MKFMedic
Aquarium Advice Activist
Hello Everyone!
I'm experienced with freshwater tanks, and have decided to take the plunge for a small nano reef in my office! I can't wait!
I found a great deal on a 12 gallon JBJ Nano "Deluxe" tank and have been researching for the last couple of weeks on the best way to set up the environment. There is so much information out there it can certainly become overwhelming. A little help reviewing my plan would be greatly appreciated!
I would like to use Live sand as the base of the aquarium, and then add live rock for the structure within the tank. As I understand it, I can add the "Live" sand when I start the tank, and then should wait for the tank to cycle and stabilize prior to adding the rock.
After adding the live rock, I'd like to start with a few (As budget Permits) pieces of coral. Again, it is my understanding that I should allow for more time to allow for the tank to "Stabilize." The Nano tank supposedly comes with lights specific to saltwater tanks and equates to 4.5 watts per gallon along with the LED lights for nighttime. Are there any recommendations based on your experience on coral that might work in this situation?
Finally, I would like to add 2 to 3 fish, shrimp, snail, crabs etc. Recommendations on any good combinations? With the two to three fish, I was thinking 5 - 7 "Cleaners," and my son really wants a starfish! My daughter wants a "Nemo" fish (Sorry if that violates some unspoken etiquette... I'm new). Should I pair up the clown fish, or will they be O.K. if they have other tank mates. I was interested in a gobi and perhaps a third variety.
I am fortunate to have a very well rated fish store around the block from my home, so I plan on purchasing the balanced salt water and keep a stock on hand for water changes and topping off the tank.
My question, I suppose, is am I on the right track? What time frame should I expect between each step. I have read schools of thought that it could be a couple of days to a 60 day process to get the tank up and running.
I am patient and will enjoy the process, so I really want to do this the right way the first time. Finally, placement. I was planning on putting the tank by a window, which never receives direct sunlight, but receives indirect light. We live by the beach in So. California so heat should never be an issue because of the placement. Should I reconsider this placement? I do have a wall in the room where I can place the tank away from the window.
Again, a lot of questions from a newbie, so I certainly will appreciate your time and suggestions. Thanks so much and I'm really looking forward to becoming part of the community.
Best Regards,
Mike
I'm experienced with freshwater tanks, and have decided to take the plunge for a small nano reef in my office! I can't wait!
I found a great deal on a 12 gallon JBJ Nano "Deluxe" tank and have been researching for the last couple of weeks on the best way to set up the environment. There is so much information out there it can certainly become overwhelming. A little help reviewing my plan would be greatly appreciated!
I would like to use Live sand as the base of the aquarium, and then add live rock for the structure within the tank. As I understand it, I can add the "Live" sand when I start the tank, and then should wait for the tank to cycle and stabilize prior to adding the rock.
After adding the live rock, I'd like to start with a few (As budget Permits) pieces of coral. Again, it is my understanding that I should allow for more time to allow for the tank to "Stabilize." The Nano tank supposedly comes with lights specific to saltwater tanks and equates to 4.5 watts per gallon along with the LED lights for nighttime. Are there any recommendations based on your experience on coral that might work in this situation?
Finally, I would like to add 2 to 3 fish, shrimp, snail, crabs etc. Recommendations on any good combinations? With the two to three fish, I was thinking 5 - 7 "Cleaners," and my son really wants a starfish! My daughter wants a "Nemo" fish (Sorry if that violates some unspoken etiquette... I'm new). Should I pair up the clown fish, or will they be O.K. if they have other tank mates. I was interested in a gobi and perhaps a third variety.
I am fortunate to have a very well rated fish store around the block from my home, so I plan on purchasing the balanced salt water and keep a stock on hand for water changes and topping off the tank.
My question, I suppose, is am I on the right track? What time frame should I expect between each step. I have read schools of thought that it could be a couple of days to a 60 day process to get the tank up and running.
I am patient and will enjoy the process, so I really want to do this the right way the first time. Finally, placement. I was planning on putting the tank by a window, which never receives direct sunlight, but receives indirect light. We live by the beach in So. California so heat should never be an issue because of the placement. Should I reconsider this placement? I do have a wall in the room where I can place the tank away from the window.
Again, a lot of questions from a newbie, so I certainly will appreciate your time and suggestions. Thanks so much and I'm really looking forward to becoming part of the community.
Best Regards,
Mike