Nano/Aquapod start up

DRC Archive General Saltwater Discussion
1

What is different about a nano then a normal salt tank. I have never done smaller that 55.

I have all the stuff i need to set up a 30g tank for my son but wanted to try nemo instead of fresh water.

I was going to use my water from a water change in my big tank and buy a bio wheel and use a little live rock from my tank. I might set up a 20-30g sump under the nano w/ fuge because i could do that for the same price as a penguin bio wheel (i already have a mag pump for the return). But i would have to buy an overflow box.

Am i missing anything for a nano or are all the basics the same.

2

Pretty much all the basics are the same. The obvious difference is the smaller volume of water. Any swings in chem. will be quicker.

You might not need an overflow, if the tank is not tempered. One hole, a few parts, and you have the overflow.

3

I had a 55 salt and didnt like the swings so if i did a nano i think i would use a large sump.

How do i know if it is temper? Does it require a special bit?
That might be a good DIY for the next meeting- i could bring in my tank and someone could drill it.

I think i even have a 1" bulkhead

4

Several ways to check to see if it’s tempered:
A sticker on the tank
Manufacturers website
Polarized sunglasses on a sunny day

There’s a very well written article on drilling glass tanks on the front page of this site.

Unfortunately it’s not something we can do at an indoor meeting as it takes a lot of water to keep the bit cool and clean during the drilling process.

5

But if you do find out that it is not tempered, Al or myself have expierence drilling tanks and I’m sure we would be willing to help. Hit Al up first though, he has a drill press for a cordless drill. My tools arent quite that fancy.

6

I’d go the sump/fuge route your suggesting. Much cleaner and better IMO. If you drill it and it shatters then its not tempered. >LOL<

7

[quote=“IanH, post:6, topic:1338”]
I’d go the sump/fuge route your suggesting. Much cleaner and better IMO. If you drill it and it shatters then its not tempered. >LOL<[/quote]

Actually, if you drill it and it shatters then it IS tempered.

8

Yes correct. I’ll go back to work now…

9

I bought the tank used so no sticker or manufactor.

10

I think there is usually a sticker at the bottom of the tank underneath the molding that you can see if you look in the tank empty. At least there was on my 75.

11

If you have a pair of polarized sunglasses you can take the tank outside on a sunny day. if you see a pattern on the glass then it is tempered if it just looks like clear glass it’s safe to drill. I’m not sure if I have ever heard of the back glass on a 30g being tempered though.

12

[quote=“Cdangel0, post:11, topic:1338”]
If you have a pair of polarized sunglasses you can take the tank outside on a sunny day. if you see a pattern on the glass then it is tempered if it just looks like clear glass it’s safe to drill. I’m not sure if I have ever heard of the back glass on a 30g being tempered though.[/quote]

Is the back glass less likely to be tempered? You mean the back of the tank or the bottom? I guess you would of said bottom if you meant bottom though huh?

13

I hope this isnt a set up and u r laughin at me when i am in my front yard tomorrow with polarized sunglasses looking at a fish tank

:-[

14

[quote=“Rich_17, post:13, topic:1338”]
I hope this isnt a set up and u r laughin at me when i am in my front yard tomorrow with polarized sunglasses looking at a fish tank

:-[[/quote]

Nah … no set up … Oh, btw … we’ll be the one’s discretely hiding in the non-descript van across the street with the camcorder …

j/k - no set-up

15

very rare to have a tempered 30-gallon but it is better to check vs. drill

16

[quote=“Rich_17, post:13, topic:1338”]
I hope this isnt a set up and u r laughin at me when i am in my front yard tomorrow with polarized sunglasses looking at a fish tank

:-[[/quote]

That would be funny