Red Sea MAX NANO. Modification tips! and Upgrades.

[@MelbourneReefer]

Great video, and agree with the jumpers, lids don't look the best but they're needed, too many reefers lose fish due to having an open top tank! :(

[@nathanqwerty1]

thanks bud

[@jeffstevens763]

Nice one NW I have the same system I changed the ATO for a tunze and the skimmer for tunze nano also the circulation pump for a Ehime canister filter with Seachem bio media and no sponge. I found the overflow the same as you but I just lowered the water level my system is now silent well happy

[@Reefgrrl]

Hey Nathan, looking very nice! I really like the terraced caves you’ve built in the scape. So much potential here. I got myself an Innovative Marine Nuvo fusion 40 (called Mollywood 😁) and encountered the same skimmer issue you did. I cut small pieces of bonded filter pads (the two-layer thin ones - they can be split apart) to fit across the side of the skimmer, about 2”x4”-ish, and I insert a single layer between the skimmer and the glass baffle - serves two functions, one being filtering the water that escapes past the skimmer and the other being to dampen the skimmer vibration from being loose in that chamber (I use the IM Ghost skimmer designed for this tank). I swap them out weekly and they do get very dirty so they’re doing their job. I also used the Hydor Flo attachments to start with but in the IM, the returns are very high up to where the Hydors were slightly out of the water, creating a ton of salt creep on the underside of the lid. So I replaced them with Random Flow Generators and I LOVE them! If you’ve not heard of the RFGs, they’re made by Vivid Creative Aquatics in the US and I’d be surprised if they don’t ship to the UK, if you’re interested. Price is very reasonable too. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this goes! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@nathanqwerty1]

Thank you! Nice love the IM tanks

[@user-en9hq4zv3s]

the next time you clean your skimmer, would you mind taking a video of what you are doing with the ruler and the other mod with the plastic and whatnot? i sortof saw what you did with the plastic for the water flow but don't understand what you did with the ruler.

[@multanemo]

Try PolypLab One. I have a Reefer 250 with large LPS colonies and a maxima clam. I use that 3 in 1 versus a doser. Great videos!

[@richardpoole1770]

Fantastic, pleased you got a new one

[@garysutherland2369]

Super video mate, I’m loving the mods and you’ve given me a couple of good ideas again, I’m also planning to sump the tank in the next few weeks, will let you know how I get on mate 😉👍

[@nathanqwerty1]

cheers dude, cool, keep me posted

[@Reefgrrl]

Gary! How’s Big Red doing these days?

[@garysutherland2369]

Reefgrrl hello stranger, long time no chat eh... Big Red has been sold and is awaiting its buyer to pick it up next Saturday, I’m now running a Max C 130, one of the main reasons myself and Nathan here became friends is we now both run nano tanks as we both had damp issues in our houses, so a mega hard decision just to sell our far larger tanks and move on, easier water changes and maintenance now though. How’s your reefer doing?

[@daanvdw34]

Very good video, thanks alot for the advice!

[@nathanqwerty1]

cheers dude!

[@Radarbell]

Looking good mate imo I think sps can do fine with higher nutrient levels I'm at around 10ppm in my tank and I have superb colour and growth on my sps, but every tank is different and I'm looking forward to seeing your tank stocked full of beautiful sps

[@nathanqwerty1]

cheers m8, yes i agree 10ppm no3 can be fine once tank is matured out, its just the first 9-14 months that you have to be careful and keep nutrients low

[@Radarbell]

@@nathanqwerty1 yes totally agree with you mate haha time goes so fast my tank is 15 months old now feels like yesterday I first got it wet your videos especially on the reefer 250 is a major part of my reef doing so well so thank you

[@everimage]

I had to go get me one it arrives tomorrow!

[@lpsreefer2502]

J B nice! Im 3 weeks away from ordering mine !

[@nathanqwerty1]

nice one dude, sure your love it, is it your first marine tank?

[@lpsreefer2502]

No my second one i have a nano cube 28g for 4 years now

[@nathanqwerty1]

@@lpsreefer2502 awesome, lots of nice mature stuff to seed the max nano then

[@everimage]

I dabbled a bit with a marine tank but not on a professional level. I will be learning from you. Keep providing videos!

[@8bitflea]

At least I know I’m not going crazy. The overflow Is also overflowing into the skimmer chamber on mine as well. The little wall on there is not tall enough. I don’t understand why Red Sea didn’t make the wall taller to direct flow into the filter sock without overflowing

[@shannonwilliams6623]

Nice tank! Keep in mind if your going Sps be careful on the bio load, your clowns may be enough fish just saying.

[@nathanqwerty1]

cherrs m8, yeah i know what your saying, gunna put one more small fish in and see how nutrients level goes

[@yanevans7368]

Hi Nathan, I trust all is well. Max Nano cycle seems to be going ok. The surface skimmer seems to be making a lot of noise - water flowing into the channel and then into the filter sock chamber at the rear left of the aquarium. Sponge filter helps with the noise of the water coming off the protein skimmer. Any suggestions on reducing the water fall noise from the surface skimmer. Thanks bud

[@yanevans7368]

Sorted this one. Not enough water volume in the sump. Topped up and all now fine. It's a learning curve but an enjoyable one

[@yanevans7368]

Great video Nathan, great tips. Thanks bud

[@nathanqwerty1]

thanks no worries dude, hope it helps

[@yanevans7368]

Nathan Willard Hi bud, filled my Max Nano tonight. How long did it take for your coral sand to settle and the water cloudiness to pass? Plus a bit annoyed that some of the active carbon have come out of the bag so have a little clean up to do. Did you experience this?

[@yanevans7368]

Nathan, need some advice. Was wondering what level your water is at in the protein skimmer. Can you take some images with the top off. I have filled the sump via the return pump chamber plus filled up the skimmer to stop it floating during my initial full. Did you fill the skimmer so the water comes out of the top of the outlet. Hydraulically the water should self level in the sump. Not skimming off anything at moment as only day two of cycling. Thanks bud

[@nathanqwerty1]

hay Yan, im just shooting out to work, i will reply and help you out later thus eve bud

[@yanevans7368]

Nathan Willard great thanks

[@lucasantos1231]

Cheers for the video , can u make a description with the models y have use for the controler and the home made top up , thanks

[@ashleystanyer1468]

Will your overflow box not “overflow” if your socks get too dirty with those modifications? Where else has the water got to go if it cant pass through the socks fast enough

[@nathanqwerty1]

good question bud, there is a cut out (stock) beside the filter sock cradle so if sock fills up it just over flows, but i will never let this happen as will check daily if sock needs changing

[@cristian8781]

Hey, could you explain how did you make the skimmer work? im tired of trying and is turned off right now, its spitting water all over the place even when i adjusted the air and is really noisy, but its because the bubbles are opening the lid.

[@normanbrown7189]

I have a max nano and I would love to do your upgrades to it. Do you have a list of the equipment you added. And the diagram of what you did to the cabinet?

[@nataliedebiase5089]

Would love to know this also, can you advise? I'm considering buying this setup soon as a beginner 🙂

[@steviem706]

Would love to know also

[@MogsysAquarium]

Great videos, always watched your videos for the past 2 yrs when you had the RSR250 and the colour and growth from your coral was incredible, that was when I decided to get my on tank and see if I could do it, never had a tank in my life but went for it listening to your advice and feedback to people, now 1 yr on I have my tank all up and running and starting my own KZbin channel called Mogsys Aquarium but would love your advice on how best to do reef updates and what to include, would love it if you could check it out and leave me your feedback

[@nathanqwerty1]

wow, thank you buddy, so great to hear this! glad you got some good pointers from my vids, certainly will check your channel out, speak soon.

[@MogsysAquarium]

@@nathanqwerty1 thanks

[@oyster_3694]

Hello Nathan! How much LR is in your tank? Looks perfect!

[@multanemo]

You don’t need a doser for a tank that small. Water changes plus Polylab One and you are done. Can you add a capful a day? Cheers!

[@nathanqwerty1]

hey Michael, im going to stick to the method i know and trust the RCP program, had such good success with my last 2 reef systems, dosing will be a must on even this little nano as going to be SPS coral dominated. if it was to be a soft coral tank then yes your right water changes would be fine to keep parameters in check, cheers.

[@Kurtjeeee]

i have also a red sea nano running for almost 9 months now, and im noticing that one AI prime isnt going to be enough once its stocked with corals,so im considering a second prime hanging next to the other one,then for sure i will not have places anymore that are not enlighted

[@sarahwolfe620]

Hi there! I watched your vid to get an idea of where I could fit a fuge in mine, but looks like the video didn't go that way! No worries! I noticed that you "corrected" the flow of your water through the sump. From what I understand, the flow of water is supposed to go from the skimmer compartment, then into the filter sock.... this is why the baffling is lower over the skimmer and higher over the filter sock. Thoughts? it even says this in the user manual.

[@richardbuonomo2443]

Hello Nathan - very helpful for me just setting up Max Nano. What size Bio Home media do you suggest? I see on Amazon they cone in approx 4 variants. Thank you for answering

[@nathanqwerty1]

Go onto there website which is called filterpro and you want the biohome ultimate marine

[@CescaTheDarkHorse]

Nice video and lovely looking Nano Reef :)

[@Waynebruce000]

My Skimmer is making my display tank Fizz , any advice please ? Thanks

[@nathanqwerty1]

Just give it time it will stop when its beaded in

[@juliekernahan9480]

Gr8 video but question I would like to ask is do u run a QT ?

[@williamwiese9963]

I have a question, on your sump pump you have an air line, where does it locate? My sump pump, pps water but not air, so I have a small derivated air pump with stone but have no clue where to locate it. PLEASE HELP ME

[@merrittmcdowell8675]

Aren't the Tunzi glass scrapers hard to get around the corner I have the large on my 90 gallon reef and it will not go around a corner

[@davebennett2482]

you ever considered a glass top to slow water loss and save on ATO?

[@lelolaiPR15]

Hi Nathan! I reviewed the comments and seems like this question was asked previously but not answered. I am wondering there same thing. Where did you place the bio media? Within the protein skimmer? Down the hole of the filter sock? Did you remove the skimmer dropped a bag of media and put the skimmer back into the sump? Thank you in advance!

[@koconnor1963]

Nice setup, I have an aqua one and my kh is struggling to get above 9, I will get there though, cal and mag are bang on so it's just time I think will sort it. What kh supplement do you use?

[@nathanqwerty1]

I use all red sea reef foundation

[@stephencork6473]

Hi Nathan when you used biohome in the sump did you pack it in media bags or is it just loose thanks steve

[@efresh8055ian]

Hi Their mate! Quick question on the Biohome media you packed into the sump. I'm looking to get some and a little confused on how much to use and if there is anything I need to to keep it at the bottom of the sump. Any preparation that need to occur prior to placing in the tank? Any advise would be much appreciated!

[@MaxStringersg]

Hello Nathan, I have a Redsea Nano and I am basically doing a direct copy of your system shown here. If you still have it, would it be possible for you to share your AI lighting schedule for a mixed SPS LPS coral reef.

[@prayingsnakefreeman2828]

Good to know cuz don’t want lose a fish

[@ttuncay99]

Hello Nathan, I set up a max nano peninsula but I am having trouble with micro-bubbles. It's been 8 days since the protein skimmer is running and I still have tons of micro-bubbles in my display. Is it possible for you to help me adjust my water level in my sump? Thanks.

[@nathanqwerty1]

Hi, micro bubbles are normal for the first few weeks as there is no bio load, will go away once fish and livestock have been in a while and skimmer beds in

[@ttuncay99]

@@nathanqwerty1 I fixed my problem by stuffing wool filter media into the gap between the ps and filter sock. Also, laid some wool on top of filter sock's sponge. Fixed my problem!

[@stefanpfeifer5694]

The ent of the returnpump who goes in to the aquarium...what is it? IT's turn in a circle...what is that and where can i bis that thing. Is there a cable? I can't see and cable out of it. (Min: 16:00)

[@peterjardine9132]

Hey Nathan, how often should you change the BioHome?

[@nathanqwerty1]

Never, just clean it every 6 months in tank water on water change

[@Elbslayer]

i am considering to get either a max nano or the reefer 170 for a public school reef. actually i preferred the 170 but it costs so much more. since i have seen your vid i guess the nano will do it as well. which specimen will you provide to host for the clown fish? i would prefer anemones for sure just to present this certain kind of symbiosis.

[@nathanqwerty1]

The max nano would be perfect for what your wanting, bubble tip nem and a pair of clowns, nice and easy to manage as well👍

[@italoaugusto2779]

Could you talk about the measurements of the aquarium ??

[@jennyxi1157]

What is that pump that rotates that’s attached to the stock output Nozel? Name or brand?

[@nathanqwerty1]

Hydor

[@BAYAREA408_RN4L]

Hi I currently have the same tank Max Nano Red Sea 20 gallon .. I have a couple questions ... it’s been over a month ... about the back how do run carbon and filter sock ? I’m trying to get my water clear with less debris floating around .. also I’m running 225 micron for my filter sock

[@vitod8819]

What kind of plastic material did you use for the overflow mod?

[@nathanqwerty1]

Acrillic and a 6 inch ruler

[@david-sd1td]

Do you have the Air valve from the skimmer fully open? I find it very noisy and when closed the skimmer barely skims.

[@nathanqwerty1]

Yeah fully open, it isn't the quietest of skimmers but very efficient

[@nathanqwerty1]

They do get quieter with time and bio load tho

[@david-sd1td]

Yeah cheers,

[@alombardo8194]

good morning... Can you tell me where in the skimmer did you put the bio home media as the bottom is closed did you just drop it down the opening thanks so much

[@lucyvwebb]

Hi Nathan, could I use a Red Sea Max Nano for freshwater fish, do you think?

[@nathanqwerty1]

Yes, but bit of waste of money as you wont need the skimmer or the reef led, better of going for something like a fluval all in one and save a ton of money

[@lucyvwebb]

@@nathanqwerty1 thank you, I thought that was the case from what I’ve read. Will try and find a Fluval!

[@jamesgibson2077]

Hi Great video may I ask you what you use to stick the mods display screen on the side of the tank thanks James

[@nathanqwerty1]

cheers, GORRILLA tape

[@jamesgibson2077]

@@nathanqwerty1pick my tank up tomorrow literally can’t wait....! I love the wave maker I’ve been looking £120 - £130 does that sound about right. I’ve taken on board advise about fish overload so just keep it simple I think but love watching your videos very helpful James 👍

[@nathanqwerty1]

@@jamesgibson2077 oooo exciting times then buddy, great feeling getting new tank, jecod wave pumps are very cheap may be 2 sow4 bbut if you can aford the tunze ones then go with them as they will go on forever, good luck and take it slow

[@jamesgibson2077]

@@nathanqwerty1 sorry to message you again but can you recommend a good marine site where I can order this tunze nano stream 60/40 wave maker from? Some site call it this: Tunze Turbelle Nanostream 6040 (6040.000) is this the right one ?

[@jamesgibson2077]

@@nathanqwerty1 also does that heater come with the digital display or are they separate items basically I loved you setup so if you can provide me with the names for heater and display unit and wave maker I would be most great full also where to purchase them from thank once again Nathan

[@thynard]

How did you stop the waterfall noise ?

[@amandatytler2839]

Sorry for being off topic, Going back to your reefer 250 did you run Nopox and Rowa at the same time? I am running Rowa in a reactor and starting the redsea formula, I noticed on the Nopox bottle it says not to run with phosphate removers?

[@dublinekdanielek]

how big is this tank how big is this tank

[@nathanqwerty1]

75 liters

[@yanevans7368]

Hi Nathan, hope you are ok bud. A quick question. RSMN has been cycling for about 10 days. Going ok. Although today I have started to see what seems to be brown algae forming on the rock and in the coral sand. Nitrate level is a little high and ammonia is still present. Is this normal? Any suggestions. No livestock at the moment. Advise appreciated. Have ordered a customer made glass lid for the aquarium. Using AquaOne lid supports bought as spares online and cut to size. Have ordered custom made glass and sized to leave a gap for feeding. Only circa £25 for the glass.

[@nathanqwerty1]

hey Yan, yes this is normal, every tank is different and cycle times can vary, the brown you see are diatoms and although not every tank gets them most do around cycle finishing time, it will burn out slowly, like with everything in this game it takes time just let it be and just wait till ammonia and nitrite go to 0 and you start getting a nitrate reading then you can add first fish

[@yanevans7368]

Nathan Willard thanks. Bizarrely the brown seems to have gone this morning.

[@yanevans7368]

Plus how noisy is your return pump. Mine is noisier than expected and would like. Have removed and cleaned the impeller and reassembled a few times now. Getting quieter. Any ideas? I have the stock Red Sea return pump at present. Did you change yours? Skimmer is very quiet

[@nathanqwerty1]

@@yanevans7368 yeah switched my stock one for a jacod dc1200 but not cos the stock one was noisy but just wanted bit more control and feed button, just make sure the side of pump is not touching any sides of the rear sump and i wouldn't clean it unless its been 3-6months as a slime coat on the impeller helps in reducing noice

[@yanevans7368]

Nathan Willard thanks Nathan, advice appreciated. May put some rubber mounts to take out the vibration

[@Vegitha786]

hi, what gadgets you have on your max on that panel

[@TheBrummieReefer]

Hi mate great video! What type of rock are you using? It’s really nice. And when you start dosing could you do a video on it I want to start dosing my tank but don’t have a clue how to start it’s a bit confusing for me so a break down video would be amazing!

[@nathanqwerty1]

cheers Gary, its real reef rock(man made) check out my last vid as i talk all about it. yes going to do in depth vids on dosing, keep an eye on the channel

[@leoacuna9210]

Do you any tips or tricks to tune the skimmer I’ve yet to have mine work properly.

[@nathanqwerty1]

Not really, just have the air valve open fully, and gate about half down

[@cookierblx72892]

@@nathanqwerty1 I’m having this same issue regards tuning the skimmer in. It’s producing a lot of micro bubbles plus can’t seem to get it right.

[@diggydog12g40]

Great videos Just bought that tank and it comes next week....

[@nathanqwerty1]

Nice one pal, loads more to come turn on notifications👍

[@DavidJordan92]

Great video! I picked up this tank a few weeks ago and have been having a minor issue. My protein skinner seems to be releasing a ton of micro bubbles into the tank and it is very un aesthetic. Did this happen to you? Will it go away over time? Thank again for the great channel!

[@nathanqwerty1]

Cheers, yes the skimmer will release micro bubbles into the display when the the tank is new, trust me this will stop over time usually within a couple of weeks.

[@DavidJordan92]

Nathan Willard Okay, great! Thank you. I’ll keep you updated :)

[@DavidJordan92]

@@nathanqwerty1 I was hoping the bubbles would have stopped by now, but they are still filling up the tank completely. When I place a bag of carbon in the chamber with the rack to the right of the skimmer, I notice the bubbles do die down a bit. Do you have a sponge sitting in that chamber or any kind of media placed in that chamber or the following chamber with the pump? I saw in the instructions they showed an image with a sponge wrapped around the pump hose filling in the gaps, but I never used this because I did not want a sponge in the tank. Hope to hear your response Nathan. Cheers!

[@PatternRecognizer]

@@DavidJordan92 The sponge is a bubble trap. Its purpose is to prevent the issue you're seeing. When you opted not to use it, what did you think would happen?

[@dclock9959]

Lol where is your 750xxl ?

[@nathanqwerty1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHjNYZVumq10b7M

[@HollaAtChaReefBoy]

Great video! Man, I do miss your Red Sea XXL, but nonetheless, this nano tank is beautiful. I have a Peninsula 650 and just started a KZbin channel showcasing it.

[@nathanqwerty1]

thanks, cool ill check it out