- Joined
- Dec 14, 2015
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Hi everyone! I have planned on starting my VERY FIRST nano reef in a 5 gallon Fluval Chi. I am attaching a link to the tank so you can see the specifications. Yes, I already know many wouldn't pick this as a marine set up but for budget and space constrictions, this is what I'm going with. Please give ANY and ALL suggestions, I am a newbie and don't know anything outside of my research!
http://www.petsmart....36-catid-300065
The tank is 12.5"L x 12.5"W x 12.5"H.
I know the LED lights and filter that came with the tank will not be plausible with what I'm looking for. I am going to go with a canister filter most likely. I want a cheap one that is also very efficient and quiet. I found this one online fairly cheap but not sure if it is worth it. Keep in mind I will be upgrading around the tank as needed. The reviews on this filter seem pretty good so I guess I'll try this unless I get any other suggestions.
http://www.drsfoster...atid=16742&s=lh
I will most likely replace the filter media with something I prefer. I like the idea that it has a spray bar which will help with water flow around the tank. I am adding Kent Marine Nano Reef Start Up Additives. I also have Instant Ocean Bio-Spira Start Up Aquarium Additive. This helps prevent new tank syndrome.
I am ordering live sand (6 lbs) and live rock (6 lbs) for my tank online. I found an All-In-One Reef kit online that includes a good start out Clean Up Crew. They ship the sand and rock first through airline shipping which I will pick up at the airport approximately January 11th. I want to have the water ready just to make the transfer process a little more stress-free. I am headed to the petstore tomorrow to get a salt mix and a bucket to practice mixing saltwater for my water changes and as needed in the future. I am planning on getting a Water Dechlorinator as well so I don't have to use an RO system.
LIGHTING-HUGE questions here
I know I want soft corals, Zoanthids, a feather duster, and some button polyps eventually! I know I will need lighting that is moderate! I also want some actinic lighting to bring out the bright colors of the corals and fish (when they are eventually all in there). I need a clip on light most likely as the tank has no top and is somewhat of an awkward size. I would like to be able to put the lights on a timer if possible! I really like the neon look with the actinic lights and can add these in an extra light accessory if needed.
Help anywhere you can! I am most likely going to start the set up of the tank on January 11th. I will add the live sand and live rock from my online vendor, and the premade saltwater mix from the petstore! I will have the canister filter, protein skimmer, LED lights, heater (if needed), and hopefully an automatic top off system (eventually).
I am planning on letting my tank complete a fishless cycle, although the live sand and rock are shipped in saltwater. I want to prevent any deaths by pH or ammonia spike due to small critters dying. I am going to receive my clean up crew once I have let the vendor know I am ready! I am going to use the additives and to help cycle, not using the light to help prevent too much algae growth. I want to start growing my corals as soon as possible, but also don't want to rush anything. I want very vibrant and bright corals! Please give any suggestions if you think you may have a better idea! I know I want some polyps and Zoanthids, maybe some small mushroom corals. Obviously, fish and corals are going to be much later on! Just trying to get an idea of what I will want in terms of equipment.
Please help!
http://www.petsmart....36-catid-300065
The tank is 12.5"L x 12.5"W x 12.5"H.
I know the LED lights and filter that came with the tank will not be plausible with what I'm looking for. I am going to go with a canister filter most likely. I want a cheap one that is also very efficient and quiet. I found this one online fairly cheap but not sure if it is worth it. Keep in mind I will be upgrading around the tank as needed. The reviews on this filter seem pretty good so I guess I'll try this unless I get any other suggestions.
http://www.drsfoster...atid=16742&s=lh
I will most likely replace the filter media with something I prefer. I like the idea that it has a spray bar which will help with water flow around the tank. I am adding Kent Marine Nano Reef Start Up Additives. I also have Instant Ocean Bio-Spira Start Up Aquarium Additive. This helps prevent new tank syndrome.
I am ordering live sand (6 lbs) and live rock (6 lbs) for my tank online. I found an All-In-One Reef kit online that includes a good start out Clean Up Crew. They ship the sand and rock first through airline shipping which I will pick up at the airport approximately January 11th. I want to have the water ready just to make the transfer process a little more stress-free. I am headed to the petstore tomorrow to get a salt mix and a bucket to practice mixing saltwater for my water changes and as needed in the future. I am planning on getting a Water Dechlorinator as well so I don't have to use an RO system.
LIGHTING-HUGE questions here
I know I want soft corals, Zoanthids, a feather duster, and some button polyps eventually! I know I will need lighting that is moderate! I also want some actinic lighting to bring out the bright colors of the corals and fish (when they are eventually all in there). I need a clip on light most likely as the tank has no top and is somewhat of an awkward size. I would like to be able to put the lights on a timer if possible! I really like the neon look with the actinic lights and can add these in an extra light accessory if needed.
Help anywhere you can! I am most likely going to start the set up of the tank on January 11th. I will add the live sand and live rock from my online vendor, and the premade saltwater mix from the petstore! I will have the canister filter, protein skimmer, LED lights, heater (if needed), and hopefully an automatic top off system (eventually).
I am planning on letting my tank complete a fishless cycle, although the live sand and rock are shipped in saltwater. I want to prevent any deaths by pH or ammonia spike due to small critters dying. I am going to receive my clean up crew once I have let the vendor know I am ready! I am going to use the additives and to help cycle, not using the light to help prevent too much algae growth. I want to start growing my corals as soon as possible, but also don't want to rush anything. I want very vibrant and bright corals! Please give any suggestions if you think you may have a better idea! I know I want some polyps and Zoanthids, maybe some small mushroom corals. Obviously, fish and corals are going to be much later on! Just trying to get an idea of what I will want in terms of equipment.
Please help!