Hey there everyone. I've been out of reefing for 2 years now (unfortunately) and I'm looking to get back into it. I previously had a 55gal softie/LPS tank with 20gal sump. It was all going well until I got a hitchhiker on a frag from LFS and that was the end of everything. That hitchhiker's name was an algae called dictyota algae and it was a death sentence for the tank. If you aren't familiar with this algae, a quick forum search will yield the result that this algae is a bit of a death sentence. Needless to say, I've learned my lesson and will never run a reef without a quarantine ever again.
Fast forward to the present. I'm more patient and have been surfing forums and everything for these two past years, pining over other people's tanks wishing i could build one up again. Finally the time is coming. I've been slowly getting equipment over the years and have a decent stash of stuff to start a new tank. The problem I face is that I've been gathering equipment for a 60gal reef ready cube that I already have, but it's looking more like I'm gonna need to have a tank considerably smaller. Hopefully in the next 5 years I'll be able to use the 60 gal. Here's a list of equipment I already have:
Brand new 60 gal reef ready cube
16" Evergrow Controllable LED fixture (The Barrier Reef Aquariums one)
SWC 120 Cone Skimmer
2 x BRS Media Reactors
2 x BRS 1.1mL dosing pumps
50GPD RO/DI unit (3 stage plus DI)
Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155
Jebao WP25 &WP10
Jebao DC Return Pump
ReefKeeper Lite w/Temp Probe
filter socks
various test kits
BRS GFO and Carbon
BRS 2-part and magnesium
a few jugs for holding 2-part
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things from that list. But the important thing is that I'm going to have to get a smaller tank and I'm leaning towards the Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Fusion. I have a few questions regarding the consideration of the downsizing.
Of the equipment I already have, what can I still use on the Nuvo?
I'm fairly certain I can use the LED's without a problem, but can the Tunze Osmolator fit in the return section of the "sump" in this tank?
Should I sell the 60gal cube to help fund this nano project? If I don't, will it keep for another 5 years on top of the two I've already had it? It's taking up considerable space and the reality is that I may never get to use it. It's hard to face reality sometimes
For the Nuvo 20, there appears to be a number of "upgrades" that can be purchased. These are the ones I'm planning on getting:
Ghost Skimmer
Magnafuge LED light
2 x Custom Caddy Media Baskets
2 x MiniMaxx media reactors
Heater of some sort (probly cobalt neotherm)
I've read really mixed reviews on the Ghost skimmer, but I'm having a hard time finding a good alternative to it. any suggestions/links? I do not want to do the HOB route and, because of that, I'm ok with the skimmer sticking up above the sump area in the back.
What I want in the tank is for it to be a mixed reef of softies, LPS, maybe SPS (stylophora and birdsnest maybe) and possibly an anemone. I know, I know, its a 20gal system. But one can dream
As far as fish go, I'm either planning on just a frogfish and nothing else, or a pair of clowns for the anemone, some bangaii's, and perhaps something else. I'm very open to suggestions given this is just in the planning stages of everything.
Overall, I'd love some feedback about the plan, the situation, equipment reviews, general advice etc. I'm reasonably handy so I'm all about DIY if you have suggestions in that regard. Thank you in advance!!
Fast forward to the present. I'm more patient and have been surfing forums and everything for these two past years, pining over other people's tanks wishing i could build one up again. Finally the time is coming. I've been slowly getting equipment over the years and have a decent stash of stuff to start a new tank. The problem I face is that I've been gathering equipment for a 60gal reef ready cube that I already have, but it's looking more like I'm gonna need to have a tank considerably smaller. Hopefully in the next 5 years I'll be able to use the 60 gal. Here's a list of equipment I already have:
Brand new 60 gal reef ready cube
16" Evergrow Controllable LED fixture (The Barrier Reef Aquariums one)
SWC 120 Cone Skimmer
2 x BRS Media Reactors
2 x BRS 1.1mL dosing pumps
50GPD RO/DI unit (3 stage plus DI)
Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155
Jebao WP25 &WP10
Jebao DC Return Pump
ReefKeeper Lite w/Temp Probe
filter socks
various test kits
BRS GFO and Carbon
BRS 2-part and magnesium
a few jugs for holding 2-part
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things from that list. But the important thing is that I'm going to have to get a smaller tank and I'm leaning towards the Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Fusion. I have a few questions regarding the consideration of the downsizing.
Of the equipment I already have, what can I still use on the Nuvo?
I'm fairly certain I can use the LED's without a problem, but can the Tunze Osmolator fit in the return section of the "sump" in this tank?
Should I sell the 60gal cube to help fund this nano project? If I don't, will it keep for another 5 years on top of the two I've already had it? It's taking up considerable space and the reality is that I may never get to use it. It's hard to face reality sometimes
For the Nuvo 20, there appears to be a number of "upgrades" that can be purchased. These are the ones I'm planning on getting:
Ghost Skimmer
Magnafuge LED light
2 x Custom Caddy Media Baskets
2 x MiniMaxx media reactors
Heater of some sort (probly cobalt neotherm)
I've read really mixed reviews on the Ghost skimmer, but I'm having a hard time finding a good alternative to it. any suggestions/links? I do not want to do the HOB route and, because of that, I'm ok with the skimmer sticking up above the sump area in the back.
What I want in the tank is for it to be a mixed reef of softies, LPS, maybe SPS (stylophora and birdsnest maybe) and possibly an anemone. I know, I know, its a 20gal system. But one can dream
As far as fish go, I'm either planning on just a frogfish and nothing else, or a pair of clowns for the anemone, some bangaii's, and perhaps something else. I'm very open to suggestions given this is just in the planning stages of everything.Overall, I'd love some feedback about the plan, the situation, equipment reviews, general advice etc. I'm reasonably handy so I'm all about DIY if you have suggestions in that regard. Thank you in advance!!
