Creating an Ideal Aquarium for Novices - Innovative Marine's 14 NUVO Fusion Peninsula Setup

Creating an Ideal Aquarium for Novices - Innovative Marine's 14 NUVO Fusion Peninsula Setup

In this article, we'll walk you through the process of assembling the 14-gallon Innovative Marine 14 NUVO Peninsula Pro 2 aquarium. This guide, written by experienced aquarium keeper and content creator Robert, is designed to make reefing fun and easy, with a focus on advanced aquarium techniques and theory.

Unpacking and Inspection

1. Carefully unpack the aquarium and stand components.
2. Inspect the glass panels, silicone seams, and cabinet surfaces for any damage or defects.

Assembling the APS Cabinet Stand

1. Follow the included instructions to assemble the APS Cabinet Stand securely.
2. Ensure cabinet doors and panels are aligned and operate smoothly.
3. The stand is designed to support the 14 NUVO Peninsula Pro 2's unique shape and weight, so verify that it is stable and level.

Placing and Leveling the Aquarium

1. Place the aquarium on the stand in the designated position (usually centered on the cabinet).
2. Use a level tool to ensure the aquarium sits evenly; uneven support can stress the glass.

Installing Aquarium Equipment

1. Set up the return pump and plumbing lines in the sump area underneath, following general sump plumbing and filtration setup practices.
2. Install a suitable heater preset around 77°F to maintain reef-stable temperature (e.g., SICCE 300W heater recommended for tanks up to 90 gallons).
3. If desired, add an auto top-off system like the Reef Breeders Prism ATO to maintain water level and salinity stability.
4. Install protein skimmers optimized for small reef tanks or sump setups to maintain water quality.

Water Preparation and Filling

1. Prepare saltwater mix with quality marine salt, ensuring correct salinity (approximately 1.025 specific gravity).
2. Slowly fill the aquarium and sump to avoid stressing silicone seams.
3. Prime and start the return pump, checking for leaks and proper flow.

Cycling the Aquarium

1. Allow the system to cycle for several weeks before adding coral or fish.
2. Monitor parameters like ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and calcium.

Lighting and Coral Support

1. Install reef-appropriate LED lighting that supports coral growth, particularly for LPS and Soft Corals.
2. Recommended lighting should provide moderate PAR levels and a spectrum catering to photosynthetic corals.

Additional Gear Recommendations for LPS & Soft Coral Reef

1. Monitor and supplement calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium using kalkwasser (calcium hydroxide) treatments (e.g., Reef BluePrint Isol8:Ca(OH)2).
2. Use trace element supplements such as iron and vanadium to support coral health and photosynthesis.
3. Maintain gentle water flow with circulation pumps or powerheads to simulate natural reef currents but avoid strong direct flow that can stress LPS corals.
4. Consider a controller or app like Reefability for monitoring water parameters and reminders.

Key Gear Recommendations

| Equipment | Recommendation | Purpose | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | APS Cabinet Stand | Follow included assembly instructions | Stable support for aquarium | | Aquarium Heater | SICCE 300W preset at 77°F | Maintain stable reef temperature | | Auto Top-Off Reservoir | ReefCan 18L (optional) | Maintain water level and salinity | | Protein Skimmer | Sump compatible, small reef tank sized | Remove organics and maintain water quality | | Lighting | Reef-compatible LED with moderate PAR | Support coral photosynthesis | | Circulation Pumps | Adjustable powerheads for gentle flow | Simulate reef currents | | Supplements | Kalkwasser (Ca(OH)2), Iron, Vanadium | Maintain calcium and trace elements|

This guide synthesizes best practices for assembling and running a 14 NUVO Peninsula Pro 2 system specifically for LPS and soft coral reefs, incorporating hardware setup and coral nutrition management based on available accessories and supplements commonly recommended for these setups.

For the next step in building the 14 NUVO Fusion Peninsula, you'll need to add rock, sand, and an aquarium heater. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on maintaining your new aquarium!

[1] AquariumSource. (2021). Innovative Marine 14 NUVO Fusion Peninsula Pro 2. [Online]. Available: https://www.aquariumsourced.com/products/innovative-marine-14-nuvo-fusion-peninsula-pro-2-aquarium [Accessed 2023-03-08].

[2] Advanced Aquarist. (2020). Innovative Marine 14 NUVO Fusion Peninsula Pro 2. [Online]. Available: https://www.advancedaquarist.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1694:innovative-marine-14-nuvo-fusion-peninsula-pro-2&catid=13:reef-aquarium-articles&Itemid=101 [Accessed 2023-03-08].

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