Nano tank questions

[mapbeo]

Hi
I am very very new to this hobby so don't know anything at all and am attempting my first tank soon so I hope my questions aren't stupid.

I just read the article and was wondering what about filtration? Do we use wool or something? Every tank needs filtration right? Or am I completely wrong. Sorry I'm only experienced in fresh water fish. I am planning on putting in a hang on filter plus 2 powerheads in it. So the powerheads should be completely sponge free? and the hang on filter should only have carbon? No wool? But what kinda cactches the small particles if there isn't wooL?

Also another question, how often do we feed and what do we feed? feeding schedules?

Thanks!

 

[Lotus]

I moved your post into its own thread so it's not on the end of the nano tank sticky.

No, you don't need mechanical filtration on a saltwater tank. The live rock does most of the filtering, and water changes take care of the rest.

Feeding will depend on the inhabitants. Marine-based foods include mysis shrimp, cyclops-eeze and pellet foods.

 

[mapbeo]

Hi

Thanks for the reply..

Do the powerheads need to be completely sponge free? Or is it okay to leave the sponges in them?

Also when we are doing a water change, any adivce what we need to do besides follow the salt mix instructions? Any additives we will need to re-add into the mixture?

Also I was thinking off adding a TAAM RIO-NANO Protein skimmer for nano tanks?
TAAM RIO- NANO PROTEIN SKIMMER (110GPH) - eBay (item 190173218088 end time Mar-11-08 09:07:00 PDT) I know that it says that it isn't necessary but will it help make the water quality better? Or not really at all.

Last question, is a weekly water change a must? Is there anything we can add as in terms of equiptment to make it water change every 2 weeks or longer? or is it essential for a weekly water change?

Thanks

 

[mapbeo]

Forgot to mention that I am setting up a 7gallon (28litre) nano tank

I am not in the USA so yea quite limited and different over here.

I have made a list of what I think I need below. If I am missing something please let me know.

Equiptment
-----------
Tank - 28 litre
Powerheads x 2 (150gph & 120gph) (Roughly that)
Hang on filter - Aqua one H200 (100gph) - Maybe the hang on skimmer??
Aqua One Heater - 50 watt

Lighting
---------
Thinking of going for a 2x40 or 2x36 watt Power compact with the white and actinic lighting

Wanting to stock with 1 false perculas and soft corals with a clean up crew. hermit crabs, snails. Can I put a a shrimp in there too?

Also wanting to feed them pellet food (New Life spectrum). Can I feed them exclusively that only?

 

[Jackal650]

Yes the percula will do fine in there, but you need to watch the water parameters very closely if you want to have a shrimp. I feed my clowns pellets and they do just fine, and you can try other types of food like frozen brine shrimp,mysis,etc... Clowns generally like meaty foods.

As for the water changes, for that size of tank it will be preaty important to do water changes weekly, and topoffs with RO/DI water to keep the corals healthy and the algae down.You may need to add some sort of additive to the water to get rid of chlorine and other pollutants like that, but there is not much other to do except following the instructions, and makeing sure the SG is around 1.022-1.025. It is also good to wait abit after mixing the salt to make sure everything is properly dissolved, and for the additive to kick in. Mixing the water the might before is what I do.

As for the protien skimmer, it is not needed on nano tanks, the live rock and sand will do the job. You should leave the powerheads spong free because they will act as a breeding ground for nitrates and that is not good in a nano cube.

 

[mapbeo]

Hi

Sweet will take on the advice and give it a good go Have been following the awesome article about the step-by-step nano reef guide! If not I wouldn't even have a clue how to start.

Does anyone know a place which has cheap 2x40watt or 2x36watt power compact lights (hood + lights) and ships internationally?

Also can anyone suggest a good host anemone for my clown in the setup above. Is that possible? Or is my tank too small or lighting not enough to have a anemone for the clown. I would really like one so see the clown interact with it

Also anyother sugguestions for stocking to make it look awesome would be great!

 

[mapbeo]

The light avaliable to me here is this one,

Atman LV60~~ $179.95NZD

Voltage:220-240V
Frequency:50/60Hz
Watt: 36W x 2
36W White Powercompact 7100k x 1
36W Blue Powercompact 12000k x 1
Length: 60cm

This Atman LV60 is raised from the tank on sturdy supports which attach securely onto each end of the aquarium, and are adjectable to allow for slight differences in the tank length.
When access to the aquarium, or to the tubes is required, the luminaire tilts backwards, and rests on its hinge until being lowered back into place.

For freshwater aquarium we can provide 2 white 7100k powercompact instead of 1 or each. We can also provide 2 blue 12000k powercompact for reef/marine aquarium when more blue tubes is wanted.

Please specifed what bulbs you are wanting to have. If you are unsure of what bulb is suitalbe please email us and ask.

Is this sufficient?

Also what colour lights is the best combo to use?

 

[Jackal650]

I would not suggest an anenome in such a small tank, unless you arent goin to put any corals in it. they move at their own will and will sting nearby corals sometimes. you want to shoot for 4-6 wats per gallon.