Modding Tank Filtration

Today I began to modify my stock tank filtration system.  The JBJ Nano comes stock with three big black sponges in the first chamber - there are three chambers in the rear of the tank for filtration and the water pump.  In the second chamber, there is a bag of ceramic ring media, 5 bio-balls and also a bag of carbon pellets.

I removed the sponges, bio-balls and ceramic media.  I added an InTank media basket, which has three chambers.  In the first I placed filter floss, which is basically pillow stuffing.  In the second I added a mini Chemi-Pure Elite filter medium bag, which I hung from the top of the first shelf - it's apparently important to hang this to allow for good water circulation, and I've noticed that the floss does in fact slow down water flow, so you need to be careful in how much you add to the basket.  I haven't received the other media, Seachem Purigen, which I am planning to place in the third slot in the basket, and then I will remove the carbon pellet bag from the second chamber, and move my heater there.

Yesterday, I ordered my clean-up crew ("CUC"), the biologic component of my tank's filtration after the live rock.  This will be my first livestock order by mail, having ordered from Blue Zoo Aquatics in California.  I've read very good feedback on their service, and when I asked last-minute if they could ship extra shells for the hermit, they replied to my email in like two minutes and added them free. They will be shipped via FedEx, and I will be adding the following to my tank tomorrow:

• Electric Blue Hermit Crab
• 2 Astraea snails
• 3 Cerith snails
• 3 Nassarius snails
• 2 Onyx Nassarius snails
• 2 Nerite snails

I also wanted to add a shrimp, but was advised against it for the time being, and to get my tank more established with the CUC first, then consider adding.  As it is, it seems like I'm going against all conventions by the time my tank has been up and running.  But the chemical levels are all very good and stable, so I feel my tank has cycled and is ready.  Almost a week now with the Clowns and zero ammonia still.

You will notice that whenever you play with the filtration, your tank will cloud up.  Not to worry, it will clear up in a bit.