Ultimate SPS Nano... Thoughts & Plans

[Bill S]

As many of you can guess, I'm taking down the big tank. No hurry on it, but it's coming down. I really miss SPS, but I don't miss the complexity of that size tank and keeping SPS - especially since we aren't here most weekends. Even running LPS - just isn't the same AND it's expensive.

So, here's what I'm thinking of:

I have this 8 gallon nano (supposed to be 12 gallons - but it only holds 8...). I'm going to set it up, with my 55 as it's fuge/sump. The 55 will be set up basically as a planted tank (macroalgae). The nano will go on our wet bar (who uses one anymore?). The 55 will go in our bedroom, where the big tank is now.

The nano will have a rock pile in it that can be removed as a group, for cleaning the tank. The tank will be all SPS - except maybe a piece or 2 - and a couple of fish. The idea is to grow it out and pack it solidly with SPS. I'll set it up so that in a typical plumbing arrangement, it acts as a "sump" - the 55 will be higher. Flow will be in the neighborhood of 500-800 gph - which is 60-100x - that should be fine. A single 150 or 175w 20K bulb will light it. Under the 55 will be a top off container, and any other "stuff" needed. RO/DI is under the wet bar, and will remain.

The 55 will have PC lighting (I already have the light). I could use my T5 fixture, but I want to make sure I don't have a heat problem in the nano. It will have some live rock, and lots of caulerpa. I'm thinking about putting one anemone and the clown pair in there. Maybe keep my lemon peel angel.

Any other ideas?

[ErikH]

Use the brick as the fuge :D


What SPS specifically do you have in mind? I can't wait!

[Kristy]

Sounds exciting.... and way different!

What are your thoughts for the "couple of fish" in the nano? I like the idea of keeping the lemonpeel and the clowns/nem in the 55 sump, but will the PC lighting be sufficient for that anenome?

If it were me, I'd hold on to the T5s for possible experimentation of the lighting until things are in full swing with this new system. But then, I'm really cautious about selling off anything I think I *might* have a use for later.

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

[Squiers007]

I think thats a really neat idea. You should look into the other cool macro's that are out there and maybe have them in your 55 also. Just to add some variety. What skimmer are you plannin on using and where will be be located? Hang-on on the 55? also, will you be running and overflow from the 55 to the nano? and then how are you pumping back to the 55? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to get a good picture in my head of what the setup will look like is all.

[Bill S]

Well, these anemones came from this tank originally, with PC bulbs. They grew and split just fine in there. But, as you said, I'm bad about hanging on to stuff too!

I have a black blenny (really a bicolor without any other color) in the nano now - he'll stay. With an open top, they can't be jumpers. I'd like to put clown gobies in, but not until the SPS grow out, as they kill SPS where they regularly rest. Probably a mandarin - with the big fuge, there should be plenty of pods, once it's established. Might keep my flame hawk.

[Bill S]

I think thats a really neat idea. You should look into the other cool macro's that are out there and maybe have them in your 55 also. Just to add some variety. What skimmer are you plannin on using and where will be be located? Hang-on on the 55? also, will you be running and overflow from the 55 to the nano? and then how are you pumping back to the 55? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to get a good picture in my head of what the setup will look like is all.

The nano has a section in the back that I'm going to put pumps in to push back to the 55. I have a bakpak that I'll probably keep, but with 55 gallons of fuge, I might not run a skimmer at all. In order to keep up with water quality, I'll do big water changes. Just like my tank now, I'll have it set up to do automated water changes (just add salt and mix it).

[glennr1978]

Your plan sounds a bit extreme to me for such a small display. However, I see nothing wrong with that.

[Bill S]

Your plan sounds a bit extreme to me for such a small display. However, I see nothing wrong with that.

:bigsmile:

[fishypets]

I'd be worried about the nem moving around and stinging your sps. I also don't see sps "filling in" using PC lighting, I'd use T5's and a fan blowing across the top.

[justahobby]

Sounds great Bill. Let me know if I can contribute any macro to the cause. 100X current?? That sounds really extreme. Will it be a BB?

Fishypets:


A single 150 or 175w 20K bulb will light it.
The 55 will have PC lighting (I already have the light).
Any other ideas?

I think he meant the anemone would be in the 55 gallon

[Big_Pun]

why not go with a 20L or 20h, but this sounds cool either way, nice to see some fresh ideas

[Bill S]

I'd be worried about the nem moving around and stinging your sps. I also don't see sps "filling in" using PC lighting, I'd use T5's and a fan blowing across the top.''

No, the anemone and PC will be in/on the 55 gallon fuge, not in/on the naon display. As noted, the nano will have MH.

[glennr1978]

When do we get to see pics of this thing?

[TexasTodd]

A really nice HQI 150 bulb is the Ushio 20kk. It's pretty sweet without adding actinics etc.

Todd

[glennr1978]

The 150w radium is very nice as well.

[ErikH]

do your research either way on sanjay's site. I know to you mentioning that is redundant, but you know, I gotta do it!

www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting (http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting) for those of you that dont know, GO READ.

[Bill S]

I first have to decide to go HQI or Mogul - and that really depends upon the fixture. Unfortunately, this is going into the living room, and Mamma will make THAT decision.

But, yes, both the Ushio and Radium are on a short list.

[Jeff]

use the 215 as a planted macro tank that feeds into the 55 refugium the into the nano. all you will need to do is add water daily. but what your doing sound great, can't wait to see pictures.

[brewercm]

I love having the large sump on my small tank. Makes the lack of keeping up with water changes much easier. Too bad you already have the nano to setup, I'd think a tank about the size of mine would be perfect for the plans you have.
That should be an incredible nano though once you have it up and going.

[Jarob]

Hey Bill I have a "150/175W HL Metal Halide Retrokfit Kit" from Hellolights you can have for cheap, all you need is a new bulb for it if it interests you.