First Saltwater Tank (HR15)

[Jon B.]

Finally pulled trigger, and through much analysis by paralysis (I've watched every video on YT it seems) I'm ready to get started. My wife and I have a couple of freshwater tanks but this is the first saltwater attempt. We managed to find this setup unused on FB Marketplace for a price that included the cabinet under what they retail for the tank alone, so I thought it was a pretty good deal. I've since added a few additions based on things I have read/watched to hopefully make things go a bit smoother. It had never been set up and the only things that were missing were the sand and the bag of salt.

Spec:

Hello Reef 15 (Clownfish/Anemone) w/Cabinet (not gonna list all it comes with)

Caribsea Special Grade

Tropic Marin Reef Salt (Pro Reef)

IM Helios / BRS Titanium Heater combo (I have the included Sicce for a backup/redundancy)

Sicce Silent 1.0

VCA Random Flow Generator (for above pump upgrade)

Tunze Osmolator 3 Nano

Top Lids "Lux" Lid w/Evap Cover (in case a cat decided to get extra curious)

Fancy AI blade Risers

TP-Link/Kasa Wifi Power strip (for cheap "semi-automation")

All in all I think we should be ready to fill this thing and start the waiting game for the Cycle to run it's course. I picked up a BRS RODI system that I'm going to plumb into the laundry room, and I should have that set up later today. As much as I wanted to go with a Hydros controller, and really gear this thing out I weighed the cost of that against the fact that this is not a large tank, and it's our first so I didn't want to really break the bank on something I got for a steal.

Next few posts should show whatever I decided for RODI setup and cable management in what is a pretty small cabinet. A 5gal BRS bucket effectively takes up the entire bottom section, and I'm not sure I need that much water for my ATO. Suggestions for a small 2-3gal ATO container would be appreciated!

I know people will ask so my ideas for stocking are a pair of Clowns (I know), there are a pair of darker Clowns that are paired at our local LFS but I'm not sure what they're called. They're not black, but really the only orange is in their face. I've heard that Mocha or Caramel clowns are some of the hardier varieties, but they don't have any of those. We'd add to those a Tailspot Blennie, and some other Goby (watchman?) that can sift through the substrate with the CUC. I'd also like a Yellowtail Damsel and a Royal Gramma, but I think that's likely for another tank. I don't want to overstock this tank, or stress out it's inhabitants since it's so small.

That being said I like the idea of coral, but I really like the look of flowing Anemone's, and/or Euphyllia. I do think I would upgrade the included Sicce wavemaker for those as it's not controllable. So, I'm casually looking for an AI Nero3 or Ecotech Mp-10. Not really needed at the moment, but it is something I'm thinking about.

 

[Jon B.]

Oh forgot to ask, but what are everyone's thoughts on adding Copepods to the tank after the cycle is finished? My understanding is that they should help establish a more complete "biome" in the tank. My hesitation is that people are generally doing this with a sump and refugium, and this tank obviously doesn't have that kind of space. Ideally, I would avoid a HOB style "fuge" for the same reason I'm hesitant to look for filter rollers and skimmers. They just look out of place on a tank this small.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Oh forgot to ask, but what are everyone's thoughts on adding Copepods to the tank after the cycle is finished? My understanding is that they should help establish a more complete "biome" in the tank. My hesitation is that people are generally doing this with a sump and refugium, and this tank obviously doesn't have that kind of space. Ideally, I would avoid a HOB style "fuge" for the same reason I'm hesitant to look for filter rollers and skimmers. They just look out of place on a tank this small.

You can dose pods directly into the tank if you want to. @Reef By Steele can give you more information!

 

[TX_REEF]

Congrats on the new system!

Regarding the ATO, bigger really is better, unless you truly need the space for something else. Larger ATO allows you the flexibility to travel without worrying about your tank if you add an auto-feeder. As an example, I use a 23 gallon slim trashcan as ATO on my ~70-gallon systems and am able to leave the tanks alone for 2 weeks + if needed.

If you're set on a smaller ATO, container, something like this is a convenient option: https://amzn.to/4rxXNMG

You can also just use another food-safe plastic container/jug you may have on hand for cost savings.

 

[X-37B]

I have an aio 15 also.

 

[X-37B]

I use a 5g bucket on mine also but it sits next to the stand.
Just find a container of say 3g's that fits your space and you should be good. A 5g bucket lasts around 2+ weeks.

 

[TX_REEF]

Oh forgot to ask, but what are everyone's thoughts on adding Copepods to the tank after the cycle is finished? My understanding is that they should help establish a more complete "biome" in the tank. My hesitation is that people are generally doing this with a sump and refugium, and this tank obviously doesn't have that kind of space. Ideally, I would avoid a HOB style "fuge" for the same reason I'm hesitant to look for filter rollers and skimmers. They just look out of place on a tank this small.

to add to above, copepods are a great idea. they function as a micro cleanup crew, and they are also a self-sustaining live food source. They will reproduce inside the tank and rockwork, you don't "need" a fuge or sump to sustain pods, especially if you don't have a pod-focused predator such as a dragonette.

 

[Jon B.]

to add to above, copepods are a great idea. they function as a micro cleanup crew, and they are also a self-sustaining live food source. They will reproduce inside the tank and rockwork, you don't "need" a fuge or sump to sustain pods, especially if you don't have a pod-focused predator such as a dragonette.

Gotcha, and thanks for the clarification. As gorgeous as Dragonette's are, I don't think that's a fish I'm capable of keeping anytime in the near future. My wife and I get bummed if we lose Tetra's, so I'm not about to buy anything that's not going to be tolerant of Newb mistakes.

 

[Jon B.]

This might take a while. Looks like I need a booster. Womp womp.

 

[Bear22]

ATO for a tank this size = bucket, IMO

Small top off per day is all that's needed. Here's what I use:
Amazon product

 

[Jon B.]

ATO for a tank this size = bucket, IMO

Small top off per day is all that's needed. Here's what I use:
Amazon product

I have two of the 5gal buckets from BRS. Seems like the consensus is to keep it simple, and more water means less topping up.

 

[Jon B.]

Testing supplies arrived. Not needed now, but should be enough going forward.

 

[Jon B.]

Well today started with no water/sand/heat and we're all up and running now. Took a while, but everything seems good. We'll add Dr. Tim's tomorrow and get the cycle jump-started.

 

[JumboShrimp]

The booster pump should definitely do the trick.

 

[Avgwarhawk]

My wife and I started a Hello Reef last week. We are at day 5 after dropping in Dr. Tim's and some food pellets. I'm still not certain how Matthew states using Dr. Tim's and pellets will turn the tank in 8 days. But what do I know, I'm a beginner. Really enjoying the kit and videos for setting up the tank. For the ATO we purchased a 1 gallon water pitcher. It last for 4 days. It may go long when our heat is turned off in the summer. The AT-200 works very well.

 

[Jon B.]

My wife and I started a Hello Reef last week. We are at day 5 after dropping in Dr. Tim's and some food pellets. I'm still not certain how Matthew states using Dr. Tim's and pellets will turn the tank in 8 days. But what do I know, I'm a beginner. Really enjoying the kit and videos for setting up the tank. For the ATO we purchased a 1 gallon water pitcher. It last for 4 days. It may go long when our heat is turned off in the summer. The AT-200 works very well.

My biggest complaint with utilizing a larger bucket is that the HR Cabinet just doesn't have the room for that and much else. So, I might look to just use a larger pitcher we have in the house and not have the giant bucket in there.

I assumed that the Dr. Tim's would help but definitely not make it instant. In my mind I'm still planning for a month or so for it to be completely happy. I don't like the adding food part of the equation either, so if I can somehow find some of their dosing ammonia locally I'll do that instead. Then I'll probably start using either Seachem Stability (I have it on hand), or get a different bottle of something from Microbacter.

 

[Avgwarhawk]

My biggest complaint with utilizing a larger bucket is that the HR Cabinet just doesn't have the room for that and much else. So, I might look to just use a larger pitcher we have in the house and not have the giant bucket in there.

I assumed that the Dr. Tim's would help but definitely not make it instant. In my mind I'm still planning for a month or so for it to be completely happy. I don't like the adding food part of the equation either, so if I can somehow find some of their dosing ammonia locally I'll do that instead. Then I'll probably start using either Seachem Stability (I have it on hand), or get a different bottle of something from Microbacter.

I do ok with the gallon pitcher with cover. I was adding half a bottle in the morning and half at night. 16 oz total. Now it is a refill of the pitcher every 4 days. I'm good with that.

I'm sill baffled with Dr Tim's, fish food and 8 days as said in the Hello Reef videos. Then add CUC. Fish in week after that. I see videos of guys who have been reefing for sometime just throw in live sand, a rock, saltwater and Dr. Tim's followed by a fish. All set. What??? I will just keep testing the water and wait for the spike or some sort of spike. Good luck with your tank!

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

Congrats on the tank. I have an IM 15 which is similar. Don't stress about cycle (bacteria establishment). There are a couple ways. Doctor Tim's works but I'm not a fan of bacteria that is for fresh and saltwater. The other popular is fritz turbo start which I have used. Good on day 1. The third option is when you use live rock. All the bacteria is established and ready to go. A cycle is establishing the bacteria population to handle waste.

A filter roller has been great but understand the aesthetics. I just got tired of pulling floss every day or 2. N-clear fleece rollers are nice if you change your mind. I also recommend hms mount from AI for your light. Especially if you add more. I just did and game changer. But used the same risers you have for a long time. Just a pain during maintenance or have to do anything in the tank and need to move or set aside.

Rodi is a great way to start as well. And looks like well on your way. Congrats.

 

[Jon B.]

Got the Tunze Osmolator up and running today. Currently the tank will evaporate a gallon in about five days. No photos unfortunately as I was a bit busy, but the ammonia test shows that at least the ammonia is up, I'm guessing it'll need at least ten days to fully go through a cycle. But, I'm also picking up some Dr. Tim's ammonia as an easier way to dose ammonia just to be extra sure.

Not in any hurry, but there is a nice pair of Clowns at the local LFS that need a new home.

 

[Jon B.]

Managed to clean the panels a bit today since I was already in cleaning mode for our freshwater tanks. Looks pretty empty still, but clean glass is nice!

Also a package from forum member @panic showed up with my new Ecotech MP10. Good guy to deal with!