My Nano

[Samw]

I just moved into my new office at work and it looks like I can easily fit a 10 gal nano on the desk. So, I'm going to get one probably this week.

I've seen the All-Glass 10-gal kit at Big Al's for $64.99. This might do. It comes with a Bio-wheel mechanical filter and canopy with incandesent light fixture which I plan to put PC bulbs on it.

Any other suggestions besides this kit? I want something that I can buy off the shelf, not DIY.

I plan to make it a Sea Horse species tank with a few corals and gobies.

[ 20 September 2002, 11:03: Message edited by: Sam W ]

[Bob I]

That should work well Sam. Except perhaps the Biowheel. I am personally not fond of those, but if it is part of the canopy, go ahead and use it. I personally use a DSB, and like it a lot. Can you get higher K bulbs easily? I have seen 6500K bulbs at my LFS, but they start at $25.00. When it is all done we want a picture.
Bob

[AJ_77]

Any other suggestions besides this kit? I want something that I can buy off the shelf, not DIY. <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sam, I also wanted a one-stop lighting solution. I even balked at modifying a nearly useable PC hood with 4 bulbs and reflectors wired and ready to go, as I didn't want a project of any sort.

I requisitioned my friend and DIY champion to build a custom nano hood which really rocks. If you have such a person, you might approach them. I am totally pleased, and he could have charged me more, but did it as a favour.

Cheers,

Alan

[Samw]

Hi Bob. I'll be happy to post pics when its ready.

AJ, your nano looks great. What are the specs of your lights? You had 4 PC bulbs before and that wasn't good enough?? Actually, what are the specs of your whole system? How much was your canopy alone? What was it made of: wood or plastic?

[Old Guy]

The worst thing about the bio-wheels is that the ends rust in a salty enviroment.

[AJ_77]

I understand the tank was made locally, and retailed for $30. The extra height is really a bonus. I got it used from Mr Ipema, who was running his nano hood over it with 4 - 13W PCs (the hood I mentioned earlier).

AJ

[ 20 September 2002, 14:07: Message edited by: AJ_77 ]

[EmilyB]

Just remove the biowheels and it will function the same as an empty Aquaclear. smile.gif

[Samw]

Ok, looks like I'm better off without the Biowheel. I better just get a bare tank and canopy. I'll use liverock for filtration and an aquaclear for circulation.

Oh, any opinions on Hagen vs All-Glass Aquarium for tanks and canopies? Any noticeable differences?

[ 20 September 2002, 12:13: Message edited by: Sam W ]

[AJ_77]

Sam, I had a 10g Hagen crack across the back panel. Others have told me "beware" these tanks.

I posted my tank specs in the "member tanks" forum, and there is a note about the hood on my nanoweb under the whole-tank picture. I'll try to post some pics of it and more info later.

Good luck with your desktop "bit of paradise."

AJ

[Samw]

Saw your specs. Looks good.
Is your tank made by All-Glass? I went to their website and saw that their 15G high tanks only come in oak trim but yours looks like it has black trim.

[Samw]

Which 50 watt heater should I get? Ebo Jager or Tronic heater?

[reefburnaby]

Hi,

I think tronic has the better track record. I have a couple of them...and they haven't stop work for four years.

- Victor.

[Samw]

Well, I bought the most expensive 50W heater in the LFS today. I got the Tronic.

I also picked up 2 Custom Sea Life 32W SmartLite retrokits for a good price I think (first time I've seen them at a LFS). I said the heck with it, I'll build my own dog gone canopy. So, it looks like I'll have 64 watts over my 10G tank when its all done.

http://www.hyperdream.com/~samw/reef/200209/csl32pckit.jpg

[ 21 September 2002, 21:07: Message edited by: Sam W ]

[StirCrazy]

Originally posted by Sam W:
Well, I bought the most expensive 50W heater in the LFS today. I got the Tronic.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Good choice, I have been using my 150 watt tronic for over two years in my freshwater tank.

Steve

[AJ_77]

I have these "Thermal Compact" heaters, thin ones. A 75W in the 15 tall and a 50W in the 10g. No problems with these, and they are slightly less obvious in the tank due to their slim profile and lack of labelling - they have the faintest stamp on them, almost like a watermark.

I should mention that the small one is finicky, and lacks fine adjustment. The larger one is great, precise. I'm wondering if it's actually a 100W... I'll have to look more closely next time I need to go in there.

Alan

[Bob I]

Sam, I have been using the 32W retro kit for about a year. I bought mine in the US from Nanoreef.com. Could you tell me what they sell them for at your LFS, and if replacement bulbs are easily available in your area. I use mine in an old incandescent fixture with the guts ripped out. Right now it is on my refugium where the Caulerpa grows like mad.

[ 22 September 2002, 09:33: Message edited by: Bob Ipema ]

[Bob I]

Gentlemen, I have a 150W thermal compact heater left over from my FW days. I use it sometimes to put in my wine to get fermentation started. :D :D ;) :rolleyes:

[Samw]

Hi Bob. I paid $79.99 per kit. The kit includes the bulb. I don't really know how much bulbs are by themselves. I haven't really seen these lights around, though I haven't really been looking. I can check for you next time I'm there.

[ 22 September 2002, 10:38: Message edited by: Sam W ]