extremely low-tech nano

[DracoKat]

Hi all,

I have an empty 10g tank, and I want to experiment with it. I am most likely not going to keep it for years. everything that outgrows it will go into my 75g.

How low-tech can I go with this? meaning, no skimmer, no sumps, reactors or anything, but a simple HOB filter and heater.
Also, cheap light as it's not going to be a long-term project. Light strong enough to grow zoas. I may still have my Par38 bulb.

I am thinking bare bottom (never done BB before), some rocks, inverts (no fish) and corals.
I considered doing an all-pest tank (xenias and other corals no one wants, but where would these corals go in the end? not in my 75g for sure)

What do you guys think? Suggestions? Input?

 

[LetItReef]

Maybe a macroalgae tank.

 

[Leyth]

You could go with no HOB filter. Just light, powerhead, heater. Rio powerheads are cheap and reliable if you're interested. I'm kind of doing the same thing with a 5 gal I have sitting around.

 

[Bunnee911]

I am doing just that. I have 2 hob filters. Run chemipure nano in one. Heater and led bulb for light.
It contains a pair of clowns, peppermint shrimp, blue leg hermit, and a couple of snails.
Corals include a favia, galaxia, gsp, and zoas.
I do water changes with a red solo cup.

View attachment 451241

Notice my ghetto ato. Lol

 

[Elementalj]

You could go with no HOB filter. Just light, powerhead, heater. Rio powerheads are cheap and reliable if you're interested. I'm kind of doing the same thing with a 5 gal I have sitting around.

That's what started mine. The tank was just sitting there doing nothing. I even thought of just a sponge filter and bubbler in the corner just to see what happened.

 

[Leyth]

Here's mine, still cycling

 

[Elementalj]

Here's mine, still cycling

I love tiny slices of the sea. [emoji6]

 

[SteveSTL]

you could always do rock rubble pieces and do xenia and GSP on them and then trade them to your LFS for other stuff you might need.

 

[brandon429]

Leyth
That looks like a skip cycle nano nice job (where parameters are same on day one as they are after day 100-nice quality live rock)

 

[Leyth]

Leyth
That looks like a skip cycle nano nice job (where parameters are same on day one as they are after day 100-nice quality live rock)

Haha, thanks I bought the rock randomly at some LFS last week. I thought it looked good and a good price.

 

[DracoKat]

i should find out first if my LFS would trade or give me credit for any xenias. I'd love to do a pest tank.. I think xenias are beautiful, along with blue cloves