Skimmer, HOB filter as fuge, both or neither?

[aquarookie]

Hi all!

After being out of the hobby for several years (and missing it way too much), I don't have the space to set up my lovely double-55-corner bow front again (although I did keep all the equipment because I'm sure in the future I will use it again).

I decided to make a nano reef in my 7 gallon bow front. I have a nice proper LED reef light for it. I will of course have live rock in it, and fairly easy-going live stock (zoas and rics I think, maybe a couple of small gobies).

I am considering hanging an Aquaclear 70 on the back and using it as a fuge. Would that be too much flow for the little tank? The minimum flow that filter does is 150 gph, which is over 20 tank volumes. Is that too much?

Option B is to use a pump to circulate the water around and hang a Remora Nano skimmer on the back (the only skimmers I've ever had good luck with are the Remora/Urchin series, I swear by them).

Or should I use a smaller Aquaclear AND a skimmer? Or neither?

I am looking to have a healthy, happy, fairly low maintenance setup so advice would be appreciated. Never had a tank this small, mine have all been around 100 total volume.

 

[NanaReefer]

My personal preference on a tank that size (ran an 8g for 2yrs) would be a skimmer and water changes for filtration. Definitely an ATO.

 

[Pepcrylic]

An Aqua clear 30 would be more than enough. I wouldnt bother with a skimmer . Just keep up on your WC. The Aquaclear should provide plenty of flow

 

[aquarookie]

Thank you guys for the replies. Sounds like I could try it with the equipment I already have (tank, light, Aquaclear, heater). I have "dead rock" (dry rock, whatever) which I saved from my previous tank. Been dry for years and in a box. I'll give it a good bath and set it into the tank. Then I guess I'll need to seed it with a piece of live rock-I imagine just a little piece will do? Funny enough, I managed to dig up my thread about setting up this tank exactly 5 years ago (that's when I let my big tank go). But I never did set it up-kept postponing it. Well, now's the time to do it!

What's the best salt to use for the nano reef (most stable, healthy, etc). I used Instant Ocean in my big tank back then-the tank was very happy but others said I should use Reef Crystals. I've also heard people use Kent Marine. What do you folks think from experience? What would you choose? Considering the size of the tank, I imagine the price of salt doesn't matter too much since I won't be using a ton.

 

[loohunter]

I like red sea coral pro. It's a little expensive but it dissolves in a couple hours and my corals seam to like it

 

[spieszak]

I stopped using red sea coral pro when they had mixing issues maybe 2 years ago. I had actually intended on going back, but I didn't notice any difference at all with Reef Crystals. Since then I've gone to a 50/50 mix of reef crystals and io because I ordered the wrong one. I lose 1dkh a day alk and 10-15 points a day cal. My water changes are about water more than elements as I HAVE to dose to be even close to stable...

One other thing. I don't know who made your nano tank, but I'd be a bit cautious how big a hang on filter you used... just because the bigger they are, the heavier they are...

 

[aquarookie]

One other thing. I don't know who made your nano tank, but I'd be a bit cautious how big a hang on filter you used... just because the bigger they are, the heavier they are...

Thanks for the suggestion.
My tank is made by All Glass Aquarium about 8-10 years ago. Solid little tank, but the thought of supporting the HOB filter did cross my mind. I might make a foam-lined block of wood to put under it just in case. Don't have any desire for anything to crack or any seams to split!

 

[aquarookie]

Got a bucket of Red Sea Coral Pro salt, and my Aquaclear 70 (aka mini-fuge) all ready to go. Hoping to set it all up this weekend!

 

[loohunter]

Very nice. I can throw some monti frags your way when you are ready

 

[aquarookie]

Very nice. I can throw some monti frags your way when you are ready

Sweet, thanks!