Backtotropical's Nano-reef

[backtotropical]

Hi all,

After long consideration, I have decided to start a Nano-Reef. I have kept marines and corals before, so i've got a bit of a headstart, but any advice or comments are welcome.

The equipment I have so far is

Aqua One Horizon 60 Tank (2ft, 70 Litre)
Heater (as supplied with the tank)
Lights (as supplied with the tank)
RO-Man 6 Stage RO Unit
Hydrometer
Marine Salt (Kent Marine I think)
Carib-Sea Live Aragonite Reef Sand

I have a few powerheads lying around the house, but I want to get something good as I will be relying on the berlin method of filtration. I am considering either the Hydor Koralia Nano or the Tunze Nanostream and have started another thread in the hardware section about this.

What is the optimal amount of flow? The Tunze Nanostream pumps 2500l/h which would equate to 36x turnover. Is this enough or should i be looking at getting 2 of these?

Also, the lights supplied with the tank aren't sufficient and need upgraded. For this, I am looking to get either an Arcadia 2ft Luminaire or a set of TMC LEDs. Advice on which is best would again be appreciated.

The tank has been cleaned tonight, so will be filled with water tomorrow and the salt added to around 1.024. I will use a couple of powerheads for flow meantime until i get something better. The aragonite sand will also be added. Should i go for a shallow or a deep sand bed?

I plan to get a small amount of LR maybe next weekend (maybe a few kgs). I'm not exactly sure how much i will need so i'll play it by ear.

Stocking plans at the moment are

Clean up crew (Hermits, Turbo Snails)
2 x Percula Clowns
Shrimp (not sure how many or which type yet)
Maybe a Goby or Blenny
1 x Starfish (again not sure which type)

Does this sound ok?

Any advice or comments are very much appreciated. Thanks for looking.

Cheers

BTT

P.S. Pics to follow!

 

[CageUK]

All sounds pretty good to me BTT

The flow rate sounds fine. It's quite powerful in fact and you want to be careful not to direct it at something that will stress and the strong laminar flow. A good diffused flow around the live rock or perhaps use a Koralia flow director which will give you a constantly changing direction and give you a more universal flow.

I'm not really clued up on the LEDs so I won't comment on that, the normal lighting for nano tanks tends to be T5 or at the very least, power compact.

You will find that a refractometer will be much more accurate and reliable than a hydrometer and although not essential is a very wise purchase. Alternatively at least for the time being you could take your hydrometer to your lfs and check it against one of their refractometer and apply the difference (if any) to your mix at home. Then it's just a matter of getting it checked periodically.

Starfish are also very frowned upon in the nano community. It is nigh on impossible to meet their feeding requirements in a tank of that size and the creatures eventually starve. I did make this mistake early on in my marine career and rectified it by taking my freddie (star) back to the lfs having been chastised by the reef gods! So the upshot is, avoid all sea stars.
I believe that some species of brittle stars may be accommodated as they can sometime be target fed but get guidance from someone that has kept them. Either way you would need to let the tank mature for a while.

All else sounds great!

And of course, pics are mandatory when setting up a tank

 

[backtotropical]

Thanks for the input, CageUK.

So you think 36x turnover is ample? That is what i though too, but wanted to get a second opinion. I notice Rabbut is running 2 of these pumps on a tank of the same size (72x turnover). It'd be interesting how he finds it. I think i will start with 1 anyway and see how it goes.

I will look into getting a refractometer and will avoid sea stars. Thanks for that tip. I don't want to starve the poor little guys.

I for got to add to the previous post that I intend to add a TMC V2 120 Nano-Skimmer. Anyone had experience of these? Will it be sufficient for the tank or should i go for something bigger? I know that the manufacturers ratings can sometimes be a little optimistic.

....and pics will follow.

BTT

 

[kj23502]

*can't wait for pics!! Excited to see how it unfolds

 

[rabbut]

Well, supprisingly with 72x an hour turn-over I still have dead zones The flow does seem to have completely stopped the usual diatom bloom you get after filling, and the green algea stage. After about 2 weeks, the first algea issue I have had is a VERY mild red cyno outbreak, in dead zones only I'm reluctant to play with the pumps as they are in the only position I've found so far that doesn't stir up the substrate....

I know of about three people whom have had issue with the V2 nano's bigger brother range, mainly with the motors loosing flow and becomming noisy after about 6 months... I haven't heard of any issues with the nano range, but then again, I don't know anyone running them... All the people whom I know that bought them, all did so at about the same time, so mebe they sent out a bad batch? They usualy get quite good reviews.

I will be following with interest Sorry, I cannot help with the LED's Is the Arcadia unit T5 or MH?

All the best
Rabbut

 

[backtotropical]

Thats interesting about the dead zones, Rabbut. Would you recommend at least 2 pumps on that basis? Also, out of interest, where did you get yours? The best price i've found so far is £36.99.

[URL="http/www.thelivingseas.uk.com/p/474485/t...tream-6025.html"]http/www.thelivingseas.uk.com/p/474485/t...tream-6025.html[/URL]

The Arcadia Luminaire runs T5s. I believe there is a 2 x T5 version and a 4 x T5 version. I have a 4ft Luminaire on my FW tank and they are great bits of kit, but I believe the LED bulbs are guaranteed for 5 years, much cheaper to replace and much cheaper to run, whilst still providing the same kelvin rating etc as the T5s.

I'd really like advice from someone who has used the LEDs on this if possible before i decide on which to go for, as I'm not sure how good my information is.

I'd also really like advice on the best depth for the sand substrate if anyone can help with that?

I'm filling buckets of RO water as we speak. Soooo excited!

Cheers

BTT

 

[rabbut]

Powerheads, yes I'd buy two again if I were to set-up the same tank again You could do it with one, but IMO two would be better. The Cyno appers to have come actually as I left one of the two off while at work yesterday. I cannot remember why I did that now though...

LED's are supposed to be brighter watt-for-watt than MH's with longer lamp life and cheaper running costs due to needing less power in the unit for the same ammount of light. Thats the theory at least... I don't know of anyone whom runs them TBH on a marine system for anything other than moon-lighting...

I'm now eagerly antisipating the photo's of the set-up in progress

All the best
Rabbut

 

[CageUK]

Marines unlike tropicals normally have a fairly shallow depth of substrate 1" or thereabouts tends being the norm. Live rock onto the bottom of the tank then lay the substrate around it.

Touch wood I've been lucky and avoided cyno (with the odd very minor exception) so far and my flow is quite moderate so I guess it's all down to flow direction as much as power.

 

[backtotropical]

Thanks again.

I was considering using egg crate under the LR. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

BTT

 

[CageUK]

Egg crate is fine. I used some plastic tank divider mesh as it was thinner but no probs.

 

[rabbut]

Never used it personally. I'd just put down a very thin layer of coral gravel/sand and then place the rock on top to protect the base. The layer must be very fine though, or blennys, other livestock and CUC will burrow under the rock stack, potentially caursing it to collapse With any substrate sifter than needs a deaper layer than just a light covering, add the rest of the gravel/sand after the rockwork for extra stability, prior to filling with water

All the best
Rabbut

 

[backtotropical]

I managed to take a couple of pics tonight. Nothing too exciting yet. The tank is half full and thats really all there is to see, but it sets the scene at least.

Can anyone advise the best place to buy egg crate (or similar)?

Cheers

BTT

 

[xxBarneyxx]

I got mine off ebay. Was a lot cheaper then anywhere else. Cant remember where exactly i got if from but search for koi filter grid and that should find it. Was something like £3 for a 2ftX3ft section.

 

[CageUK]

Marine lfs should stock it. Otherwise ebay item 150305946096 for example or the stuff that I used is tank divider item 220293354516. I find it's a little less obtrusive but does the same job as far as live rock is concerned.

 

[backtotropical]

Thanks Barney, Cage. Muchos Helpos!

I'm almost sure now that I will buy the Tunze Nanostream over the Hydor. It's pay-day tomorrow, so i may feel some internet shopping coming on.........

BTT