FishChannel Forums / Saltwater Forums / A Place for Beginners

New Nano Tank

FishChannel Moderator — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:59:38 GMT

Hi all,

I've been a freshwater fishkeeper since the 1970s and have been running a 55 gallon community tank and an 80 gallon cichlid tank in my kitchen for the last 10 years. I finally got the saltwater bug and am currently cycling a nano tank (an older model 29g Oceanic BioCube) that, after the live sand and live/dry rock, holds a bit more than 20something gallons. This is the first week in the cycle. I am excited. I've been reading up on the information on FishChannel and any tips would be appreciated.

Live Rock

Dolphin0150 — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 17:57:08 GMT

I have a local Marine Fish Dude and he told me today that I should get 1lb per gallon.. I have a 14 gallon nano tank. Wouldn't that be too much?

nano tank setup

Fishcc — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 20:15:46 GMT

hi I'm new to saltwater tanks and i have a 10g tank that i have just started cycling and i have one small piece of live rock in it. I am running two filters each made for a ten gallon tank and the water temp. is 78. i was wondering how long it will take to cycle this. I have also added a little fish food to jump start the ammonia.

Types of Fish

TheMarineReefer88 — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:10:28 GMT

I will be starting my new 65 gal. Reef Aquarium and wanted to know if i could possibly keep a snowflake moray eel with invertebrates (crabs, shrimp) and some seahorses. Please Help.

Need some ideas for starting a saltwater tank

JohnBam — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:49:51 GMT

Hello,

I need some good ideas to start a small nano saltwater aquarium for my 20 gallon tank. Right now I have some freshwater fish in my 20 gallon but i soon want to change it over to s altwater and give my freshwater fish to my friend. Ive done some research and know the basics but I do not know what to start with a nano reef aquarium or a nano fowlr tank. I could use some ideas and what kind of small fish would i be able to keep with it.

Thanks!

Switch to saltwater?

penguin22 — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:02:36 GMT

I've been thinking about changing to a saltwater tank for awhile. What, if I did , would I need? What is the recommended tank size for starters? what are some good starter fish? Is maintenance and upkeep harder then with a freshwater? I need as much info as I can get!

She wants "prettier" fish

stephyykinss — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:52:23 GMT

Hi, my friend (let's call her L) has kept a few gold fish and zebra danios in the past.
She now wants "prettier fish" and told me how cool her friend's puffer fish is.
I informed her that switching to a salt water aquarium is a big move.
She has PLENTY of money, so I don't think a tank upgrade is an issue.
I tried to warn her that even though some saltwater fish are prettier than freshwater, they might be harder to care for.

She is considering a puffer or seahorses...
I gave her my Aquarium International magazines (full of helpful tips) to try and get her more educated on the decision before she makes any impulsive choices. She is a teenager with lots of money wanting cute pets (her mom wouldn't let her get a bunny) and I worry that people at the pet store would just try to sell her the most expensive, prettiest fish.

I've tried to help.. but since I only have a fresh-water aquarium, I don't know what else to tell her.

Please help, thank you!

salt

fish247 — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:41:17 GMT

what would be a good salinity lvl for a reef tank i was told by someone who has been keeping salt tanks for years to have it at 1.020 but from what ive been told by others thats way to low.

What are your thoughts im not sure what a good lvl is

Saltwater Setup

TheMarineReefer88 — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:29:53 GMT

I will be setting up a 65gal SW aquarium. I've been doing research for about two months. But some of my quesitons have yet to be answered.

1. Can I use salt water and dechlorinate it and remove the bad chemicels in it to make it pure so that I don't have to use a RO unit or Buy Purified water.

2. What types of Clean-Up crew could i use (If Any) for Predator Reef Fishes such as: Moray Eels, Lionfish, Frogfish, Lizzard Fish and Sandperches

Fish choices for a 300 gallon

JohnBam — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 13:47:25 GMT

Hello everyone, I will soon be starting a 300 gallon saltwater aquarium but i was wondering what your guys thoughts on the kind of fish I could out into it? Im hoping to start a FOWLR for now, but want to know that the favorite fishes are to get ideas!

Thanks (:

New to Saltwater

fisher_really — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:24:41 GMT

Hello every! Thanking you all in advance for your help.

I am re-homing my African Cichlids to a standard 125 gallon and we have decided to turn their current home, 150 gallon tall, into a reef tank. This is going to be a slow process.

I am currently researching lighting. I have heard 5 watts to 8 watts a gallon. But in reality. What does that mean in a 150 gallon tall tank? I have been looking at purchasing several "Ecoxotic Panorama Pro LED Light Fixture - 24 Inch (95 Watt)" but my tank is only 48 inches long so that would only give me 1.2 watts per gallon, but..... Are the LEDs stronger? Do I need an array of "Kessil A150W 10000K Special Blend LED Aquarium Light"?

I was told that the tall tanks are better for the reef is this true? Or am I better off keeping the cichlids where they are and using the 125 for the reef?

nano tank?

DaisyMay — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:16:27 GMT

I have a fluval edge and was wondering if I could put any saltwater fish or invertebrate in it. I have seen many nano tanks before, but don't know how they work. I am new to saltwater, and need a lot of advice and help!

Buying a 12 gallon nano tank later this week! HELP!

Lepr3chaun — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:29:39 GMT

OKay, so I'm bunying that 12 gallon nano. However, I know I need pound of rock per gallon- but heres what my questions are:

Substrate: sand, or what? what's NECESARRY and what isnt?

Cycling: How long, any water changes? I plan on regularly dosing it with Stabilize (the guys at the store use it, i use it all the time for freshwater, they reccomend it, so how long with that in mind, or how do i find out when it's ready for corals or inverts or fish?)

What to feed the corals? since i will be using the light that comes with the nano, im guessing I can only do soft corals: which ones and what food supplement do I use?

Aaaand I think thats it! any help would be awesome, any warnings besides "tank is small, easy for chemistry to fluxuate!"

THANKS

old school filters verses live rock filters

Wolfcat9 — Sat, 26 May 2012 12:13:16 GMT

I am thinking of setting up a 30 cube fish only and I don't like the idea of using live rock. (expense of the live rock, destruction of reef systems, yadda yadda)

My biggest question i have so far has anybody done direct comparisons between reverse flowing an undergravel filter and live rock tanks?

I know the work required for a pre-filtered canister filter to keep the undergravel filter clean. I want the low splash and salt creep from the canister filter feeding the undergravel filter. I don't want a torrent of water flow swirling through the tank and I am willing to and want to buy the fish that enjoy low water flow. I haven't decided yet on what I want, frog fish or seahorse or something else.

It might seem a little backward to consider the hardware first then the livestock but the ease of maintenance and efficiency of the hardware will dictate what I buy for livestock.

Water Set-Up Chemical/ Salt for a Tank

HermesGrafix — Sat, 12 May 2012 15:49:15 GMT

Bought a 46 Gallon cube tank a few weeks ago. It had saltwater in it before. It looks like it is a large coral gravel. I am wanting to get some water in it and start it up, but I don't know the best stuff to put in it. I have seen the powder, liquid etc. About the only shops we have in town are Petco and Petsmart. So need some help from you:
1. Liquid or Powder?
2. How long should I run before putting fish in?
3. Cheap Saltwater fish to start with?

Reef beginner books

TmeLrd11 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:53:13 GMT

Hi, I currently have a 55gal fish only marine tank. I would like to make it a reef tank to add some more color to it. I found the Saltwater Aquriums for Dummies very helpful when starting my tank but it I haven't too helpful with reef information in so far as the steps I need to take to add corals. Any suggestions as to which books would help this beginner would be greatly appreciated.

Saltwater books

tdeardeuff — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:15:12 GMT

Ok. So like most others on here I am a newbie to saltwater. I am very experienced with freshwater though. I am not looking to set up a saltwater tank yet because of the cost but I wanted to do more research on a fish only tank and a reef tank. I won't ask for advice (unless you want to give it) but can you tell me your favorite books on the subject of setting up different types of saltwater tanks? I already know all about cycling, filters, refugiums, mixing saltwater, protein skimmers, etc. I tried reading Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies but I already knew 80% of what was in it. I just need a book for an advanced hobbyist that will fill me in on what I am missing. Suggestions? Thanks.

Always wanted a saltwater tank, now what?

Cichlid Girl — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:36:44 GMT

Hi guys! I have a freshwater tank and am looking to start a saltwater tank! I know a little about filters and heaters, but would like more information. Any info would help! I need to know more about good filters, including the SUMP filters, heaters, salinity, and good fish for starters. Also, recommendations for tank size and fish that would be good starter breeder fish. I love to breed 'em! Any help would be very much appreciated!

red puff balls

tirod — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:23:19 GMT

I have little red/purrpel puff balls all over my tank they are even on snail and crab shells is this just algae?

New to salt water, need lots of advise

LilGuppie — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:59:25 GMT

Hello, I'm new to the site and am loving it already.

I have lots of experience in freshwater tanks but have always wanted to branch out in salt water. I'm a total newb at it. I've been reading some of the great advice on here already but I was wondering what information you guys with experience could give a very newb newb to start out with, so I dont wind up with lots of costly mistakes.

Stuff like where to start, is there a certain order in which I need to do things, i'm seeing things on here like cureing the salt water, how do I do that. etc etc,

my future fish's lives are in you're hands, Help me please.

salt water noob please help!!

fish4thought — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:52:48 GMT

hello my name well i cant quite say my name i will gladly inform you that i am a fresh water fish keeper ready to take my first steps in to the world of salt water fishes! iv kept nothing more than that of two fresh water tanks 1 coldwater 1 tropical. So im very ready to try salt water fish give me all the advice you can to save the lives of porly treated salt water fish please contact me at Fish4thought56@gmail.com thank you!

new to salt water

Im not an addict — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:35:33 GMT

can anyone identify this coral frag that was given to me.

thanks.

P.S. can anyone please tell me how to add different setups to my home page.

Getting a Marine Picotope for Christmas

Lepr3chaun — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:17:55 GMT

The tank I'm going to order that comes with a compact 9W flourescent lamp is a JBJ 3 Gallon Picotope from Foster and Smith Aquatics (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+15493&pcatid=15493) , and is only going to have soft corals and compatible inverts. Also comes with a HOTB filter, but I may pick up an Aquaclear 70 filter in case that doesn't cut it.

Things I'm going to pick up that don't come with the tank:
- Hydrometer
- aquarium pharmaceuticals 401M saltwater test kit
- aqueon coralife 00232 digital thermometer
- elite 6-inch mini thermostatic heater 25 watt (is this good enough for the amount of water?)
- hydor pico evolution 200 pump (extra movement over the corals)

What I have questions about is what I should use in the coral food department (looking for good experiences with certain foods or recommendations here...), if the lighting is up to par, and if the heater is correct for the amount of water. I am also aware of the issues that can come up with a marine tank this tiny, but it's not for fish. I also need recommended substrate/ sand and how much live rock/ type of live rock (or sand)

skimmer/filter combo

brianp — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:54:07 GMT

Hi All. I have been wondering about some of the small skimmer/ power filter combos on the market such as the Skilter or Azoo's Minon. any opinions on these being used on a smaller tank. I am not in the market right now for one but have been wondering about others opinions.

Thanks

Bri

Fish only Filter Questions

inferno — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:31:23 GMT

I have 3 years of experience in the saltwater aquarium hobby; however, I have been out for a while so I'm looking for some advice. Me and my wife are going to set up a fish only system / aggressive tank for the main system in our house, and our ultimate goal is to be able to take care of the cuttlefish. I have been doing research on the cuttlefish and understand that they need expert care. Witch leads me to my question. I am starting mostly from scratch. The FO tank is going to be 75 + gal, 2 inches of live sand, lots of live rock. That is as far as I got so far. I need advice on filters. If I want to keep fish that require expert care what is the best combination of, chemical and bio filtration?

Looking at getting started

davidajd — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:30:16 GMT

I am getting ready to dive into (no pun intended) a marine aquarium. I have been and still am reading books by Martin Moe as well as Michael Paleta and other info sources. By what I read one source recommends starting with a 30 gal and another states much larger. Also one says hang on the back filters and another a sump. I really want to start off and do things right so any advice would be appreciated. I am very interested about what I read regarding a FOWLR system. Thanx much.

help i think its algae

tirod — Fri, 06 May 2011 15:08:25 GMT

new tank with live rock and sand. tank running for a week all live rock is turning brownish gold is this ok or not. please help! thank you

Fist Saltwater Tank

Dipietski — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:13:50 GMT

I'm interested in starting my first salt water tank. I saw a 40 gallon that looked nice for my apartment. The question I had was is 40 gallons big enough? What species work well with clown fish? Do Seahorses work with them? and how many fish can i have in a 40 gallon without it being too much?

Im starting a saltwater tank...

Garu64 — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:45:36 GMT

Im starting a saltwater tank (20 gallons) and I need help deciding what fish to put in it. I was thinking just a clownfish or two. please help.

jealousy!

DaisyMay — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:21:34 GMT

I'm soooo jealous of all of you that have saltwater tanks! I'd really like to set one up some day...maybe? I just have little freshwater tanks

Easy Set-ups

Swarley — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:27:42 GMT

I have a 90 gallon FOWLR tank that I have set up to be very low maintanence. It is basically an extra-tall 75 gallon. I have about 90 lbs. of liverock. Filters are 2 of the largest Aquaclear hangon filters, and an undergravel filter run by 2 Maxijet powerheads with crushed coral substrate. For fish I have a Foster's Hawkfish(4 inches), Lunare Wrasse(2 1/2 inches), Blue-spotted Toby(2 inches), Scimitar Trigger(3 inches) and Picasso Trigger(2 1/2 inches).

At the moment I do a 25% water change and filter insert change bout every month and a half.

First Saltwater Tank

bearbait1986 — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 01:22:47 GMT

Okay, I have been researching the Dwarf seahorses and there very specific care for sometime now. I've been sinking my coin into slowly getting everything I need one piece at a time. I have a cute little 3.5 gallon acrylic tank with a 3 stage mechanical filter with a sponge pocket over the intake to keep them safe. I have 5 lbs of live sand in the bottom no decor at the moment not sure if I want to try live plants or fake yet? No live rock not sure if I should risk that either since, the smallest things can hurt or even kill them.

But, the task at hand is getting the tank to cycle for however long it takes, I'm a patient person I will wait til everything is in tip top shape for the dwarfs but, I'm unsure on how to start cycling the tank I added Dr. Tim's one and only Live Nitrifying Bacteria the kind for reef ,nano & seahorse aqauariums. But there are so many different ways the internet says to do the start the cycle ... this i s where I'm stuck please help.

thanks

first saltwater tank

bettacrazy — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:53:40 GMT

okay so I am PROBABLY going to be setting up my first saltwater tank in the next few months or so. I am planning on it being a 10 gallon tank (I know not the best size but it is my only option besides nothing and I really want a saltwater tank) with LED lighting and a power filter unless I need a protein skimmer for this sized tank. I would use a hydrometer. I would be using either sand or crushed coral as a substrate. my stocking list for fish would be a percula clownfish, a red banded goby or a firefish, and a wheeler's shrimp goby. my invert list would be a skunk cleaner shrimp, a few turbo snails, a few hermit crabs,maybe a feather duster worm? would an anemone work? and would a few mushroom corals work? and I do not have an RO system and was going to use a salt mix so would that be okay? I am really hoping this will work out.

Whats the best lighting for a 10 gallon micro reef

cichlidaddiction — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:37:01 GMT

I have a 10 gallon micro reef and was wondering what is the best lighting. I know the standard answer is metal halide with actinics. But I was also looking a 4 bulb 96w power compact setup. Or those stunner led strips. If corals will grow with the stunner led strips I will be leaning that way.

Need HELP!! With new 29 gallon tank!

newlyfishing — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:02:00 GMT

I currently have a freshwater tank, but want to move to a saltwater reef tank soon! I have researched all the needs for overflows, skimmers, sumps etc. and come to the point to where I am really confused on what I actually need for this size of a tank. Any suggestions on what equipment I need to get my tank going would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!

My First Saltwater Setup!

bmalit — Tue, 17 May 2011 06:43:27 GMT

Hey guys! It's me again with some more questions on saltwater fish and such!

So after doing my research, finding the total costs of things, planning out a budget and making a sort of sketch design of what this tank is going to look life, I think I'm ready to go! But first, I need your opinions on some things.
Should I use a canister filter, a protein skimmer, or both? Is crushed aragonite okay for a substrate?
I am getting a hydrometer and some lights. But on the lights: would Marineland LED Double Bright Lights work? I have never heard of them but the customer reviews online said they were fine.
For the fish: I was thinking on getting two false clownfish, some type of goby, and MAYBE a pajama cardinal, I'm not sure. The tank will be 30 gallons. Is that too many fish? I don't want to overstock my first marine tank.
15 lbs of live rock is going to be added. Too little or too much?
As for inverts...I dunno. I was thinking maybe brittle starfish and some sort of shrimp. Corals? Not sure...it's pretty tempting, but I don't think it's worth the hassle.

What do you guys think? Please respond ASAP! This is my summer project instead of taking summer school!

10 gallon micro reef day 10

cichlidaddiction — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:35:13 GMT

Ok so I finally made the jump to saltwater. I did alot of research and used the sand bed from my brackish tank then used the sweeping powerhead with its sponge out of my cichlid tank. And added 12 pounds of well cured live rock that came from the manager of the lfs manager's show tank. And then added Microbe lifts special blend and nite out II each day. So the amonia and nitrates fell off the chart on day five. I stayed patient and on day nine added two tiny occelarus clowns. I included a porceline crab today. But here is the question even though the tank is in the nitrate phase. I kinda want to get a couple corals in a week or two. Am I going to fast. I have heard some varied advice. And also I want a couple peppermint shrimp to deal with some aptasia. But I would love to have a harlequin shrimp. I am hoping that may work. I will have a couple more questions I know it. But the tank is doing great. I am a cichlid guy but this tank is making me itch for a few more saltwater tanks.

Natural sunlight

Golddenim — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:59:09 GMT

I am considering starting my first saltwater tank. One of the locations I have in mind is a sun room/patio, with large windows on all three sides. The room is on the south side of the house, so it gets the most direct sunshine. There are no drapes nor curtains of any kind in this room. The tank would be in an interior corner of the room.

Will there be any problems with the tank being exposed to so much natural sunlight? Is algae my only concern, or are there others? During the summer, this tank would spend up to 15 hours in varying degrees of sunlight, plus another 2-4 hours of room and aquarium lights after sunset. If it makes a difference, the two types of aquarium setups I am debating between are a reef tank or a sea grass tank with seahorses.

problem cycling 55 gal salt tank

susanw — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:40:33 GMT

i have a 55gal tank i have had for 3 weeks, i am running a marineland cannister filter,uv sterlizer,eshobbs protein skimmer i just got and 2 damsels. I had 3 fish and one died yesterday. The levels are Salinity 1.026 and ph: 8.4 nitrate is between 40-80 ppm, nitrite is 1.0 ppm,ammonia is .50 ppm how long does it usually take to cycle a tank. i am being patient but i keep thinking it is never going to cycle these levels have been this way for at least 2 weeks ...... PLEASE HELP:

skimmer

tirod — Sun, 08 May 2011 14:08:07 GMT

what would be a good skimmer to mount in or on the back of a 28g jbj nano cube any suggestons would be great