Nano Cube Tank IOS Setup

[Marinesavy]

Currently my nitrate level is 30-40ppm. I am running a 24gallon(ard 90 litres) jbj nanocube with a IOS ( 3 compartment) behind. My Aim is to reduce my nitrate level. I have thrown away the bio-balls, ceramic rings and carbon that come with it.

The setup :-

FIRST COMPARTMENT SECOND COMPARTMENT THIRD COMPARTMENT

First Compartment - Two big Sponge

Second Compartment - pump connected to cl280 chiller (run 15mins

every 2 hours)

- 150g "red biohome" and 20g

of "Seachem Purigen" according to dosage instructions

- A layer of sponge underneath

Thrid Compartment - maxijet 1000 connected to dozzle running 24

hours to circulate the tank.

Can you enlighten me whether this is the appropriate setup ? Can i put in another 150g of biohome and another 20g of purigen in first compartment to achieve better result removing nitrate ? Expert advise is deeply appreciated.

[Tanga]

Bro IMO to reduce nitrate the best way is to do regular water changes. You can try do 3 water change in 1 week then once every week. When you see your nitrate go up again then redo the steps. Since your tank is only 2 ft not a problem changing 40% of the water everytime.

[jervismun]

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!

[Alvin Tan]

may i ask..do u hav a protein skimmer?....n do u change the sponge below on the 2nd compartment??....

[elimmel]

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!

dump all the stock media except the sponges.

use liverock rubble (not finely crushed), rowaphos and purigen in the back chambers.

i would suggest you change the stock pump to a maxijet 1200.

it'll generate less heat and still give u enough flow in your tank.

btw, why would crushed liverock reduce your flow? wouldn't having bioballs n ceramic rings block the flow too? take lfs advise with a pinch of salt.

the stock fans are kind of weak so may u can look to replace or add to them with pc fans (look for high cfm).

visit (if you have not) this site for some tips/info on setting up n maintaining a NC.

www.nano-reef.com/forums/

btw, see my NC thread in nano section on some of the mods that can be done.

right now, i've gone hoodless. added a weipro2011 (maxijet1200), cl450chiller, aquabee 3000 pump, 150w mh, cannister fuge, chambers have biohome, rowa n purigen. wife thinks i'm nuts!