if you plan to do water changes at all. They just don't translate well to smaller tanks.

Thanks for letting me know. I’ll check it out!

 

[mwbeach]

12/13/18

Put the sand and rock in. Went through 7 variations and have landed on this for now. Open to suggestions if you have any.

 

[mwbeach]

12/14/18

Today is the day to get it all started. Added water, heater and started with Seachem Stability.

 

[Synner Reef]

Loving the arch on the left with the slope on the right! Did you use a binding agent to hold them into place?I see future corals and shrimps hanging underneath! Exciting.

 

[mwbeach]

Loving the arch on the left with the slope on the right! Did you use a binding agent to hold them into place?I see future corals and shrimps hanging underneath! Exciting.

Thanks. Appreciate it! I am not using a binding agent. It actually feels very sturdy. I have used the putty before and it works well though. I’m not 100% convinced this is how I will keep it, which is why I’m not using it yet. Once I am 100% certain I like the layout, I will stick it all together with putty.

 

[mwbeach]

12/15/18 @ 4:11pm

Added a shrimp and second dose of Stability.

 

[mwbeach]

12/15/18 - 8:30pm

First water test

 

[mwbeach]

12/16/18

Ammonia is starting to go up!

 

[Synner Reef]

Feed my beautiful bacteria! Feed!

 

[mwbeach]

12/17/18

Ammonia is continuing to rise. At 3.0 now. Waiting on the Nitrite to kick in

 

[mwbeach]

12/17/18

Checked ammonia and nitrite this afternoon. Ammonia is at 6 and nitrite at 0. I have pulled the shrimp out now and going to let the ammonia hopefully start dropping.

 

[mwbeach]

12/18/18

Little confused on this.... ammonia at 6 yesterday. Took out the shrimp. Ammonia is at 3 today. Nitrite and nitrate are the same at 0 though...

Any ideas?

 

[mwbeach]

12/19/18

Ammonia still at 3. No changes anywhere else

 

[mwbeach]

12/20/18

Ammonia still at 3. Nitrites and nitrates still at 0.

Starting to wonder if the Seachem Stability is not working. Ordered a bottle of Dr Tim’s today.

 

[mwbeach]

12/21/18

Looks like there is starting to have a little movement. Ammonia still at 3. Nitrites are very low but did see a small light shade of purple. Nitrate is at 0

Glad to start seeing a slight shift.