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View Full Version : New Nano- Need Ideas!


aontkos
07/12/2012, 07:12 PM
Hello all!

I recently purchased an Eheim Aquastyle 35 on a whim. Not the most righteous purchase I've ever made; the tank looks exceptional but the factory filter and lighting leaves a lot to be desired. I am in the works of upgrading tank components, but I still have not decided what exactly I want to do with the tank.

I am reluctant to include a long synopsis of my aquarium history, but I feel it may be appropriate (even though many people are lost when pictures are not present). I am a marine biology student at Florida International University. Aquaria has always been a hobby of mine and I have had many different systems over the years. Luckily, my private experience allowed me to obtain a paying position at a laboratory on my campus, where I have the opportunity to work with many different organisms. I have been able to gain experience with Pocillopora and Oculina cultures, which has rekindled my interest in reef aquariums. This summer I began working in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Stock Enhancement Research Facility, where I have been working on common snook and red drum mariculture, both extensively and intensively in high density recirculating systems. But let's get back to business!

I will be returning to school in late August. I am waiting to set up the tank until then, just for simplicity and cleanliness. I am leaning towards two options: 1) dedicate the tank to a mantis shrimp or 2) make a tank dedicated to Biscayne Bay (my campus is right on the water so I can fill it with virtually anything). Whichever I choose must be appropriate for my transient nature, in terms of returning home and going back to school several times each year. Help me decide!

aontkos
08/19/2012, 02:00 PM
For those that may be interested in an update, I got the tank filled with water and live rock over the weekend. I decided against a mantis shrimp and a dedicated Biscayne Bay tank; I plan on just stocking the tank with organisms that can handle being transported at the end of each semester. I would prefer not to move them that often, but I ultimately have no choice.

The tank uses the included LED light; however, I replaced the factory filter with the Current Subcurrent Internal Filter. The filter pumps at 150 GPH and utilizes two loc-line returns, so flow is distributed to both the surface and the substrate. I went with 13 pounds of Fiji live rock, which turned out to be a good choice. The guy at my LFS thought I was crazy to put so much in a 9.2 gallon tank, but the structure has remained nice and open. I hope I can give some ideas to others that may own an Aquastyle, enjoy!

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