I figure that I'll start a thread for the nano reef project that I'll be starting soon; I'll post any and all updates for it in here.
My current plan is to do a nano reef (under 10 gallons) and light it with LEDs. Due to space constraints, I'm restricted to an aquarium with a footprint that is less than 12" x 18"; I have room underneath it for a small sump, so I'll be adding one of those, too.
I'm currently looking at using the Aqueon Evolve LED Aquarium Kit (four gallons) that PetCo has for sale. I originally was looking into the Fluval Spec, but then I saw this one and decided that it was preferable due to the size as well as the lack of visual barriers on the front. The lighting is going to be replaced with stronger LEDs, so I didn't really do an in-depth comparison between the two included clip lights; I'll probably retain the clip light for moonlight purposes, though. I've been looking at the various LEDs out there, and I've decided that the various PAR 38 lights are probably too strong for this application, so they will be avoided unless someone has a suggestion for one that will not kill the corals. Both aquariums have a built-in sump of sorts, but I will also be adding a 2.5-5 gallon sump as well because I have the room to do so underneath the aquarium. The built-in sump will probably be used for a filter pad/sponge and live rock rubble, and the exterior sump will have a DSB, SeaChem Purigen, and a filter sock/pad/sponge as well as the skimmer (if needed) and heater. I'll be using at least four pounds of live rock in the main aquarium as well as a little bit of aragonite sand; I'll be seeding both the rock and the sand with samples from the 55 gallon.
For my corals, I'm going to start off with just zoanthids (specifically Zoathus) in there, and I plan on adding other softies and LPS as I progress with the build. I currently have a small frag of zoanthids (pictures to come soon) in my 55 gallon that will be used as the test coral for this build; there's one polyp that's all by itself, so it will be the one that is used to ensure that the lighting and overall water quality is sufficient. I want to add a crocea clam at some point because I read that they can do pretty well in a nano aquarium if given enough light and food (nitrates, etc.). I also will be adding a few dwarf blue-leg hermits and a few small snails for cleaning purposes. Lastly, I want to add a single fish, if possible; I was thinking that a clown goby would work because of its small size (1").
Any and all questions, comments, and advice are appreciated!
My current plan is to do a nano reef (under 10 gallons) and light it with LEDs. Due to space constraints, I'm restricted to an aquarium with a footprint that is less than 12" x 18"; I have room underneath it for a small sump, so I'll be adding one of those, too.
I'm currently looking at using the Aqueon Evolve LED Aquarium Kit (four gallons) that PetCo has for sale. I originally was looking into the Fluval Spec, but then I saw this one and decided that it was preferable due to the size as well as the lack of visual barriers on the front. The lighting is going to be replaced with stronger LEDs, so I didn't really do an in-depth comparison between the two included clip lights; I'll probably retain the clip light for moonlight purposes, though. I've been looking at the various LEDs out there, and I've decided that the various PAR 38 lights are probably too strong for this application, so they will be avoided unless someone has a suggestion for one that will not kill the corals. Both aquariums have a built-in sump of sorts, but I will also be adding a 2.5-5 gallon sump as well because I have the room to do so underneath the aquarium. The built-in sump will probably be used for a filter pad/sponge and live rock rubble, and the exterior sump will have a DSB, SeaChem Purigen, and a filter sock/pad/sponge as well as the skimmer (if needed) and heater. I'll be using at least four pounds of live rock in the main aquarium as well as a little bit of aragonite sand; I'll be seeding both the rock and the sand with samples from the 55 gallon.
For my corals, I'm going to start off with just zoanthids (specifically Zoathus) in there, and I plan on adding other softies and LPS as I progress with the build. I currently have a small frag of zoanthids (pictures to come soon) in my 55 gallon that will be used as the test coral for this build; there's one polyp that's all by itself, so it will be the one that is used to ensure that the lighting and overall water quality is sufficient. I want to add a crocea clam at some point because I read that they can do pretty well in a nano aquarium if given enough light and food (nitrates, etc.). I also will be adding a few dwarf blue-leg hermits and a few small snails for cleaning purposes. Lastly, I want to add a single fish, if possible; I was thinking that a clown goby would work because of its small size (1").
Any and all questions, comments, and advice are appreciated!
