New Nano help

[Miketeachme]

I have been setting up my nano cube 24 gallon. I have the salt temp and live sand. What should I do next? Buy live rock or should something else be done first?

 

[Beengirl]

I have been setting up my nano cube 24 gallon. I have the salt temp and live sand. What should I do next? Buy live rock or should something else be done first?

If your going to add live rock, do it now before the cycle starts. If you add a lot of LR after the cycle, you could set off a mini cycle. Then throw in shrimp or put in ammonia, what ever you're gonna cycle with and wait... And test... And wait... And test. And repeat til cycle is over.

 

[Miketeachme]

Added live rock

 

[LaWoWee]

you should add all the rock that youre eventually going to want now

 

[Miketeachme]

I now have my live rock and have added a few fish. Thanks.

 

[Dreamsound1]

How long have you been cycling your tank?

 

[obscurereef]

I think he's doing fish-in cycling? Personally I prefer fishless cycling and more rock. Maybe get some cool base rock pieces to make arches and caves and such. Good start though! Are you going to do a FOWLR or reef tank?

 

[Miketeachme]

I want to have a reef eventually. I'm not sure how or what to do next.

 

[begginersluck]

Do you have a protein skimmer? I recommend getting one of these soon.

Take your time setting this tank up. It will pay off in the end.

Personally i dont think you should have any fish in there just yet. You're risking them dying due to the cycle.

 

[LaWoWee]

I want to have a reef eventually. I'm not sure how or what to do next.

Do you have a saltwater test kit? If not, recommend you get one even if its a cheap one like API. That way youll know when your tank is cycled. As for going reef, a skimmer is not required since your tank is a nano. Good light and consistent water changes can get you by. I highly recommend one because it cleans the nasty gunk out of your water.

 

[begginersluck]

A skimmer will help reduce water changes though. My tank rarely requires water changes because of its filtration including the skimmer.

 

[LaWoWee]

A skimmer will help reduce water changes though. My tank rarely requires water changes because of its filtration including the skimmer.

A skimmer picks up waste before it gets broken into nitrate thats why you have the ability to slack on water changes. But that should not be a reason to neglect them. WCs have other benefits than just reducing waste. In Mikes case, hes running an AIO nano so does not have a fuge or anything to replenish nutrients or keep a stable PH, cal, alk, etc. Skimmer or not, WCs will still be important for him. I agree that skimming is important. My skimmer is rated for more than 3 times my tank volume. Thats how much i love skimmers but i also do my WCs everyother week if not every week.

 

[begginersluck]

I wouldnt say i neglect water changes but i certainly have a benefit having a skimmer. A friend of mine told me he hasn't done a water change in over a year which i found a little off at first but the guy has over 8 years reef experience and his tank looks amazing! Strange to me!

 

[LaWoWee]

Yea my cousin goes a year without WCs but he has a fowlr and vodka doses with heavy skimming. Its crazy that your friend has success that way with reef.

 

[begginersluck]

I know that's what I said to him. The lucky guy just ordered his new custom made 600 litre! Jealous lol

 

[Miketeachme]

I have the API test kit and all looks fine. I am cleaning algae from the nano cube walls daily. Is that normal? I don't know if I need a protein skimmer or not.

 

[LaWoWee]

A skimmer will definitely help keep down the nutrients that will fuel algae.

 

[Dreamsound1]

How long has your tank been cycling now?