Nano-Reefkeeping basics
When thinking about giving reefkeeping a try, we often think about the cost and challenge involved in such a project. I was looking around the web the other day and was surprised to read what many reefer have to say to the new saltwater enthusiastics. Most have to say that beginners should stay away from nano-reef and start with larger system for a few good reasons:
1) Most protein skimmers designed for small tanks are not tall enough to do a good job (height is the key with protein skimmers). Also, studies on Protein Skimmers have shown that they remove various trace elements (such as iodine), plankton, pods and starve corals by removing their food source. So if you run a Protein Skimmer, you will have to dose trace elements to replenish them.
2) Dosing additives in a small volume of water is risky. There is great chances of overdosing and crash the tank.
3) You will have to add new FRESH water daily.
4) More water changes will be needed.
5) etc, etc,
Large tanks are known to be more stable and easier than smaller ones but on the other hand, who on earth is willing to spend 1000s of dollars on something they are not sure about. In my opinion, this expensive way to introduce new comers won’t make our hobby more popular anytime soon. I started a 15 gallon tank and I introduced many friends to the hobby with small tanks. It gives the chance to learn and see how you like it without breaking your bank. Yes, nano reefkeeping can be difficult but when handled properly, it can be easy and enjoyable. The following setup and maintenance methods is what I have found to work the best for small tanks.
You won’t need to use a protein skimmer (no chance to buy a crappy one and).
You won’t need to dose additives so no chance to overdose and crash the tank (no chance to overdose)
You won’t need to spend much to get started!
This method only relies on live rock and live sand for filtration. Finally, weekly partial water changes (10-15%) will help remove the excess nutrients and will replenish trace elements at the same time. A good salt mix contains everything your reef needs. With regular water changes and enough live rock and live sand, your nitrates will always be at or near zero at all time.
Equipment:
Tank setup should be simple. You will need:
1) A tank
2) A heater and a small power head
3) A light. There are many types of lights available. You will have to chose one that is suitable for the animals you want to keep. So before to buy a lightning system, think about what you want to keep. If this is your first reef, I assume you will start with sort corals which will do well under any good power compact light.
4) A good quality salt mix.
5) An hygrometer or a refractometer.
Live stock:
This is the most important part! The first thing you need to purchase will be live rock and live sand. This is the basis of your filtration (remember, you won’t run a protein skimmer) so you need to purchase the highest quality live rock and live sand you can find. One-and-a-half to two pounds of live rock per gallon should be enough.
You can probably purchase live sand from the same store where you get your live rock. You can buy live sand but you can also make your own by seeding dead aragonite with some sand from an established system. Deeper sandbed tends to be a more efficient filter. On the other hand, the deeper it is, the more detritivore you need to keep it stirred. A good 3-5 inches deep should be a good average.
Once you have everything, add your live sand, live rock and water (water should be mixed a day before) to the tank. You can place the live rock the way you want but try to make as many openings as you can (caves and crevices) so the water can circulate through it. Caves and crevices will also provide hiding places for your fish and other critters. To make things easier for you, you can place the live rock before to add the water but make sure to not let your live rock and live sand dry.
You now have a nano-reef!
Cycling the tank:
It is vital to wait until the tank is completely cycled before to add critters to the tank. This will look like an eternity but it’s worth the wait. Please reffer to Best way to “CYCLE” a Reef Tank for all the information you need about cycling and when to add critters to your tank.
Maintenance:
Good maintenance is very important. It MUST be done! The first thing is to do small 10-15% weekly water changes. It only represent 2-3 gallons for a 20 gallons reef tank. Because I am lazy, I mix enough water for a month in a larger container so I can use it when needed. Here is a few basic rules about water change:
1) Water should be at the same temperature as the water in your nano-reef
2) Specific Gravity (salinity) should be the same as it is in your nano-reef.
3) Always mix water at least one day prior to do a water change.
If you decide to store some pre-mixed water like I do, a heater should be used in the container to keep the temperature. The container should have a lid to prevent evaporation and you should use a power head to keep the water moving.
The second very important thing is evaporation top off. In most case, this is a daily job. All you have to do is to add new FRESHWATER to make up for the water that evaporates through the day.
Finally, you will have to clean the glass and equipment once in a while. Remember to never use chemicals when cleaning the glass and equipment!
Those three easy steps should take a couple minutes of your time every day plus 10-15 minutes for water change.
Article written by www.aquariumslife.com
Popularity: 2% [?]
