starting up nano; finally..

[bv_reefer]

Originally Posted by Boomboy

well ive got a nano going to a 20g and let me just say
1. get a light that is 20" why so that you can actually have it held up on the tank. if its a FOWLR then not really much light is needed but garenteed your a going to put softies in at least. so get a fixture with at least 2 lightbulbs in it, one for actinic and one for 10k
2. yes skimmerless is fine, in fact i think better, why because you replace all your needed nutrients with the water change. ONCE A WEEK, must stay on top of that.
3. get a HOB that is way over rated for it like a 70 or even 100 Aquaclear, lots of room for a conversion into a fuge, the 70 you can get a slower impeller for it the 100 you have to cut some off.
4. get sand dont get CC.
5. make sure you have enough rock for it a ratio of 1.5 at least. i have 35 pounds in my 20. i would add more if i had space. i cant think of anything else. dont go cheap with the light you will want to upgrade it after even if you have a reef already.
oh yeah and dont run an undergravel filter if you do, im not sure if you do, and get the kor nano. definatly the best. and cheap online too.

thanks alot, that pretty much sums it all up for me, all but question...what exterior paint is recommended for backgrounds? i'm trying to find a thread about that on RC, but can't seem to find it. on my reef i let the coralline dominate the back and sides but for a nano i'm thinking a deeper blue would be nice;

[mseepman]

Originally Posted by bv_reefer

what are you gonna be running the fixture over? it's 2x20 watt if i remember correctly

I just bought a 16" starfire cube from Hurley in Calgary and I'm setting up my first nano in my office. I am doing a DIY light which will include a 70W MH and in some way the 18" Nova Extreme X2. I haven't decided whether I will take the fixture apart in order to put it over my tank or not. I just modded my Aqualight Pro to include 4 x T5HO and I like the light combo a lot more than PC's. My SPS corals agree with the additional light too.

Just FYI, the 18" fixture will stretch to fit over 20" as it has prop rods built into it.