NickNiz
Active Member
Hello everyone!!! I am starting a nano system in a 12-gallon JBJ NanoCube sometime this week and I have a few questions. I am not new to the hobby, as I am coming from a RSM250.
First off, would it be a good idea to have a DSB in a tank this small? I want some way to naturally treat nitrates in addition to weekly water changes. I understand that DSBs can cause some problems, but as long as it's not sifted too thoroughly, it should be fine, right? If anything, I could get a small serpent star or at least a few Nassarius snails to keep the top of the DSB sifted. I wouldn't want to make it too deep though, as I don't have too much vertical height in the tank.
Secondly, I am getting this tank pre-cycled, with sand, water, rock, and a small clown and angelfish (each about .5 inches long). One of the things I really want to do is to switch out the existing sand for black live sand. If I do this, will the tank need another cycle? Or will the livestock be fine after the new sand is added? The tank has been set up for 6 months, so I'm not too worried about detritus in the rocks or sand. The owner also did water changes 2x per week.
Also, as part of the setup, I received a protein skimmer for the tank. Is it even worth it to run this? Or should I stick to carbon, Purigen, filter floss, and water changes?
Thank you for reading! I apologize for the long thread, but I would really appreciate any advice!
First off, would it be a good idea to have a DSB in a tank this small? I want some way to naturally treat nitrates in addition to weekly water changes. I understand that DSBs can cause some problems, but as long as it's not sifted too thoroughly, it should be fine, right? If anything, I could get a small serpent star or at least a few Nassarius snails to keep the top of the DSB sifted. I wouldn't want to make it too deep though, as I don't have too much vertical height in the tank.
Secondly, I am getting this tank pre-cycled, with sand, water, rock, and a small clown and angelfish (each about .5 inches long). One of the things I really want to do is to switch out the existing sand for black live sand. If I do this, will the tank need another cycle? Or will the livestock be fine after the new sand is added? The tank has been set up for 6 months, so I'm not too worried about detritus in the rocks or sand. The owner also did water changes 2x per week.
Also, as part of the setup, I received a protein skimmer for the tank. Is it even worth it to run this? Or should I stick to carbon, Purigen, filter floss, and water changes?
Thank you for reading! I apologize for the long thread, but I would really appreciate any advice!
