jervismun

Anyone using the Resun CL-85? I heard it is too small for a 24g tank although the LFS assured me it can bring the temperature down to 26ºC easily... well I also do not want the mini chiller to overwork as: Overworking = long hours of operation = noise noise noise

Firestarz: I think another reason for me not getting a huge temperature hike is the mounting. My MH is elevated at least 6 inches from the water surface. And I have plenty of surface movement too. I might have to (no choice I guess) get a proper chiller when I have the budget. Eyeing on an Arctica

That is a very helpful advice Violet. Never thought of that... In nano, less is more. lol

Guys thanks for your replies! Nakarozu: Yes I've compromised on the appearance to give way to more sensible equipments. Getting a NC is a start, but I will most definitely get a larger tank. So the equipments to be transfered over later. But this must be a good shot as I've promised by family to allow me 3 months to experiment. They are complaining already about the smell... I put 2 pieces of small LR into the filter compartment... and I haven't even add in the 10kg of LR yet! lol Firestarz: Surprisingly, the MH will only hike 1ºC. I will run shorter hours, say 6 hours instead of 10 hours. And it will be primarily at night (when I'm home). So this helps a little coz the air-con will help a little. My study room is at its hottest around 5 to 6pm. Will definitely get a timer controlled fan or something to add air circulation within the room. Are you using a chiller? I heard it's very noisy and those reliable ones are usually very expensive ($700 above). Adding a sump will increase my water volume... I saw this really beautiful looking overflow thingy at the LFS. It's made out of acrylic, so pretty. I can buy a sturdy cabinet next to the tank or something. I am still very worried about my protein skimmer. A disaster waiting to happen anytime. Unless you guys can suggest a better, foolproof skimmer. Oh the JBJ MMS skimmer will be in next week I heard. The JBJ main distributor is very helpful by the way. The marketing manager called Mandy has been emailing me with updates and such. Nice lady Picture: Nice protein skimmer but the flow is kinda unpredictable at first. It went burst yesterday, filling my nice white wall and wooden flooring with saltwater

Thanks Ancelot! You're my first in this forum! I will keep those pics coming... all the way! Is there a limit to how many pics I can post in a single thread? You wanna share with us your tank? I can't wait to learn from fellow members like you

I found this from US too! Someone converted the centre chamber (back compartments) into a refugerium. I will prob do so if I manage to move my protein skimmer somewhere else. And the MH actually penetrates slightly into the back compartments, so no additional lighting required. Although some may alternate the lighting between the tank and the refugerium to stabilize pH. Anyone done this before? Pls share... Ok I am trying too hard to stay on top I guess, I shall stop posting and see if you guys are interested in my thread. Coz I shouldn't treat the forum as my Nano diary... dear diary...

I found this from a forum in the US. So cool right??? I want it! But sump tanks can cause a lot of noise... currently my NC is still running very silently (all I can hear is the protein skimmer). Oh! Once I remove the tank hood, the temperature maintains at 28.5ºC most of the time. When my MH on for about 6 hours, the temperature will hike to about 29.5ºC. Actually not too bad huh? I am trying so hard to skip the chiller as I don't think having a refrigerator in my tiny study room is very sensible. Will keep you guys update!

Finally, my NC goes topless!!! lol As you can see, I've added a SOLITE HQI 150W w/ 14000ºK. Also, since I'm not the hardworking type when it comes to husbandry, I introduced a good protein skimmer DYMAX LS-20 Toothsaw Blade. The light is perfect! Oh I love the shimmering effect casted onto the floor bed. Only MH can achieve that effect I heard. Love it! The protein skimmer is a little more tricky. It is very powerful... but the microbubbles is quite an annoyance. The first day was really horrific! But after running (on/off) for 3 days, the microbubbles sorta reduced to an acceptable level (almost). The flow is not very consistent (again it might take time to settle in), there was an instance where the cup was so full of sea water it exploded off the cup creating a mini hurricane... oh my wooden flooring. I think this kinda protein skimmer should belong inside a sump tank... just in case. You guys have any suggestions on more reliable (flow) protein skimmer? Is there such thing as a foolproof design where the water will never ever overflow outside the skimmer? Is the Remora better? I am willing to buy a new protein skimmer as anymore disaster may jeopardize my NC (it will get kicked out of the house). I am also looking at an external sump. What's your take on that?

One big problem though, the temperature (with or without the lights on) is at a constant 30ºC. The room temperature is around 28ºC, with poor ventilation. I really cracked my head finding ways to bring the temperature down to at least 28ºC. The most effective way will be to get a chiller but... so I've decided to look at other alternatives before the "chiller" option. And I will not settle for a Fish Only Tank! What's your experience? Pls share with me

Original tank position as in Day 1. Oh I love the stand! It looks so sleek and contemporary.

I am starting this thread with a simple objective in mind... to share my experiences with other NC owners/would be owners. It is kinda frustrating for me at first when I discovered out all the restrictions and disadvantages of owning a ready-made all-in-one nano tank, I have this urge to make it work... my way! The discouragements from LFS are very damaging as one LFS suggested me to trash the NC away! And since this is my first nano attempt, I am no expert in this field yet. So, appreciate experienced reefers out there to show me and my readers the light along the way... As for now, I am glad with the mods so far and really looking forward to an exciting hobby ahead. I will try to make this thread as exciting as possibly by introducing more (relevant) pics. I do need you guys to contribute so that I can stay on top of the list to achieve my objective for this thread. Thanks!

Hi there Anyone selling live rock? I need it to be cured (as my family is going bonkers with the smell). Please mail/PM me. I can pick up from your place. Preferably small and light weight pieces. Roughly about 10kg.

I am still figuring out what to remove/add to the 3 compartments... anyway the 24g NC is a real challenge especially without a chiller. My water is reading 30.1ºC (lights were just on for 30 min). Dunno if it will hike further (hehe, just bought the digital thermometer). How do you manage to add in the chiller? Can you share with me a picture of your modifications? Really appreciated. I read from other forum that those sponges should be removed as they may produce nitrite etc. I will cut mine into half and just use it for basic filtration. The rest of the space will be filled up with the usual ceramics and bioballs. Some even suggested using solely crushed life rock. But my LFS warned me of reduction in water flow especially with finely crushed LR. What's the temperature in your NC now? I might get a chiller... or else no inverts and corals for me!