Want to start a nano reef- 10gall

[bigbox]

Hi everyone,

I want to change my 10 gallon freshwater tank into a nano reef.

I am a complete beginner to salt water, so what do i need to do before i can add fish? What will i need? How long will it take?

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated! I am open for any suggestions

Thanks in Advance.

 

[andrewdtsch]

I have a 10 gallon salt with corals. Its best to get salt water from your local fish store. Things can be added a lot quicker. I started with some base rock, my own mix of tap water and salt, live sand, a little heater, and an aquaclear 20 filter. I waited a month before i added a fish and it was a damsel because they are pretty hardy and not too sensative as far as having perfect water parameters. Good thing to get at first too would be a test kit to make sure you have 0 nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia. They say you have to have a ph of 8.3, but my tank is fine and its always at like 7.9 to 8.0. If u get corals and want a good light, i am using a marineland reef capable led light system. Its for tanks 18 to 24 in. I have all types of corals and they are pleased with the light i have. It doesn't consume a lot of energy, it doesn't get hot, and the bulbs last forever(11years) i hope this gives you a little bit better of an idea for what to do.