Need help on 12 Gallon Nano cube

[Lcars]

Hi everyone! Haven't posted here in awhile! I've had my 12 gallon Nano cube for about a year, however only recently have I been wanting to restock it up and get it looking cool again right now, I have a Pajama Cardinalfish in it with a bunch of hermit crabs, and they're all doing amazing I have a few questions and concerns though:
1) My temperature lately is higher than usual, I live in Southern California, and it's been about 80-82 in the tank. I really need to get it down, so I was wondering if I should upgrade my pump? If so, what model would be good? I'm running the stock pump and lights. And if I do upgrade it, what temperature should I set my heater? I'm using a 50-Watt
2) I've been having ALOT of red algae growing on the glass, and everyday it seems I have to clean it. Does anyone know what causes this and how I can combat it?
3) In my chambers I have: 1st Chamber: Filter Sponge and Purigen, 2nd Chamber: live rock rubble, 3rd chamber: heater and pump. Does this look ok and any recommendations?
4) Once I have everything set up and stable, I was thinking of adding over a long period of time an Ocellaris Clown and a Neon Goby (I think this might be too much so should I go with Clown + Cardinalfish or Goby + Cardinalfish), some more hermits and snails, a cleaner shrimp, and eventually some soft corals. Any changes or recommendations?
Thanks everyone for your help, keep on reefing

 

[Raleighfishnerd]

In the process of setting up a nano cube 12 myself. The first thing I did was upgrade the pump to a maxijet 900. Going to be setting up the chambers about the same as yours. Also going to be upgrading the lights.


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[Lcars]

Saltwater Submersible Aquarium Pumps Strainer | Marineland

Is this the right Maxijet 900?

 

[Raleighfishnerd]

This is the one I am using:
Search on amazon for

Marineland ML90511 Maxi-Jet 900 PRO, 230/1000GPH




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[Lcars]

Ok I searched for it, however that looks like a powerhead to make water movement. Is it possible to change it into a return pump for the back chambers??? Thanks again!

 

[Raleighfishnerd]

Yeah it comes with everything for setting it up except tubing. I just happened to have some tubing that fit perfectly laying around.


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[Lcars]

That makes sense thank you! I will definitely look into getting one What stock are you planning on adding to your 12?

 

[Raleighfishnerd]

Been tossing around ideas but will prob go with a soft coral reef with a few of the smaller gobies, green banded and clown gobies


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[10gal_nano]

Sounds good!


Fish are friends not food!

 

[Raleighfishnerd]

As for your stock I might just do the cardinal fish with a pair of neon gobies


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