First I would like to say hi, I've been lurking for a while now but finally got the guts to start a Nano. I'm new to reef keeping but have been keeping several FW tanks for years. I'm looking foward joining you all in this fantastic niche of the hobby. Enough of the boring stuff...
I'm trying to start with as little $$$ spent as possible, so everything you see listed (except the livestock, rock , & other noted items) I have aquired through my years keeping FW tanks. Before you ask why I had a skimmer, let me just say the price was right.
I would appreciate it if you would take a look and make any suggestions or comments.
I will be using
10 Gallon Aquarium
AQUACLEAR 70
Penguin 550 Powerhead
(2) Single Fluorescent Fixture 19w for 38w total
Prizm Deluxe Skimmer
Heater
Glass Hood
Digital Thermometer
Will buy
10-12lbs Live rock (Tonga) & Rubble in filter.
Salt Mix
Living Sea Hydrometer Plus-Large Thermometer
(Refractometer) <--- I'll get one after I'm sure I'm sticking with the reef hobby, which will take about a day
Reef sand & live sand to seed it.
Other Stuff I have
RO/DI
Test Kits
Livestock... I think...
watchman goby
pistol shrimp
False Percula <-- I'm undecided on him.
Clean-up Crew
2 astrea snails
2 Nassarius snails
1 red leg hermit
Maybe Later???
1 Brittle star
Corals
zoanthids, star polyps, mushrooms
Final Notes
I do have a few other powerheads & HOB filters. I went with the aquaclear because from what I've read most people who have used them have been happy.
If someone knows of a CHEAP DIY approach to the lighting I would consider that as well.
I realize many people argue that a skimmer isn't needed but I figure I have it so I might as well use it and that any nutrients lost will be replaced by weekly water changes.
I do realize a Nano can be a hard way to start but because of space I am limited. I already do weekly water changes on my 5 FW tanks so another tank is no big deal.
My Questions
1. I realize you all are going to tell me to use PCF lighting or a MH pendant, but remember I'm trying to keep costs down. So my question is this, What bulb combonation should I go with
a) 50/50 bulb + 50/50 bulb
b.) 50/50 bulb + 10000k bulb
c) 50/50 bulb + 420nm Actinic
d) 10000k + 420nm Actinic?
2. I'm very interested in the symbiotic relationship between the goby and the pistol shrimp. However, will the pistol shrimp act as a cleaner as well? I've read they will graze on algae but will they be as effective as another "cleaner" shrimp OR will another shrimp better at cleaning also share the relationship with the goby?
3. I have limited my clean-up crew based on reading that everything I have picked for the tank will graze on algae and I don't want to starve the true clean-up crew. I'm I being paranoid and is even correct?
4. Would it be worth buying a
Rotating Powerhead or similar item?
5. What are your opinions on a Urchin making it's way into my tank?
Thanks in advance.
(and thanks for reading all that
)