Nano Cube 24 Beginner Tank

[Captngutts]

My first tank is about to begin next week! (I’m not counting the 5 gallon my wife sprung upon me at the beginning of January, which is cycled and going well so far.)
MY TANK is an old Nano Cube 24 with some upgrades. Media tower for the first chamber, 2nd chamber I’d like to turn into a refugium and have made modifications towards that end. I look to use a Tunze 8821Echochic light in the refugium and run some Chaeto hopefully. Caulerpa perhaps? ‍ New return pump. Surface skimmer upgrade. Prime 16 LED Reef Light & shade/diffuser w/ 12 inch flex arm mount. (Due next week!) I’m also awaiting the arrival of my Kraken Reef lid! Very excited! This is all part of a basement remodeling project and hopefully I can find some success with a few starter tanks and work up to a 180 or 200 gallon tank. Small steps first though!

 

[vetteguy53081]

My first tank is about to begin next week! (I’m not counting the 5 gallon my wife sprung upon me at the beginning of January, which is cycled and going well so far.)
MY TANK is an old Nano Cube 24 with some upgrades. Media tower for the first chamber, 2nd chamber I’d like to turn into a refugium and have made modifications towards that end. I look to use a Tunze 8821Echochic light in the refugium and run some Chaeto hopefully. Caulerpa perhaps? ‍ New return pump. Surface skimmer upgrade. Prime 16 LED Reef Light & shade/diffuser w/ 12 inch flex arm mount. (Due next week!) I’m also awaiting the arrival of my Kraken Reef lid! Very excited! This is all part of a basement remodeling project and hopefully I can find some success with a few starter tanks and work up to a 180 or 200 gallon tank. Small steps first though! View attachment 3012767

These are versatile and easy to maintain systems and should go well for you

 

[Captngutts]

Technically, this is the first….the surprise from my wife… which I’ve successfully cycled for her. I’ll call it her tank though! Nitrates are elevated currently but everything else is good. I was attempting a makeshift hang on back refugium with grow light and some chaeto but not so optimistic about that experiment.

 

[Schulks]

What is that thermometer on the 5 gallon?
It looks really cool

 

[Captngutts]

What is that thermometer on the 5 gallon?
It looks really cool

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Technically, this is the first….the surprise from my wife… which I’ve successfully cycled for her. I’ll call it her tank though! Nitrates are elevated currently but everything else is good. I was attempting a makeshift hang on back refugium with grow light and some chaeto but not so optimistic about that experiment.
View attachment 3012784

Tank is looking good!!!

 

[Captngutts]

Technically, this is the first….the surprise from my wife… which I’ve successfully cycled for her. I’ll call it her tank though! Nitrates are elevated currently but everything else is good. I was attempting a makeshift hang on back refugium with grow light and some chaeto but not so optimistic about that experiment.

Technically, this is the first….the surprise from my wife… which I’ve successfully cycled for her. I’ll call it her tank though! Nitrates are elevated currently but everything else is good. I was attempting a makeshift hang on back refugium with grow light and some chaeto but not so optimistic about that experiment.
View attachment 3012784

A few more additional items for the 5 gallon... Until the larger tank is up & running.

 

[Schulks]

Mandarain dragonet!!
does he eat frozen foods? I wasn't considering one for my 24g cube but you kept one in a 5 gallon.
I do have a refugium. hmm..

 

[Captngutts]

Mandarain dragonet!!
does he eat frozen foods? I wasn't considering one for my 24g cube but you kept one in a 5 gallon.
I do have a refugium. hmm..

He's temporarily in the 5 gallon and will be moved to my 24 gallon NanoCube shortly. He’s been dining on freeze dried, but I recently added live copepods to the tank and he loves them! Has been hunting and feasting!

 

[Captngutts]

One more step closer! Got my AI Prime 16 HD Reef light yesterday. I’m only awaiting the delivery of the stand and Kraken Reef Lid to start cycling this bad-boy! (Very excited)
ATO & reservoir are due as well but all I really need to get this off the ground and start the cycle is the stand. Pictures, of course, will be forthcoming.

 

[Captngutts]

New lid arrived. That about does it. Water goes in tomorrow and the cycling begins!

 

[Captngutts]

Water goes in...

 

[Captngutts]

The cycling begins! Dr. Tim’s added and away we go!

 

[Captngutts]

While the cycle progresses, I'll start adding some things...like an ATO! 5 gallon reservoir on floor beside tank. Sensor and refill point shown...

 

[Captngutts]

My plan for a refugium begins with some mods to tank & a Tunze submersible light. (Cord management begins to be an issue.) Now, what macroalgea? Caulerpa? Chaeto?

 

[Captngutts]

Two tanks have water now! Very excited. Some livestock will be moved to bigger Nano-Cube when safe to do so. Hopefully that can help with the cycling process too but I’ll err on the side of caution.
The 40 gallon with sump (20 gallon long) awaits, but I'm in no hurry. I've got to build out the sump for it from a kit.... A DIY type of thing that should prove fun to build. It's all part of the knowledge building process....or so I tell myself!

 

[The WaterSide Fishing]

Two tanks have water now! Very excited. Some livestock will be moved to bigger Nano-Cube when safe to do so. Hopefully that can help with the cycling process too but I’ll err on the side of caution.
The 40 gallon with sump (20 gallon long) awaits, but I'm in no hurry. I've got to build out the sump for it from a kit.... A DIY type of thing that should prove fun to build. It's all part of the knowledge building process....or so I tell myself!View attachment 3026320

I had a 32 bio cube for about 6 months but last week upgraded to this beautiful 180 and my baby bamboo shark is going to move into it in tomorrow!!!!

 

[Captngutts]

While my NanoCube tank cycles, I went to work on this sump kit fitted into my 20 gallon long. Saves me a few bucks this way. I’ve never used a sump, so I figured I’d build one and learn. It’ll be for the 40 gallon breeder I have. Next on this particular side project is drilling & installing an overflow for the 40 gallon (think Herbie overflow) and plumbing it all out down to the sump. Staying busy!

 

[42Freeman]

Love the simplicity!

 

[Captngutts]

Okay, I'll continue with my digression while my tank cycles.....
Testing the seals on this used 40 gallon tank. All appears well. Next: drill some glass.