****most recent FTS****
September 22, 2022
***End Update***
I’m starting my first tank in 6+ years and my 3rd ever reef tank.
The goal with this one is to build a streamline (hence the AIO), attractive nano reef in the condo I share with my fiancée who has never been involved with a reef tank (or fish tank of any sort). She doesn’t care what I do, so long as it’s pretty and there’s no clutter/mess.
I picked this tank up as-is from a local reef club member. As you can see it’s been slightly modified. It’s topless, but I have a Kraken lid coming soon. It’s also running the Current USA Led and Wavemaker on the Loop system. Stock
Pump in chamber 1 (may upgrade), heater in chamber 2 (may move to chamber 1 and create a refugium in chamber 2), and media basket insert in chamber 3 which contains fiber on top, carbon in the middle, and Fluval bio media on the bottom).
As you can see, there’s no rock in it yet. I’m picking up some established rock this weekend from different members of the local reef club - all of which has coralline and some hardy sponges, mushrooms and polyps. The live rock will drive the cycle along with natural sea water I’ve pulled from nearby Winthrop, MA (not treating it… only bringing to temperature and pulling out macro items like seaweed). I know there are risks, but almost every post from someone who has used NSW seems to be positive.
Once I start reading Nitrates and the Ammonia level drops, I’ll add a small CUC. Once parameters are stable, I’ll add a few hardy softies and probably a tail spot blenny and a pair of black ice clowns.
Eventually, I plan on upgrading the light and growing some SPS. But… baby steps.
September 22, 2022
***End Update***
I’m starting my first tank in 6+ years and my 3rd ever reef tank.
The goal with this one is to build a streamline (hence the AIO), attractive nano reef in the condo I share with my fiancée who has never been involved with a reef tank (or fish tank of any sort). She doesn’t care what I do, so long as it’s pretty and there’s no clutter/mess.
I picked this tank up as-is from a local reef club member. As you can see it’s been slightly modified. It’s topless, but I have a Kraken lid coming soon. It’s also running the Current USA Led and Wavemaker on the Loop system. Stock
Pump in chamber 1 (may upgrade), heater in chamber 2 (may move to chamber 1 and create a refugium in chamber 2), and media basket insert in chamber 3 which contains fiber on top, carbon in the middle, and Fluval bio media on the bottom).
As you can see, there’s no rock in it yet. I’m picking up some established rock this weekend from different members of the local reef club - all of which has coralline and some hardy sponges, mushrooms and polyps. The live rock will drive the cycle along with natural sea water I’ve pulled from nearby Winthrop, MA (not treating it… only bringing to temperature and pulling out macro items like seaweed). I know there are risks, but almost every post from someone who has used NSW seems to be positive.
Once I start reading Nitrates and the Ammonia level drops, I’ll add a small CUC. Once parameters are stable, I’ll add a few hardy softies and probably a tail spot blenny and a pair of black ice clowns.
Eventually, I plan on upgrading the light and growing some SPS. But… baby steps.
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