Jim's Nuvo Mini 38

Modifying the AquaticLife Mini Skimmer 115 for the Innovative Marine Nuvo Mini 38

Problem:

• The AquaticLifie Mini Skimmer 115 is not the dimensions that are stated. They state two different dimensions: 3.0" x 3.0" and 3.25" x 3.0"
• The unit I received was actually 3.25" x 3.5" which will not fit in the Refugium Column of the Mini 38 tank which measured 3.10" x 4.0".

Since I had already done the air vent mod I had read was necessary for most nano tanks, I was unable to return the Skimmer.

Sooo I decided to do my own mod to the skimmer to make it fit in the tank. The first consideration was serviceability. If I did make a mod, I would still need to service the unit in the future.

Solution:

• The mounting clips were the culprits which made the skimmer exceed the 3.0" advertised. So by replacing them with cable ties to hold the two pieces together, I could modify the mounting clips for the second of their tasks.

I must apologize for the poor quality of some of the pics. Auto Focus isn't all it's cracked up to be, and by the time I discovered the issue, it was too late for a do over.

Below is a pic of one of the mounting clips:
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The mounting clips after modifications (cut off the arms, file for level, and groove for the power cord):
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Install the cable ties and glue the modified mounting clips to the unit. I also glued the power cord at the top so it would not exert pressure on the mounting clip. (I let the glue cure overnight):
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The fit is tight, and I didn't really need the mounting clip to hold it in place, but I installed it anyway. And WaLa skimmer in place:
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Fired it up and tons of micro bubbles:
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Put a piece of Filter Floss in place, and reduced the micro bubbles substantially. Hopefully the bubbles will go away after the skimmer breaks in.

I'll be keeping an eye on it for the next three or four days for any issues which might show up.

Suggestions:

• Innovative Marine might want to consider making the size of their chamber 3.5" rather than the 3.1" I received. It would give the user more choices for a skimmer.
• AquaticLife should most definitely provide the correct dimensions for their product.

 

Skimmer still breaking in

Well, the micro-bubbles have diminished some. Wonder how long it will take for the skimmer to break in. It's skimming, but no skimmate yet. One of the articles I read (Tropic Marin BIO ACTIF salt reviewed) indicated that a skimmer was necessary when using the Bio-Actif-Salt. Strange that after the tank being up three weeks, and just now adding a skimmer, that I would have no skimmate.

The fish and clean-up crew are all doing well. Lights are now on nine hours a day. It's been three weeks, guess I'll schedule a water change for this week end.

 

First water change done

Did my first water change today. Mr. & Mrs. Clown weren't too happy about it at first, but now they are back to normal.

Mag-Float Magnetic Cleaner is seeping some white stuff and messing up the inside glass of the tank. Wasn't sure where it was coming from at first, but I caught it in the act this afternoon. Guess I'll have to return it to MarineDepot for a new one.

I'll be adding two Purple Fire-fish Goby's next week. And hopefully by the first week of December the first corals.

 

Giving up on the skimmer

Well it's been five days since I installed the skimmer. After my water change, the micro bubbles came back with a vengeance. What skimming it did, was wet. Couldn't get any real skim-mate. Sooo I'm removing it from the system.

 

That sucks to hear about your skimmer and micro bubbles.

Let check; I think the Hydor Slim Skim might fit in that spot.

Edit: Slim Skim measures 4.25" X 4.25" footprint. That won't work. The Skim Skim Nano is 3 1/8" X 3 1/8", so just shy of your available space. It is rated for 35g. I think you should be OK, if you don't go heavy on the stocking.

 

Going skimless

After looking around at different sites for other tanks being set up skimless, I've decided that I will also move in that direction. I'll keep my skimmer in place for emergencies. But in the day to day operation of my tank, it will be turned off.

My son has a 24 gallon which he has been running skimless for over a year now, and his corals and fish are doing great.

 

What will you be running for filtration? Biopellets, macro algae, etc?

 

Switching to macro algae

Seano - I've decided to move to chaeto for my exports. Submersible light and chaeto is on order, should be here Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

 

Livestock?

So far I have:

• A mated pair of Percula Clownfish
• A pair (mated unknown) of Purple Firefish
• A Six Line Wrasse
• A Crocea Clam
• Cleanup Crew

I don't want to overload the tank, but I wonder if there might be room for another fish? Eventually when the Coraline starts to grow, I'll probably be adding a Blue Tuxedo Urchin to keep it under control, so I need to consider that.


Another fish?? Recommendations

 

Macro algae in place

The chaeto with the submersible light have arrived and in place. Hopefully that will be the last equipment purchase I have to make. I would like to start purchasing some corals now.

I've started my weekly water changes - 3 gallons/water capacity 27 gallons = a little over 11% which should be more than adequate. Starting to get some coraline on the rock, along with another bright green algae which started along with an occasional feeding Phyto Feast for the clam - the crabs and snails really like the green stuff.

If water params continue to be good through this week, I'm looking at corals for next week.