15 gallon nano

[Wags]

Hello Friends,

I am planning on starting a 15g nano dimensions (24" x 13" x 12"). I am an experienced freshwater aquarist which pretty much means I know almost nothing about marine aquaria. With that being said I had a ton of questions and will really appreciate the advice! so here goes.

First off I am wondering about filtration. I am wondering if I should drill the aquarium (it is acrylic) and build a fuge? I am totally fine with the added space I just would like to go overkill on filtration to try and keep the tank as stable as possible. I have 2 HOB filters at the moment but not sure if I should use them. I will plan on buying a circ pump but wondering how much flow I should have? Also I am assuming I need some type of overflow/protien skimmer but not sure on how to do this best? What lights should I use? I have a marineland 24" LED but again assuming this will not be enough to support what I need.

For livestock wondering what would be okay.
I have seen some 15s with clown pairs and one with a mandarin dragonette. Im not too concerened about which fish I get just want to make sure it is happy and will be safe in a 15.

Thanks for all the help!
I will upload pictures as I go!

Chad

 

[Wags]

Got everything set up and running over the weekend. Have close to 30lb love rock and 40lb sand. Hoping that will help keep the tank stable as I move forward. At the moment using 2 HOB filters that I filled with crushed rock and 2 circ pumps rated at 150GPH. I plan to order a 425gph to replace the two and use a 30gallon oceanic sump that I have from an old aquarium.

Biggest question I have is whether I should use my marineland LED or the coralife T5 i have? I believe the LED light up the tank much better but wondering what will be best for the life?

Cheers.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

I'm thinking the T5 will be better for corals than the Marineland LED...I'm thinking the Marineland is not going to have the spectrum or the par you'll need (but someone who is better with light questions can weigh in).

As far as fish goes, you could keep a pair of clowns in there for sure. If you check Live Aquaria, they have a section on nano fish and even the minimum tank size for each one. HTH

 

[Wags]

Thanks for the info. I think I will go with the coralife. I may try and hang the led above the tank somehow as I like how it lights up the tank.

I will be putting on a 30g fuge over the next week and I will upload more pics

 

[reggaedrummin]

Your tank looks great! Congrats and welcome to the hobby. Those marine land led's are for ambiance only. They don't have enough power to support coral life. They are only half watt led's and you need 3 watts so if you plan to keep anything other than fish, you'll want to go with the t5's or a different fixture. If that t5 isn't new, you should also consider replacing the bulbs as they will lead to algae problems and issues with coral health as they age. Their lifespan is 9-12 mos. As for livestock. I think the live Aquaria advice is solid. You'll see people deviating from the recommendations there, and successfully at times but success with over stocking comes through experience and the tanks maturity so being new all around, I'd recommend you adhere closely to their guidelines.

 

[Wags]

found this bulb on amazon. Has 2 10k and 2 atinics

Here are some better pictures as the water has cleared up and I have got the correct salinity. Will cycle for a month then look to add first fish. Cant wait!

 

[Guinth84]

I've had a 15g nano up and running for about 2 years with great success. I'm running a Fluval 206 cannister, fluval cp2 circulatiion pump, and a 9 watt UV. Honestly it's been minimal maintainance with amazing clarity and stable levels for such a small reef. i have assorted macro algaes, a few easy corals (riccordia, zoes), snowflake clownfish, yellow watchmen goby, and yellowhead jawfish. Actually started just like you! First reef I'll post pics soon.

 

[Fin]

Tank and scape looks good! If that were mine, I think I would likely check out the Reef Radiance LED fixtures.

 

[Guinth84]

I've had a 15g nano up and running for about 2 years with great success. I'm running a Fluval 206 cannister, fluval cp2 circulatiion pump, and a 9 watt UV. Honestly it's been minimal maintainance with amazing clarity and stable levels for such a small reef. i have assorted macro algaes, a few easy corals (riccordia, zoes), snowflake clownfish, yellow watchmen goby, and yellowhead jawfish. Actually started just like you! First reef I'll post pics soon.

 

[Wags]

I've had a 15g nano up and running for about 2 years with great success. I'm running a Fluval 206 cannister, fluval cp2 circulatiion pump, and a 9 watt UV. Honestly it's been minimal maintainance with amazing clarity and stable levels for such a small reef. i have assorted macro algaes, a few easy corals (riccordia, zoes), snowflake clownfish, yellow watchmen goby, and yellowhead jawfish. Actually started just like you! First reef I'll post pics soon.

That is very inspiring, have any tips? I'm excited to see pictures.