Help w/Nano Set up

[bojuben]

Everyone on the MB was so helpful when I set up my 55 gal reef tank 2 years ago so I am hoping you will once again be generous with your suggestions and help.
I am trying to set up my new Nano Cube 12g Deluxe. I went ahead and purchased a new Maxi Jet 900 for increased circulation, the surface skimmer, Y-connectors w/2 flare nozzles and a Tronic 50w heater. Figured I should "do it right" from the start.
Now for the questions
How do I get the stock pump out of the chamber? There is a white tube going to the outtake nozzle. I assume it is permanent and should not be removed. Then there is a green tubing that is held in place by zip ties.
Do I just pull the green tubing from the white tube?
If so from the white tube or from the pump?
Do I remove the zip ties once I get it off?
Do I put zip ties back on?
(this information will be handy to know for maintenance)
What do you all recommend to place in the 3 different chambers? I was thinking of the following..........
Chamber 1 - heater
Chamber 2 - Chem Pure
Chamber 3 - pump
Do I need to put the foam sponge in somewhere - 1st chamber?
1 sponge, 2 or all 3?
If I should have a sponge where would my heater go?
I've read that some of you have placed live rock in one of the chambers.
Which chamber?
Also.............
Is there anything you did to your tank you regret?
Anything you did that you were happy with that you can recommend?
Sorry to ask so many questions but like I said - I want to "do it right".
Thanks so much!!

 

[lisa g]

I have one up and running for about a year. I am a novice at saltwater tanks but here is what I have done. I did not change anything, the lights and pump are stock. I have three sponges in the first chamber, puregen in the second and my heater in the third with the stock pump. I have been told I can take out the sponges and replace them with live rock. But I have not had too much of a problem yet to have to do that. I have Calerpa in the rear of my rocks to help keep the nitrates down. I talked alot with my friend at the store where I get most of my corals and fish and they have a 12gal that has been up for a long time and it is doing fine without alot of fancy stuff being replaced. I have however ordered the kit to seperate my moonlights from the daylight switch so I can palce them on seperate timers. The pump will come out just pull the white tube at the bend where it goes down to the pump. It slides out of the connection to the tank. The pump is suction cupped to the bottom and will come out all together. At least mine did when I was cleaning it out last week. Good Luck