Tips for a new Red Sea Max nano owner

[jkuhl]

I just purchased the RS Nano Peninsula and wanted to hear from any owners or people experienced with these tanks here, about tips or must have mods. I've discovered a mod for the sump that prevents the skimmer chamber runoff from getting into the return and figured other users might have comparable solutions, or other tips...

I bought my tank from Aquarium Care Center and hope the process goes smoothly. They were easily the least expensive among online dealers. We'll see how it shakes out.

I'm thinking of starting with softies and things I'm familiar with before venturing into more difficult territory. I've never dosed or used supplements in the past and have always relied on weekly/biweekly 10% water changes. I test for the regular variables and also have the salifert mag test. I make my own rodi salt water and use the same rodi for my ato. The nano cube has been fun and a great learning experience but I need more real estate to comfortably and healthily introduce more critters.

Would love to have a discussion regarding this gear and if other better setups exist in the same price range. Thanks everyone.

 

[OfficeReefer]

Hello @jkuhl and welcome to R2R!

I have this tank just outside my office actually, it's a decent tank. To be totally candid and honest here, the best thing I can recommend is to not worry about that mod to begin with, as it assumes one uses their lighting and skimmer, along with ATO. Get your own ATO and ditch the provided unit, as it won't last more than 48 hrs at 75F. Additionally, you'll need this space for a heater and this is where I recommend getting a decent controller, either from CoralVue or from Neptune Systems. Before you make this decision, here's the hard part but the most honest recommendation I can make.

The AIO portion is decent but the supplied skimmer and pump and not that great. Get a better pump, preferably something like the Sicce Syncra SDC 3.0 which can be tuned in and remotely controlled for better effects. The skimmer in the back is still somewhat noisy and doesn't perform that well, there are a few that fit from other companies, but the best option is to add the sump upgrade for the Max Nano and E170. This requires the proper cabinet and pipe set (included with the sump kit). If you have this, you'll be much happier, as you can choose whatever skimmer you wish, plus the filter socks that come with this are kinda garbage and there is a Reef Mat accessory made for this. You'll also have a refugium of course as well for nutrient export and for other neat life you don't wish to keep in the DT, not to mention the easier means of adding a UV for clearer water and better livestock health.

Earlier, we briefly discussed the controller and that's where the app and safety should be the main focus. I personally, don't want a bunch of apps to control my tank and the simpler is usually my go to, but I would consider things like, does it work when my power is out and what not. I would also consider what lighting and wave pumps you add, since these and the heater, along with other upgrades, can be controlled and monitored. The Red Sea app and system is somewhat closed here, hence I have theirs and Neptune's hardware. If I were doing this again, I might look at CoralVue. Is this a bit much for a AIO, yes... would I still recommend most of it anyways, absolutely.

P.S. The filter sock really is junk.

 

[jkuhl]

Hello @jkuhl and welcome to R2R!

I have this tank just outside my office actually, it's a decent tank. To be totally candid and honest here, the best thing I can recommend is to not worry about that mod to begin with, as it assumes one uses their lighting and skimmer, along with ATO. Get your own ATO and ditch the provided unit, as it won't last more than 48 hrs at 75F. Additionally, you'll need this space for a heater and this is where I recommend getting a decent controller, either from CoralVue or from Neptune Systems. Before you make this decision, here's the hard part but the most honest recommendation I can make.

The AIO portion is decent but the supplied skimmer and pump and not that great. Get a better pump, preferably something like the Sicce Syncra SDC 3.0 which can be tuned in and remotely controlled for better effects. The skimmer in the back is still somewhat noisy and doesn't perform that well, there are a few that fit from other companies, but the best option is to add the sump upgrade for the Max Nano and E170. This requires the proper cabinet and pipe set (included with the sump kit). If you have this, you'll be much happier, as you can choose whatever skimmer you wish, plus the filter socks that come with this are kinda garbage and there is a Reef Mat accessory made for this. You'll also have a refugium of course as well for nutrient export and for other neat life you don't wish to keep in the DT, not to mention the easier means of adding a UV for clearer water and better livestock health.

Earlier, we briefly discussed the controller and that's where the app and safety should be the main focus. I personally, don't want a bunch of apps to control my tank and the simpler is usually my go to, but I would consider things like, does it work when my power is out and what not. I would also consider what lighting and wave pumps you add, since these and the heater, along with other upgrades, can be controlled and monitored. The Red Sea app and system is somewhat closed here, hence I have theirs and Neptune's hardware. If I were doing this again, I might look at CoralVue. Is this a bit much for a AIO, yes... would I still recommend most of it anyways, absolutely.

P.S. The filter sock really is junk.

Thank you very much for the thoughtful and detailed reply. Will the nano cabinet not house the under tank red sea sump? I realize this isn't an inexpensive hobby but initially, I wanted to do my best with the included gear. An ato and controller were likely in the cards anyway but I was hoping I could get some use out of the stock skimmer before looking at alternatives or building an entirely new sump. Does the return pump have adequate flow in your opinion and what's your take on the light? Going from a 12 gallon jbj to this setup represents a big leap in terms of price for me but I guess I was naive to believe I could get by with the included equipment hahaha. In addition to a better ato, a controller and a heater, I was also anticipating getting a controllable wave maker and a mesh lid. Any suggestion here would be greatly appreciated too.

 

[OfficeReefer]

I think the RS Max Nano cabinet will, but it will be a tight fit. I think the ATO sits on top of the sump as it does with the 170 and Reefer 250 but I cannot be certain on this.

The ATO is not helpful, toss this item first and under it is where you can fit a decent heater. The sock sorta works but I know some that have 3d printed a cup, much like the Reefer 250 and larger have as a second place for chemipure blue/elite and the like, however you already have a lower spot in the back for this (unless you install the sump upgrade).
They put extra carbon in there and what not and use just filter floss, cut into squares on top of this. Might be the best bet and would be similar to what you are doing with the Fluval and InTank basket accessory.

The return pump has decent flow for AIO but is all it would be. I would be surprised if it put more than 100gph or so.
The Red Sea lights do work and they work with their app and other items, I run these, their ReefMat, their ReefDose4 and pumps, hence the lights. I control everything else with the Apex.

Get whatever lid works for you, I don't do any because I'm always looking for reasons to get a new fish ;-)

 

[jkuhl]

I think the RS Max Nano cabinet will, but it will be a tight fit. I think the ATO sits on top of the sump as it does with the 170 and Reefer 250 but I cannot be certain on this.

The ATO is not helpful, toss this item first and under it is where you can fit a decent heater. The sock sorta works but I know some that have 3d printed a cup, much like the Reefer 250 and larger have as a second place for chemipure blue/elite and the like, however you already have a lower spot in the back for this (unless you install the sump upgrade).
They put extra carbon in there and what not and use just filter floss, cut into squares on top of this. Might be the best bet and would be similar to what you are doing with the Fluval and InTank basket accessory.

The return pump has decent flow for AIO but is all it would be. I would be surprised if it put more than 100gph or so.
The Red Sea lights do work and they work with their app and other items, I run these, their ReefMat, their ReefDose4 and pumps, hence the lights. I control everything else with the Apex.

Get whatever lid works for you, I don't do any because I'm always looking for reasons to get a new fish ;-)

Okay, awesome info. I've been using pillow floss and chemipure blue nano along with live rock as my only source of filtration for a while now in my 12g. I've never used a filter sock. I always buy a big bag of pillow floss and change it two day. I did macro (chaeto) in the rear chamber with a fuge light but didn't have great success. I haven't used a skimmer since my 55g and when I did, I had phenomenal results. I definitely plan to use a skimmer on the 26g and the idea of a sump, while not something my wallet would enjoy, seems like the next logical step before I get into dosing machines etc. Thanks again for your help. What kind of livestock do you have in yours?

 

[OfficeReefer]

Okay, awesome info. I've been using pillow floss and chemipure blue nano along with live rock as my only source of filtration for a while now in my 12g. I've never used a filter sock. I always buy a big bag of pillow floss and change it two day. I did macro (chaeto) in the rear chamber with a fuge light but didn't have great success. I haven't used a skimmer since my 55g and when I did, I had phenomenal results. I definitely plan to use a skimmer on the 26g and the idea of a sump, while not something my wallet would enjoy, seems like the next logical step before I get into dosing machines etc. Thanks again for your help. What kind of livestock do you have in yours?

If you do water changes, you won't need dosing in most cases.

For which tank?

The current Reefer 250 has

3x Chromis
2x Percula Clowns
1x Tomini Tang
1x Flame Angel

I have several LPS across the bottom that I saved from my Max Nano. I should get some pictures but I am not that excited about it and cables aren't that tidy. I have been busy at work and will probably add more in the next few weeks.

 

[Remy_the_Knife]

Sicce SDC 3.0 won't fit in a Max Nano or Nano Peninsula. I bought one at a LFS and it's too big to fit in the back chamber unfortunately. I'd love it if Sicce made a DC pump that was wifi controllable but smaller to fit in it ;-(

 

[OfficeReefer]

Aw, shucks. @Remy_the_Knife I just broke mine out for you (I have this tank broken down for cleaning at the moment). It appears to fit perfectly but you'll need to remove the mushroom looking guard off the intake for it to fit.

 

[Remy_the_Knife]

Aw, shucks. @Remy_the_Knife I just broke mine out for you (I have this tank broken down for cleaning at the moment). It appears to fit perfectly but you'll need to remove the mushroom looking guard off the intake for it to fit.

really?! it was a SDC 3.0? When I tried putting it all the way to the sump bottom it hit the frame that holds the charcoal bag. Would you have pictures? did it go all the way to the bottom of the sump area?

 

[OfficeReefer]

I can't confirm that it goes to the bottom, but I will try to look this weekend. I'm not entirely sure that this is a possibility for the Nano, but there's a sump upgrade for the 170 that might work.

 

[Remy_the_Knife]

I can't confirm that it goes to the bottom, but I will try to look this weekend. I'm not entirely sure that this is a possibility for the Nano, but there's a sump upgrade for the 170 that might work.

Just wondering if you ever got to see if you could get the Sicce to fit all the way into the bottom of the return chamber?

 

[OfficeReefer]

I apologize @Remy_the_Knife. I briefly attempted it and noticed it wouldn't fit unless placed at 90 degrees. I don't believe this model can reverse flow, but I could be wrong. If not, you are correct that it doesn't quite fit without modifying the sump area.

 

[Remy_the_Knife]

I apologize @Remy_the_Knife. I briefly attempted it and noticed it wouldn't fit unless placed at 90 degrees. I don't believe this model can reverse flow, but I could be wrong. If not, you are correct that it doesn't quite fit without modifying the sump area.

Ok thanks. I saw it fit at a 90. Just wondering if I could put an elbow out of the output and connect it to the return tube. If I try it and it works I’ll let everybody know