Nuvo build

[Dl0reef]

Hey Reef2Reef I am starting my first ever reef tank. I’m going to start from the beginning. So basically a bit after Christmas I went to the lfs and was looking for a reef tank to buy. I was originally looking at the nuvo 40 because of its size but then I saw the 20. It had the 2 skkye led’s with clamps, 2 filter socks, came with 25 gallons worth of salt mix, and was 185.00 dollars. I decided to buy and well that’s how I got the tank. Let’s fast forward to yesterday. I went to the lfs and saw that they were selling the caribsea dry rock for 2 bucks a pound. They let me build a aquascape there and I left with 18 pounds of rock and some Hawaiian black sand. I then put the rock work in and added the sand. Now I’m waiting on my order of the Red Sea test kits to come in before I start the cycle. As some of y’all know on the back of the nuvo’s there are sections for the heater and filter socks. My plan is to put a mini refugium, innovative marine custom caddy, filter sock and maybe the im ghost skimmer. (That slot is still up to debate). What would some of y’all recommend in place for the skimmer.

The stock list I am looking at right now is:
Royal gramma
Fire fish
Yasha/pistol shrimp pair
2 snowflake clowns.
(Fish will be added in that order)

I have a current USA loop wave maker and plan on adding a Neptune apex in the near future and quarantining/dipping anything that is wet. Keep in mind I am working off of a budget that a 14 year old makes (not much).

Is there anything y’all would recommend before I put the water in?

Thanks for reading and wish me luck.
*Pic of aquascape below*

 

[Reefer Deez]

Looks great! Sounds like your all ready to go. Don’t forget that the cycle may take a couple of days longer with the Red Sea mature kit because of the dry rock. If that’s how you plan to cycle. Good luck and I look forward to seeing how everything turns out! Cycle that sucker!

 

[samnaz]

Good luck! You are off to a great start.

One thing, if I were you, I’d hold off on the apex... just considering your budget and all. Sure it’s a handy piece of equipment but I’ve had a 20 gallon for two years without a controller and never felt it was needed. Maybe I’m totally missing out? I dunno. Only time I ever consider one is when I’m about to go on vacation. I have seperate controllers for my lights and my heater... all I need. So I guess I’m curious why you’ve got your eyes on one so soon? I recommend you spend your hard earned money on essential and fun stuff but that’s just me...

 

[Dl0reef]

Extra pic

 

[Dl0reef]

Plans

So Friday I am planning on going to the lfs and buying the royal gramma and placing him in quarantine so when my tank is done cycling I can add him immediately.

Corals
So in my tank I am going to have a mixed reef with mostly softies, lps and a few montiporas. To the left of the tank there is a large flat rock that I will “attempt” to turn into a zoa garden. To the far right I plan on “attempting” to have a acan garden. Below the overhang I am hoping to add some low par/flow corals such as blasto’s. I am hoping that my shrimp/goby pair live in the cave that I’ve kind of carved out for them below the overhang. Above the overhang I am planning on adding a massive montipora in the middle with torches and hammers to the left and right. My goal is to have to no rock being shown except the overhang. What do y’all think about my plans?

 

[Dl0reef]

Looks great! Sounds like your all ready to go. Don’t forget that the cycle may take a couple of days longer with the Red Sea mature kit because of the dry rock. If that’s how you plan to cycle. Good luck and I look forward to seeing how everything turns out! Cycle that sucker!

Thank you and I will [emoji23][emoji23].

 

[Dl0reef]

Good luck! You are off to a great start.

One thing, if I were you, I’d hold off on the apex... just considering your budget and all. Sure it’s a handy piece of equipment but I’ve had a 20 gallon for two years without a controller and never felt it was needed. Maybe I’m totally missing out? I dunno. Only time I ever consider one is when I’m about to go on vacation. I have seperate controllers for my lights and my heater... all I need. So I guess I’m curious why you’ve got your eyes on one so soon? I recommend you spend your hard earned money on essential and fun stuff but that’s just me...

I think I’ll take your advice and hold off from the apex and buy some convenience items such as a ato and rodi unit.