6 gal nano reef build

[KatyKat]

So today i decided to start my new 6 gal nano reef build. I went to petco to take a look at their tanks with the mindset of getting a fluval spec 5 which i have and have successfully run a reef in. I came across a petco brand arc 6.25g bow front aquarium and ended up going with that instead. the lighting on this tank is cheap and awful so i replaces with a fluval fixture thats 12 volt that I've used successfully for soft corals. i have the tank up and running now with no filter media (because thats why i am here ) and the correct amount of mixed saltwater, using bottled water. now i know where my tank is sitting in the photos is not a good idea because its next to the window, and i have a mastiff puppy lol. but do not worry it will not be there for long. once it is cycled and i have added my sand and LR it will be transferred to my office which is nice and dark. NOW to my actual questions! does anyone have any suggestions as to a filter mod? i was thinking of using a eshopps sump sponge in replacement of the nasty sponge they have in here. Also was thinking of using sachem media mix in a mesh bag, and a purigen sachem sponge. another thing i am concerned about is the lack of GPH (40)put in by this wimpy pump they included any suggestions as to what model and size would work well for this size tank? i was planning on going with a more chunky sandbed, crushed coral type. the way the tank is shaped i will need at least one power head, any suggestions as to what would fit well in this tank and not turn it into a whirlpool!? i will be adding sand tomorrow (yes i know i should have done that before) and the LR as well. Ive never cycled using the raw shrimp method any advice on that would be much appreciated.

QUESTIONS:
what pump will work well in this tank?

What power head will work well in this tank?

are the filtration mods i have planned good enough for lips and a clown?

any suggestions on cycling with raw shrimp?

anything else you have to comment about

SORRY MY POST WAS SO LONG! RAMBLING WOMAN.

 

[King Neptune]

I'm curious about this to I have a 6.5 gallon hexagonal tank that I think im going to use for my first venture into saltwater. So I'll just be the fly on the wall here

 

[KatyKat]

thanks for all the replies everyone! lol
well I've decided to go with a hydor pico pump @200gph to replace the 40gph one it came with.
also picking up two hydor koralia nano 240 power heads today
a hydor 25 wat adjustable heater
and a split nozel to replace the single nozel that came with the tank!
i will post photos later to update the fly on the wall

 

[KatyKat]

I'm curious about this to I have a 6.5 gallon hexagonal tank that I think im going to use for my first venture into saltwater. So I'll just be the fly on the wall here

UPDATE!

picked up a bunch of stuff today from my lfs

SAND: coraline marine crushed coral
HEATER:aqueon 50 wat adjustable heater
Media: matrix bio media ( made a mesh bag for it)
Media: Purigen ultimate filtration pad
thermostat: pet co brand
live rock: about 7 pounds

 

[john_franzwa]

I wonder i this will turn out i tryed a nano like this about 2 years ago and it failed so I hope this works out for you ?


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[Mattyfelts]

your only going to need one of the powerheads... imo two would be overkill

 

[Sniperhank]

Sounds like you are off to a good start. Save the media until after the tank is cycled. Once you get it filled up with the rock and sand in there, get yourself a cocktail shrimp to tie into some panty hose for your ammonia source to get the cycle started. Get yourself an API master test kit to watch your ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels so you'll know when you are done.

 

[KatyKat]

Sounds like you are off to a good start. Save the media until after the tank is cycled. Once you get it filled up with the rock and sand in there, get yourself a cocktail shrimp to tie into some panty hose for your ammonia source to get the cycle started. Get yourself an API master test kit to watch your ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels so you'll know when you are done.

yep already have the shrimp in, and the api master saltwater kit. also the rock and sand are already in. just watching the levels now and waiting for it to cycle

 

[john_franzwa]

yep already have the shrimp in, and the api master saltwater kit. also the rock and sand are already in. just watching the levels now and waiting for it to cycle

Can we please see the shrimp I really like shrimp ?


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[KatyKat]

Can we please see the shrimp I really like shrimp ��


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You realize it not a live shrimp right?

 

[KatyKat]

your only going to need one of the powerheads... imo two would be overkill

Thank you!

 

[King Neptune]

thanks for all the replies everyone! lol
well I've decided to go with a hydor pico pump @200gph to replace the 40gph one it came with.
also picking up two hydor koralia nano 240 power heads today
a hydor 25 wat adjustable heater
and a split nozel to replace the single nozel that came with the tank!
i will post photos later to update the fly on the wall

Thanks for keeping me updated! Im looking forward to my first saltwater venture!

 

[john_franzwa]

You realize it not a live shrimp right?

Oh ok lol


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[KatyKat]

update

ordering two koralia nano 240's tomorrow and a new fluval sea led light pumping out 2,500k
here is a updated photo of the tank, and some new critters growing on the l.r
waiting for them to be identified, i think they are bubble anemone or strawberry anemone?
sorry the glass is dirty!

 

[john_franzwa]

Your tank is awesome


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[dingusplease]

Tank is looking good! That's a glass anemone

 

[Sniperhank]

That little guy is a ball anemone.

 

[KatyKat]

Tank is looking good! That's a glass anemone

ii looked up both photos it looks exactly like the ball anemone but there are about six- eight of them. it something i need to be worried about? will it spread/ how large does it grow and will it cause any issues with my other lps down the road?

 

[dingusplease]

Sniperhank is right, and from what I know they aren't really considered pests (like glass nems), but some can grow very large.

 

[KatyKat]

update

Hello everyone, i have a few updates for you!
i went to my lfs yesterday after checking my water levels, and picked up a cleaning crew, three very small blue legged hermits and two snails. I also picked up a aquatop cps-1 256 gph circulation pump. I figured this would hold me over until my koralia nano shows up with my new led lighting. As i was checking out a man came in with a leather coral and asked if he could leave it with the store. the store said no, the man said he was just going to toss it! so i said no, ill take it! obviously i know its very early for something like this to be in my tank, but i couldn't just let him flush it down the toilet! so i figure i will keep a very close eye on my water and add any key nutrients the tank is missing that is essential to its success, iodine i believe was on of them? anyways! NEW pictures! including the leather who is doing awesome!

ps: does anyone have any suggestions as to how to keep salt build up off the rim of my tanks? i figure cleaning it daily to prevent buildup. but any other suggestions?