Coralland 8 gallon

[Curly01]

Hello. After being away from this hobby for close to 10 years I decided to get back into it. I had seen tank builds on here and wanted to go with a small tank. After seeing the Coralland 8 gallon I decided to go that route. As of right now I have the tank, pump and lights. I did a leak check and am now trying to figure out rock layout. I am wanting to mount the rock to the back wall on a separate piece of acrylic that would hang over the edge of the wall that way I could remove it if necessary. Trying to find the best way to arrange it. I have attached pics of how I have it laid out now. Any tips for this tank would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MossyFroggyLove]

What are you planning on using to glue the rocks securely so they dont come apart?

 

[Curly01]

What are you planning on using to glue the rocks securely so they dont come apart?

I am hoping to use some epoxy, silicone adhesive or zip ties. Although I am trying ot stay away from using zip ties.

 

[Curly01]

I finally got the rock how I want, now adding water

 

[MossyFroggyLove]

I finally got the rock how I want, now adding water

Looks good!

 

[Curly01]

Water mostly cleared up. Went a lot faster than I expected.

 

[tbrown]

Looks good!

 

[steveschuerger]

Looking good. Any pics of recent progress?

 

[Curly01]

Looking good. Any pics of recent progress?

Not much. Taking forever to cycle. Wish I would have had live rock but I also liked being able to make my rock scape how I wanted. I did get my lid in today and I’m impressed with it.

 

[bsarnone]

Can I ask where you got the lid?

 

[Curly01]

Can I ask where you got the lid

Can I ask where you got the lid?

i got it from Kraken reef lids. They didn’t have one so I sent them all the info for it and they made one. It was a little pricey but it is a nice lid.

 

[steveschuerger]

Not much. Taking forever to cycle. Wish I would have had live rock but I also liked being able to make my rock scape how I wanted. I did get my lid in today and I’m impressed with it.

Do you have a lfs that you might be able to get a piece of mature live rock from? If only to jumpstart things?

 

[Curly01]

Do you have a lfs that you might be able to get a piece of mature live rock from? If only to jumpstart things?

The only thing I have close is a Petco 50 miles away. The one lfs shut down close to 10 years ago.

 

[Curly01]

I ended up going to Petco and bought a live rock to add to it. I broke it up and put some in the back and a couple pieces in the front. When I got it home I noticed it had a small coral on it and was thinking maybe a Xenia but not sure. I also added 3 hermit crabs and they are doing good after 3 days.

 

[MushroomMan101]

The floating scape looks awesome! Can't wait to see where you take this tank. If you haven't yet, I would recommend getting an ATO. There are a ton of great, cheapish options out there, and they really are a must with nano reefs.

 

[Curly01]

The floating scape looks awesome! Can't wait to see where you take this tank. If you haven't yet, I would recommend getting an ATO. There are a ton of great, cheapish options out there, and they really are a must with nano reefs.

Which ATO would you recommend

 

[MushroomMan101]

Which ATO would you recommend

I used a cheap reefbreeder, and it worked okay. I hear great things about Tunze ATO's (But haven't personally used it). Whatever unit you get, I would recommend getting something with redundancy, either a time-out function or multiple sensors. The few extra dollars are worth the peace of mind, keeping the tank stable and water off your floor.

 

[tbrown]

I just have a gravity ATO on mine. I use a float valve off of an RO unit. About 6" or 8" above the valve I used a ball valve so I can disconnect it to refill the jug. Mine is just a 1 gallon vinegar jug sitting on a shelf.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Which ATO would you recommend

I use a TUNZE ATO

 

[tbrown]

I use the Tunze on my 70.