Hey guys I'm fairly new to Reefing so all criticism is welcome. Anyways I had a Brackish tank for almost a year. It contained 2 Archer Fish, Green Spotted Puffer, Knight Goby. I enjoyed especially the fishes. The Acherfish are probably my most favorite fish ever and probably one of the most unique because they spit water. The GSP was also a fun character and he was ruthless to snails. As much as I loved this tank it was very limited with what I can do. No inverts because of the GSP. No plants because of the salinity too high for freshwater or too low for saltwater plants besides mangrooves. Also I needed to let the Archers have a bigger room because they will get bigger since I fed them crickets.
So I had to make a decision because I was going to move to a new place. Either I keep these guys or start something new. I decided to give away all my fishes and wanted to start reefing. I had prior knowledge about full salt since one of my co-workers taught me all I know. I did my research and made sure I don't rush anything. I bought some good purple live rock and seeded my old rocks. I used fine reef sand (kind of regret it now should've went with live sand, sandstorm if you know what I mean). Cleaned out my Bio-Wheel 150 and used it as my filtration. Same Marineland Stealth. I had a 30 watt Marineland strip light. I used my Knight Goby to start my cycle (very hardy guy).
After 4 weeks I added 8 Blue-legged Hermit Crabs (5 still alive). Then I wanted to add another fish so I picked up a two striped Cinnamon Clown and gave away my Knight Goby. Week Later picked up a Scooter Blenny. Half a month goes by and I wanted to add more fish so I picked up a small Yellow-Belly Hippo Tang (Impulse but thankful he helps eat algae). I wanted stronger light so I went and got a 250watt MH and 2 65watt Actinics from Aqua Traders (hasn't caught on fire yet). Picked up a Nano K. Then I thought of an idea on making a Refugium by using a floating breeder and having a seaweed clip keep it to one corner. Used Chaeto and grape Culupra with rubble rock. I believe it works great because you can see little critters that will replenish the tank with food. It also exports excess nutrients and nitrates. I added some corals and other inverts, like Frogspwan, Rose Bubble, Orange Button Pollyps, Assorted Mushrooms (Ricodea, Giant Reds), Pulsating Xenia (spreading like crazy), Feather Duster, Zoas, GSP, Turbos and Cerith Snails, Peppermint and Cleaner Shrimps. My last fish I bought was the Six-Line Wrasse.
All of my parameters are good. Bi-Weekly water changes. Coral Vite and Purple Tech dosing. Top off daily. Feed them once a day either flakes or brine shrimp. I haven't had any of my fish die yet which is a good sign I believe. I'm soo addicted to reefing and just wondering what I should do or add next.
I'm aware there are some things that raises questions. Like my Yellow-Belly Hippo Tang and that it shouldn't be in that small tank. It was an impulse purchase, but I do on planning on upgrading to a bigger tank or sell the guy when he gets too big. My lights might be overkill, but I might either hang it or used it for a 29gallon tank my cousin might give me. I have a bio-cube skimmer someone gave me, but I hardly use it because it takes too much space and not that great at skimming. I heard there is not an importance of skimmers for nanos just as long as you do your regular water changes.
The tank has been running since the end of may and everything seems fine. Except getting brown on my sand contantly. So there you go I hope you enjoyed my essay haha because I didn't expect to write this much.
So I had to make a decision because I was going to move to a new place. Either I keep these guys or start something new. I decided to give away all my fishes and wanted to start reefing. I had prior knowledge about full salt since one of my co-workers taught me all I know. I did my research and made sure I don't rush anything. I bought some good purple live rock and seeded my old rocks. I used fine reef sand (kind of regret it now should've went with live sand, sandstorm if you know what I mean). Cleaned out my Bio-Wheel 150 and used it as my filtration. Same Marineland Stealth. I had a 30 watt Marineland strip light. I used my Knight Goby to start my cycle (very hardy guy).
After 4 weeks I added 8 Blue-legged Hermit Crabs (5 still alive). Then I wanted to add another fish so I picked up a two striped Cinnamon Clown and gave away my Knight Goby. Week Later picked up a Scooter Blenny. Half a month goes by and I wanted to add more fish so I picked up a small Yellow-Belly Hippo Tang (Impulse but thankful he helps eat algae). I wanted stronger light so I went and got a 250watt MH and 2 65watt Actinics from Aqua Traders (hasn't caught on fire yet). Picked up a Nano K. Then I thought of an idea on making a Refugium by using a floating breeder and having a seaweed clip keep it to one corner. Used Chaeto and grape Culupra with rubble rock. I believe it works great because you can see little critters that will replenish the tank with food. It also exports excess nutrients and nitrates. I added some corals and other inverts, like Frogspwan, Rose Bubble, Orange Button Pollyps, Assorted Mushrooms (Ricodea, Giant Reds), Pulsating Xenia (spreading like crazy), Feather Duster, Zoas, GSP, Turbos and Cerith Snails, Peppermint and Cleaner Shrimps. My last fish I bought was the Six-Line Wrasse.
All of my parameters are good. Bi-Weekly water changes. Coral Vite and Purple Tech dosing. Top off daily. Feed them once a day either flakes or brine shrimp. I haven't had any of my fish die yet which is a good sign I believe. I'm soo addicted to reefing and just wondering what I should do or add next.
I'm aware there are some things that raises questions. Like my Yellow-Belly Hippo Tang and that it shouldn't be in that small tank. It was an impulse purchase, but I do on planning on upgrading to a bigger tank or sell the guy when he gets too big. My lights might be overkill, but I might either hang it or used it for a 29gallon tank my cousin might give me. I have a bio-cube skimmer someone gave me, but I hardly use it because it takes too much space and not that great at skimming. I heard there is not an importance of skimmers for nanos just as long as you do your regular water changes.
The tank has been running since the end of may and everything seems fine. Except getting brown on my sand contantly. So there you go I hope you enjoyed my essay haha because I didn't expect to write this much.
