DigitalWeight's 28 Gallon Nano That I Wish Was Bigger

[DigitalWeight]

I am 9 months into this hobby and can't believe how much fun it is (and freakin' expensive - don't tell my wife). I am starting this journal to try to get some sort of timeline that will show my progress over time. As I do, please chime in with your comments, suggestions, and criticisms as I want to learn as much as possible.

That is what I love about this - I work a pretty stressful job and this hobby is a great release from that. It is relaxing in the way that it is all consuming. I wouldn't call it a passive hobby; it requires constant learning, attention, but the rewards are pretty cool.

So, 9 months ago I went nano. Wish I would have gone bigger at the time but who knew. One day I am sure I will upgrade but that time is not now (see wife above).

Equipement:

28 Gallon AquaEuroUSA AIO Nano with lid removed so I can use the EcoTech lights
Homemade Arcylic Cover for AIO built in sump
Matching Stand
JBJ ATO
TLF 150 Phosban Reactor running GFO and Carbon
Slim Skim Nano Protein Skimmer
BRS 4 Stage RO/DI System - 75 GPD
VorTech Propeller Pump - MP10 ES
EcoTech Radion Gen 2 LED Lights

Tank Readings:
Temp: 80
Calcium: 480
kH: 8.0
Mag: 1250
Salinity: 1.026
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 5 (need to get this down)

Next Steps:

1. Build a DIY sump that will fit in the new Ikea cabinet that I built just for this purpose (more on that later).



Some Pics:

Here is where I am at today (first shot is 9 months ago). Still trying to figure out the best way to take pics (need to learn from Kien - that dude is the master) and ignore the particles in the water - moved some stuff around earlier and the tank was still settling.