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12G Long Build


Shoelace

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Happy Holidays, WAMAS.  I'm unfortunately getting the "build bug" again.  My 180 softie rebuild is finally starting to settle down.  However, I recently remodeled my small basement home office with Ikea and I am on the kick of having a nano there.

 

P1010122_zps2e4b35c6.jpg

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And then I saw this build and I was hooked on a 12G long.  So this is going to be my very long, slow, drawn-out build thread.  I'm gonna need a lot of help for ideas on this one because I'm going places I've never been.   :laugh:

 

 

 

Xcm3mxj.jpg

 

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Awesome! I love the second picture. IMO, anybody can have a large tank, but the talent to put together a beautiful nano is learned by practice and education. I look forward to this build. 

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Nice second pic. The big problem with a small tank (I have a 16g IM) is the stability of parameters since just a small volume change is a large percentage. A good ATO is a must. Good luck

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Love the Mr Aqua 12!! I was eyeballing one of these a few years back when I was into planted tanks. I have too many tanks in the house to start up a planted again. 

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So here is my equipment list so far.  Too many times in the past, I've gone through "buy cheap, buy twice" so I don't mind splurging a little here.  I already have things listed in italics.  Those with a "vs." means I'm still deciding.


 


Tank: Mr. Aqua 12G Long, low iron


 


Stand: DIY Stand of 2x3’s with Ikea Besta white stand shell


 


Lights: ATI 36” 4 x 39W T5HO + ReefBrite 36” Actinic LEDs vs.


AquaticLife 36” 4 x 39W T5HO + Lunar LEDs


 


Circulation: Vortech MP-10


 


Return: Eheim 1048 (158 gph) vs. Sicce Syncra 0.5 (185 gph)


 


Heater: Cobalt Aquatics NeoTherm 50W


 


Overflow: 3/4” Lifegard Aquatics low profile strainer


 


Return: 1/2” Lifegard Aquatics low profile strainer 1/2”


 


ATO: AutoAqua Smart ATO vs. Tunze Osmolator Nano


 


Sump: NextReef NRS-20


 


Skimmer: Reef Octopus BH-50 vs. Tunze 9002


 


Dosing pumps: BRS 1.1 ml/min vs. Apex DOS


 


Controller:  Neptune Apex vs. ReefKeeper Lite


 


Rock: BRS Reef Saver vs. BRS Pukani


 


Questions  :unsure:


 


1) Do you think the ATI is worth it over the AquaticLife for such a small tank?


2) If I get the ATI, should I splurge for the dimmable model?


3) Has anyone used the AutoAqua ATO?


4) Has anyone had a NextReef sump?

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I would pass on either of the 4 bulb T5 fixtures. The fixture will be a few inches wider than your tank, with light spreading out from there. I would go with some 36" LED strips... You would have to worry about heat either.

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How long is that tank? It can't be 36"???? can it? :blink: if not, why such a wide light? and 4bulb??? how wide is the tank???? :blink:

 

I have the Tunze Osmolator Nano and love it.

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I would pass on either of the 4 bulb T5 fixtures. The fixture will be a few inches wider than your tank, with light spreading out from there. I would go with some 36" LED strips... You would have to worry about heat either.

I totally hear you on the LEDs, but I was thinking of trying something new since I have LEDs on my 180g and I'm digging the uniform light output of the T5s.

 

I can be persuaded. What 36" strips would you recommend? The group buy ReefBrite XHO 50/50 looks snazzy!

Edited by Shoelace
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How long is that tank? It can't be 36"???? can it? :blink: if not, why such a wide light? and 4bulb??? how wide is the tank???? :blink:

 

I have the Tunze Osmolator Nano and love it.

Yes. It is 36". That is why that tank is so cool and unique, IMO.

 

I also have a Osmolator Nano on my QT. But the all optical AutoAqua caught my eye.

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If you want to go T5s a 24" fixture would be fine on a 36" tank. T5s provide plenty of coverage beyond the length of the fixture!

 

I vote 24" ATI Sunpower, but I'm biased. :)

2 coral plus

2 blue plus

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Yes. It is 36". That is why that tank is so cool and unique, IMO.

 

I also have a Osmolator Nano on my QT. But the all optical AutoAqua caught my eye.

 

I am not familiar with this tank, but by my calculations if the tank is 36" long, then is it 10" wide and 8" tall? that would be 12.46g

 

That is pretty cool looking.

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If you want to go T5s a 24" fixture would be fine on a 36" tank. T5s provide plenty of coverage beyond the length of the fixture!

I vote 24" ATI Sunpower, but I'm biased. :)

2 coral plus

2 blue plus

Ryan, I didn't want to call you out, but yes, your rig is the reason why I want to try the T5's! Your tank is pretty awesome. Do you think there will be much drop off at the ends with a 24" or would it be pretty well covered?

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I have a 24" 4 bulb powermodule with 2 blue+ and 2 coral+.  I am right around the corner from Ryan if you want to come check it out.  The 50/50 ratio would remain the same with 2 or 4 bulbs.

 

Shoot me a PM if you want to come over.

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Ryan, I didn't want to call you out, but yes, your rig is the reason why I want to try the T5's! Your tank is pretty awesome. Do you think there will be much drop off at the ends with a 24" or would it be pretty well covered?

There are plenty of T5 fixtures over tanks that are a foot longer. Won't be an issue with coverage.

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http://sevenports.com/brand/ma-730-serene-12-gallon/

I am not familiar with this tank, but by my calculations if the tank is 36" long, then is it 10" wide and 8" tall? that would be 12.46g

 

That is pretty cool looking.

You are pretty spot on:

 

http://sevenports.com/brand/ma-730-serene-12-gallon/

 

If I'm going to do a nano again, I would like it to be unique. This will have its own challenges.

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