That’s My EDGE: Minh Tran’s Nano-Reef EDGE
That’s my EDGE is a new series profiling beautiful and unique Fluval EDGE aquariums from featured hobbyists around the world. Many are created by advanced hobbyists and do not necessarily represent standard or recommended stocking or alterations for the beginner or average aquarist.
Since it’s retail launch in Summer 2009, the Fluval EDGE has exploded onto the aquatics scene, generating excitement among new and advanced aquarists alike. After seeing all the incredible things people were doing with the Fluval EDGE, we decided to feature their work here on the Fluval Blog.
So to kick things off, we’ve started with an application that has been constantly asked discussed: a marine, nano-reef Fluval EDGE! We’ve interviewed the owner of this masterpiece below.
1. So tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Minh Tran. I currently live in Fresno California. I had my first reef tank about eight years ago. Over the years I’ve had gone through several tanks with various sizes. Currently I have a 135G SPS domiinated mixed reef and a 6G Fluval Edge nano tank. Yes I know that I suffer from Multiple Tanks Syndrome.
2. What is your background in nano-reef keeping?
When JBJ first came out with the first “all-in-one” NanoCube, I quickly grabbed a 24G NC. I knew I would not have been happy with the stock lighting and filtration. I purchased a set of 70W MH, some underwater lighting, fans, extra pumps and turned the 24G into an SPS and clams nano. Over the last several years, I’ve only kept low demand corals. My favorite nano had to be a 15G that was plumbed with a closed loop and a sump, with proper filtration, flow, a decent skimmer and excellent lighting. Corals were thriving and I had the most compliments for that tank.
3. What are some of the special or unique things you did with your Fluval EDGE?
I decided to attach a small T5 fixture for proper lighting. I’ve also replaced the stock halogen with LED replacement, but those simply didn’t have the spread necessary, so they are more or less serving as moonlight. I found that the power filter was dumping too much micro bubbles, so I added a piece of sponge so that the output could be more gentle. I added a very small powerhead for a gyre effect. I used high grade carbon and most importantly I performed 90-95% water change 2 to 4 times a month. The new water is simply taken out from the big tank during its water changes.
4. What species of fish, invertebrates, or corals can be found in your EDGE? Have you had any trouble keeping any of them alive and healthy in the tank?
I mostly have very hardy corals in there at the moment: zoanthids, palythoas, hammer, cloves, ricordeas and a candy cane. There’s a Rose Bubble Tip anemone that’s been doing fairly well for almost 3 months now. I don’t have any fish. I have an assortment of crabs and shrimps: hermit crabs, Porcelain crab, Boxer crab, Sexy Shrimp, Harlequin Shrimp,…I found that crabs are generally more hardy since I lost a couple of Glass Anemone Shrimp in this tank. I fed the Harlequin with asternia stars from my other tank.
5. What is your overall opinion of the Fluval EDGE as a nano-reef aquarium?
Aesthetically, it’s one of the best nano tanks. Its functions are limited as a reef tank, but certainly workable.
6. Do you have any tips or recommendations for someone looking to do a tank similar to yours?
Keep a low rock work and leave some room at the back; better water flow and more room for your hands without knocking over corals. Have patience and perform regular water changes to keep water quality high.
Have you converted your EDGE to saltwater? Tell us about it in the comments!
