KeithM
25-02-08, 10:35
How to setup a nano reef tank
Reef keeping has always been thought of as an expensive, high maintenance and difficult hobby. In this article, I aim to show you that reef keeping does not have to be any of those things! Setting up a nano reef aquarium can be done very easily and sensibly if you take a little time to plan out the tank and livestock. It does not need to cost a small fortune and has its own unique set of challenges.
Nano reef aquariums have become quite popular in recent years as our understanding and technology available to us improves. They can be a lot of fun and allow you to observe smaller animals that you may miss if held in a larger aquarium. Nano reefs are perfect for anyone who lacks space, wants to keep costs low, or just wants to have another tank at home or at work!
I will firstly go through the equipment list including all the ‘bits and bobs’ and why you need them, then I will run through how to put it all together and finally, talk about stocking your nano reef.
Equipment list
Aquarium
Tank: WAVE Cubos 30
Available from: All WAVE dealers
Price: ~ GBP 50.00
This small 30 litre tank was chosen for its lovely curved edges and clean look. WAVE do a range of nano tanks from 25l cube to 45l box (rectangular) shapes. Other nano tanks available include D-D and Orca nano tanks. These are enclosed tanks that also have a hood with lights included and a rear compartment for filtration. However, the D-D and Orca Nanos tend to be more expensive.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSC_3076.jpg
WAVE Cubo30
Other Nano tanks:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/CANOPYVIEWSIDE fade.jpg http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/2634_a1.jpg
(left) D-D Nano Cube (right) WAVE 45
Lighting
Lighting: WAVE Solaris 18w 50/50 Marine
Available from: All WAVE dealers
Price: Included in WAVE Cubo 30 (marine lamp ~ GBP 11.50)
Stand alone price: ~ GBP 25.00
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/solaris.jpg
The Solaris over tank lighting unit is included in the WAVE Cubo price. One 18w unit is enough for most soft corals and large polyp stoney corals (LPS). You can increase the lighting by buying additional Solaris units. The Solaris comes with Daylight tubes as stardard but for an additional GBP 11.50 you can buy a marine tube for a more blue look.
Flow and Filtration
Filter and Flow: Unbranded 600lph hang on filter (600lph)
Available from: ebay
Price: GBP 16.00
WAVE recommends using their Niagra 250 or 300 hang on the back filter for their cubos tanks. As I will be using the filter as the only means of flow in the tank, I have opted to use a larger 600lph hang on the back filter instead. It is of the same design as the Niagra filter but is double the size. 600lph will also give the tank a turn over of around 20x. I recommend at least 15-20x flow for any reef aquarium. If you cannot get this with your filters, I would recommend adding a few pumps. Flow is very important for your liverock to function properly and for the health of your corals.
The 600lph Hang on the back filter comes with some sponges for some biological filtration but I will swap these out and use zeolites, phosphate removers and active carbon instead. It is still OK to use the standard sponges but I feel that the filter will be put to better use by using zeolites to absorb ammonium, phosphate absorbers and active carbon to remove yellowing compounds. In order to use zeolites and other filter mediums, I have modified this filter a little by removing the black sponge and adding an egg crate grating to keep the media in the filter compartment.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSC_3095.jpg
This 600lph filter also has an added surface skimmer which pulls water from the surface to prevent any oil films appearing on top of the water
Heating
Heating: Aquarium Systems Newatt 25w
Available from: Most LFS (anywhere that sells maxijets!)
Price: GBP 15.00
Tropical Marine aquariums should be kept at between 24C – 26C
This particular brand of heater was chosen because it is the only black coloured heater on the market. I will be painting the back of the aquarium black so by choosing a black coloured heater, it would be less visible when inside the aquarium.
____________________________________________
Salt Water
A reef aquarium is nothing without saltwater!
RO water:
Available from your LFS or you can produce your own with an RO unit.
Using RO water from the start is very important. Tap water containers high nutrient levels, chlorine and other chemicals that are fit for human consumption, but can cause you a lot of grief and algae problems in an aquarium. High quality Reverse Osmosis water will have most of these contaminants removed.
More reasons why you should NOT use tap water: http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=206314
Reef Salts:
Available from all LFS
I use Korallen-Zucht Reefers Best Salt which I buy in 20KG buckets. However, you can buy small 2kg packs of WAVE salt for less than GBP 5.00.
Measuring Salinity:
Reef aquariums should be kept at 35ppt Salinity or 1.024-1.027 Specific Gravity. These can be measured using either a refractometer or hydrometer. Refractometers costs GBP 20 - 35.00
A refractometer is initially more expensive than a hydrometer but if you play to be in this hobby long term then it’s a worth while investment. I find refractometer easier to use and easier to read. You will be making saltwater regularly so you will be using it often. Also, nano tanks have only a small volume of water so it is important ensure that salinity remains stable even with daily evaporation. A refractometer or hydrometer will help you check this.
In a small skimmer-less nano reef tank, regular weekly water changes will be the best routine maintenance you can do! Therefore, you will need a regular supply of RO water and salt.
IMPORTANT: Make up enough salt water to fill your tank before you buy any liverock! Ideally, you should make this water 8-24hours before hand
____________________________________________
Bits and bobs
Test Kits:
To start with, you will need the following test kits:
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Phosphates
I would recommend Salifert test kits for testing all the above parameters except Phosphates. The D-D/Merck Phosphate test kit is currently the most accurate test kit.
To find out why you need to test for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate please refer to Dave_P’s article: http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=206357
Other useful items:
Maxijet pumps – available in a range of flow ratings
Hose/tubing – useful for transferring water between buckets and your aquarium
Magnetic aquarium glass cleaners
Turkey baster - useful for transferring very small amounts of water, feeding or blowing dust/detritus off rocks etc
Milliput/Aquarium putty/super glue gel – for sticking rocks together or mounting corals
____________________________________________
Substrate:
Sand: I have chosen to use sugar size fine aragonite sand. I used dry sand, which I sieved and pre-washed in tap water to remove some of the fines. You can use any substrate you want and I recommend that you keep the depth to no more than 1 inch.
Some shops such STM also offer live sand. This is different from the ‘live’ sand sold in pre packed sealed bags. The live sand in sealed bags is only biologically live and does not contain any sand bed fauna of true live sand.
Live rock
Live rock forms the base of our biological filtration. Bacteria living inside the rock will break down nutrients and help maintain a healthy tank. With such a small tank it is important that you spend a little extra on the best quality live rock you can find. I have chosen to use 3.2Kgs of STM’s ultrarock. Remember to pick out some nice shapes to aid you with the aquascaping. Estimated price for Quality Live rock from most LFS ~ GBP 8 - 12.00 per kg
____________________________________________
Reef keeping has always been thought of as an expensive, high maintenance and difficult hobby. In this article, I aim to show you that reef keeping does not have to be any of those things! Setting up a nano reef aquarium can be done very easily and sensibly if you take a little time to plan out the tank and livestock. It does not need to cost a small fortune and has its own unique set of challenges.
Nano reef aquariums have become quite popular in recent years as our understanding and technology available to us improves. They can be a lot of fun and allow you to observe smaller animals that you may miss if held in a larger aquarium. Nano reefs are perfect for anyone who lacks space, wants to keep costs low, or just wants to have another tank at home or at work!
I will firstly go through the equipment list including all the ‘bits and bobs’ and why you need them, then I will run through how to put it all together and finally, talk about stocking your nano reef.
Equipment list
Aquarium
Tank: WAVE Cubos 30
Available from: All WAVE dealers
Price: ~ GBP 50.00
This small 30 litre tank was chosen for its lovely curved edges and clean look. WAVE do a range of nano tanks from 25l cube to 45l box (rectangular) shapes. Other nano tanks available include D-D and Orca nano tanks. These are enclosed tanks that also have a hood with lights included and a rear compartment for filtration. However, the D-D and Orca Nanos tend to be more expensive.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSC_3076.jpg
WAVE Cubo30
Other Nano tanks:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/CANOPYVIEWSIDE fade.jpg http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/2634_a1.jpg
(left) D-D Nano Cube (right) WAVE 45
Lighting
Lighting: WAVE Solaris 18w 50/50 Marine
Available from: All WAVE dealers
Price: Included in WAVE Cubo 30 (marine lamp ~ GBP 11.50)
Stand alone price: ~ GBP 25.00
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/solaris.jpg
The Solaris over tank lighting unit is included in the WAVE Cubo price. One 18w unit is enough for most soft corals and large polyp stoney corals (LPS). You can increase the lighting by buying additional Solaris units. The Solaris comes with Daylight tubes as stardard but for an additional GBP 11.50 you can buy a marine tube for a more blue look.
Flow and Filtration
Filter and Flow: Unbranded 600lph hang on filter (600lph)
Available from: ebay
Price: GBP 16.00
WAVE recommends using their Niagra 250 or 300 hang on the back filter for their cubos tanks. As I will be using the filter as the only means of flow in the tank, I have opted to use a larger 600lph hang on the back filter instead. It is of the same design as the Niagra filter but is double the size. 600lph will also give the tank a turn over of around 20x. I recommend at least 15-20x flow for any reef aquarium. If you cannot get this with your filters, I would recommend adding a few pumps. Flow is very important for your liverock to function properly and for the health of your corals.
The 600lph Hang on the back filter comes with some sponges for some biological filtration but I will swap these out and use zeolites, phosphate removers and active carbon instead. It is still OK to use the standard sponges but I feel that the filter will be put to better use by using zeolites to absorb ammonium, phosphate absorbers and active carbon to remove yellowing compounds. In order to use zeolites and other filter mediums, I have modified this filter a little by removing the black sponge and adding an egg crate grating to keep the media in the filter compartment.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSC_3095.jpg
This 600lph filter also has an added surface skimmer which pulls water from the surface to prevent any oil films appearing on top of the water
Heating
Heating: Aquarium Systems Newatt 25w
Available from: Most LFS (anywhere that sells maxijets!)
Price: GBP 15.00
Tropical Marine aquariums should be kept at between 24C – 26C
This particular brand of heater was chosen because it is the only black coloured heater on the market. I will be painting the back of the aquarium black so by choosing a black coloured heater, it would be less visible when inside the aquarium.
____________________________________________
Salt Water
A reef aquarium is nothing without saltwater!
RO water:
Available from your LFS or you can produce your own with an RO unit.
Using RO water from the start is very important. Tap water containers high nutrient levels, chlorine and other chemicals that are fit for human consumption, but can cause you a lot of grief and algae problems in an aquarium. High quality Reverse Osmosis water will have most of these contaminants removed.
More reasons why you should NOT use tap water: http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=206314
Reef Salts:
Available from all LFS
I use Korallen-Zucht Reefers Best Salt which I buy in 20KG buckets. However, you can buy small 2kg packs of WAVE salt for less than GBP 5.00.
Measuring Salinity:
Reef aquariums should be kept at 35ppt Salinity or 1.024-1.027 Specific Gravity. These can be measured using either a refractometer or hydrometer. Refractometers costs GBP 20 - 35.00
A refractometer is initially more expensive than a hydrometer but if you play to be in this hobby long term then it’s a worth while investment. I find refractometer easier to use and easier to read. You will be making saltwater regularly so you will be using it often. Also, nano tanks have only a small volume of water so it is important ensure that salinity remains stable even with daily evaporation. A refractometer or hydrometer will help you check this.
In a small skimmer-less nano reef tank, regular weekly water changes will be the best routine maintenance you can do! Therefore, you will need a regular supply of RO water and salt.
IMPORTANT: Make up enough salt water to fill your tank before you buy any liverock! Ideally, you should make this water 8-24hours before hand
____________________________________________
Bits and bobs
Test Kits:
To start with, you will need the following test kits:
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Phosphates
I would recommend Salifert test kits for testing all the above parameters except Phosphates. The D-D/Merck Phosphate test kit is currently the most accurate test kit.
To find out why you need to test for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate please refer to Dave_P’s article: http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=206357
Other useful items:
Maxijet pumps – available in a range of flow ratings
Hose/tubing – useful for transferring water between buckets and your aquarium
Magnetic aquarium glass cleaners
Turkey baster - useful for transferring very small amounts of water, feeding or blowing dust/detritus off rocks etc
Milliput/Aquarium putty/super glue gel – for sticking rocks together or mounting corals
____________________________________________
Substrate:
Sand: I have chosen to use sugar size fine aragonite sand. I used dry sand, which I sieved and pre-washed in tap water to remove some of the fines. You can use any substrate you want and I recommend that you keep the depth to no more than 1 inch.
Some shops such STM also offer live sand. This is different from the ‘live’ sand sold in pre packed sealed bags. The live sand in sealed bags is only biologically live and does not contain any sand bed fauna of true live sand.
Live rock
Live rock forms the base of our biological filtration. Bacteria living inside the rock will break down nutrients and help maintain a healthy tank. With such a small tank it is important that you spend a little extra on the best quality live rock you can find. I have chosen to use 3.2Kgs of STM’s ultrarock. Remember to pick out some nice shapes to aid you with the aquascaping. Estimated price for Quality Live rock from most LFS ~ GBP 8 - 12.00 per kg
____________________________________________