New 28 Gallon Nano Cube Build Thread

[NickNiz]

At long last, I've filled up the 28g nano cube that's been sitting in my room empty for the last month due to lack of a stand...

I'm coming from a very overstocked 12g Nano Cube, and can't wait to spread things out and have more room for new coral!

Here's the 12g cube as of now

Here's what my kitchen looks like while the cycle takes place.

Here's a close-up of the custom stand I had made locally in Jacksonville

I'm using Microbacter7 to speed up the cycle a bit, as well as a dirty filter pad from the 12 gal... thinking of adding a hardy fish in 2 weeks or so and then I'll start moving Coral over a week or two after that.

I'll post pictures of the aquascape once the water fully clears up!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Congrats on the upgrade!!

 

[Crabs McJones]

What are your plans with the 12G?

 

[Crabs McJones]

What are your plans with the 12G?

 

[NickNiz]

I'm thinking either QT, seahorse tank, Zoa/mushroom tank, or just sell it pre-cycled. Right now leaning towards selling since my house lease is up in May and I don't want to move 2 tanks.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I'm thinking either QT, seahorse tank, Zoa/mushroom tank, or just sell it pre-cycled. Right now leaning towards selling since my house lease is up in May and I don't want to move 2 tanks.

If you do look to sell it, hit me up, i'd be interested :) Great looking tank by the way!!

 

[NickNiz]

Just a small update! The water has almost cleared completely. I added some Mysis shrimp to the tank a couple of hours ago to help the cycle.

Here's a picture of the rock work:

I'm planning to balance out the right side, which is lighter on rock, with the green leather Coral. Similarly to what I've done in the 12gal as shown below:

Also, just a few Coral additions to the 12gal... when I went to get the custom stand, the person who made it gave me a few freebies! Green monti, red monti, and a cabbage leather piece (behind trumpets on left side since I couldn't find room for it anywhere else).

Also going to bring my nem and clown to the LFS when I move stuff over. The nem isn't looking good since he gets stung by Coral wherever he goes. :( if anyone near Jacksonville wants the pair, feel free to come pick them up!

 

[NickNiz]

So this thread is long overdue for an update... I’ve moved everything over from the 12 gal successfully, and have added quite a bit on top of that. I found a local reefer Facebook page and have been going crazy on trades and deals.

I had some unknown fish deaths at first, between a possum wrasse and Chromis, but I’m blaming my CBS for that... he always lunged at fish and I can definitely see how he’d get a slow one like the wrasse.

My latest fish additions are Platinun Clowns. They’ve been here for about two weeks and are doing great! I exchanged the CBS for a cleaner shrimp. Much less aggesssive... even cleans my hands for me. ;Smuggrin

Here are updated pics.

 

[NickNiz]

A few updates that are long overdue:

I switched out the Koralia Nano for a Waveline Wavepuck. This caused a HUGE difference in the amount of polyp extension for everything. I only have it running at 30% (100% is 3000gph) and a cycle of 2s on 1s off for 12 hours a day...

I also added a JBJ ATO to the system which has had a big impact as well. I add Red Sea Foundation A/B/C to the ATO reservoir to keep levels topped off in the main display, and have my old koralia pump keeping the water in the reservoir from being stagnant.

I’ve also started feeding Rods, and dosing AcroPower. I’ve ventured into SPS as well and have had success with them so far. These include a Digitata, Stylo, and a cheap $5 Acro.

I also added a JBJ SK-45 skimmer to the tank. It barely fits in the middle chamber but it works well with an ATO.

 

[NickNiz]

Another update!

I’ve started getting into sticks... Now that I beefed up my filtration and flow, I tried Acros with a $5 frag, and it was doing great! A green Slimer and another unknown Acro later and the tank is looking like this...

Finally filling in the bald spot on top.

I also picked up a Smart ATO and stuck it in one of the rear chambers. I like it a lot more than the JBJ ATO. I also stopped putting RS Reef Foundation into the ATO reservoir... now I test twice a week and dose accordingly directly into the rear sump of the tank. I’ve also started using RS Coral Colors, Polyp Labs Acids and Plus, and a product called Cyanoclean daily. Feeders on corals have been out a lot more lately, and the SPS really seem to benefit from the Plus.

I picked up a tiny yellow Coris Wrasse as well to try and pick off some vermetid snails and flatworms. It’s been hiding most of the time since going into the display.

 

[NickNiz]

I’ve got another update for you all! There have been a few losses and additions...

I lost the smaller Platinum clown to what I think was an internal parasite... I came home from an overnight trip and found him laying in sand breathing heavily. He passed about 36 hours after that. I’ve been dosing prazi Pro as a preventative since. I also traded a few Acans, favias, and the orange plate to make room.

I had a bout with Polyclad flatworms that has since been sorted out... now I’m trying to get rid of Aiptasia and Bubble Algae (trying vibrant aquarium cleaner for the BA since my TWO emerald crabs won’t touch it :-/ )

New additions include...
Space Invader Pectinia
New Acan frag (somewhat rainbow colors in the centers.)
Birds nest
2 rock flower anemones
Royal Gramma

I also moved a bunch of coral around. The space invader has its own corner (where the Duncan’s were) and the Duncan’s are now thriving on the top of the rock work.

I also upgraded the lighting to a Hydra 26HD from the Prime HD. The increased spread and intensity is great. The royal blues also weren’t working on the Prime, so I’m happy to have those.