saltylilthang
Active Member
After having so many run-in's with my little 13.5 nano saltwater and wanting to downsize my aquarium collections overall, I decided to upgrade my saltwater tank and downgrade my very disgusting freshwater tank that had a huge algea issue. After giving away the plants, decor, and just one betta (as all other fish were transfered to another tank) I decided that the filter system fluval has set up in their tanks SUCK if you need super nice filktration! We all know how needy saltwater is so I needed something way better. So out the window the old one went!
I didn't mind gutting this tank as I got it for an amazing deal with the cabinet for $200 (no leaks/no cracks/only 2 years old I promise my floors will be okay and I have used it for 6 months with no leaks
). Down the line, I will upgrade the top to be a clear acrylic and of course another AI Prime will be purchased and set up. Most of what is in the nano will be moved over such as the AI Prime, the UV Sterilizer,rocks, sand, and of course my clowns, snails and sexy shrimp~! I have a top off system and will have to figure out a soluton for a smaller holding tub so I can stick it in the stand. I hope that in 2025 I can add more fish and finally restock the blue hermit crab colony. And of course, get more coral.I had a recent death wtih several and I think bigger will help me keep consistent numbers.
Now first thing first is the filter! I decided canister is the way to go. I did my research on my end and yes, canister filters are fine but I will have to change up the filter media so it works with my tank. A sump system is still scary to a newbie like me so this is my big girl next step.
I find chemipure elite works well and I plan to add LOADS biological media. I will keep the original 2 filter pads in the canister (top and bottom) and clean those out as needed but also change them out periodocally. In the middle I will have chemipire and biologicaal media. I decided to go with OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 350 as someone recommended on here and I took my chances even if it was way out of my budget. Anything for my salty little fish. I wanted an integrated heater in my filter as I hate the clutter of it all in the tank. Of course, living in a warm climate helps keep the water warm. If winter brings cold fronts, I do not mind sticking an extra heater into the tank. I will make some sacrifices a few months out of the year.
SIDENOTE: I also use OASE skimmer for my nano freshwater and that little gadget catches EVERYTHING.
I will already have to place the UV Sterilizer in tHe back area and use my rock scape to hide it all. This filter, although best with tanks up to 90 gallons, will be pushing out 300GPH so the hope it I do not have to add future wave makers I HOPE.
I am still figuring out placement but the spray nozzle and intake nozzle placement makes me content. Of course, that ugly canister will be hidden.
For now, this is all I have! I am hoping to get some rocks and sand this coming weeks and starting the slow cycling process. I will be using the OG lid to keep condensation down for the first few months of having nothing in this tank but I will be getting a custom lid down the line. Hope everyone can keep up with my journey. I love this hobby and pumped to get it going again!
I didn't mind gutting this tank as I got it for an amazing deal with the cabinet for $200 (no leaks/no cracks/only 2 years old I promise my floors will be okay and I have used it for 6 months with no leaks
). Down the line, I will upgrade the top to be a clear acrylic and of course another AI Prime will be purchased and set up. Most of what is in the nano will be moved over such as the AI Prime, the UV Sterilizer,rocks, sand, and of course my clowns, snails and sexy shrimp~! I have a top off system and will have to figure out a soluton for a smaller holding tub so I can stick it in the stand. I hope that in 2025 I can add more fish and finally restock the blue hermit crab colony. And of course, get more coral.I had a recent death wtih several and I think bigger will help me keep consistent numbers.Now first thing first is the filter! I decided canister is the way to go. I did my research on my end and yes, canister filters are fine but I will have to change up the filter media so it works with my tank. A sump system is still scary to a newbie like me so this is my big girl next step.
I find chemipure elite works well and I plan to add LOADS biological media. I will keep the original 2 filter pads in the canister (top and bottom) and clean those out as needed but also change them out periodocally. In the middle I will have chemipire and biologicaal media. I decided to go with OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 350 as someone recommended on here and I took my chances even if it was way out of my budget. Anything for my salty little fish. I wanted an integrated heater in my filter as I hate the clutter of it all in the tank. Of course, living in a warm climate helps keep the water warm. If winter brings cold fronts, I do not mind sticking an extra heater into the tank. I will make some sacrifices a few months out of the year.
SIDENOTE: I also use OASE skimmer for my nano freshwater and that little gadget catches EVERYTHING.
I will already have to place the UV Sterilizer in tHe back area and use my rock scape to hide it all. This filter, although best with tanks up to 90 gallons, will be pushing out 300GPH so the hope it I do not have to add future wave makers
I HOPE.I am still figuring out placement but the spray nozzle and intake nozzle placement makes me content. Of course, that ugly canister will be hidden.
For now, this is all I have! I am hoping to get some rocks and sand this coming weeks and starting the slow cycling process. I will be using the OG lid to keep condensation down for the first few months of having nothing in this tank but I will be getting a custom lid down the line. Hope everyone can keep up with my journey. I love this hobby and pumped to get it going again!
