9.98 Gallon Life Guard (Build Thread)

[Shusblues]

Hello all,

I have acquired new tank and just started to set it up. I will contribute to the build thread for this nice little AIO series. The tank is a 9.98 gallon made by Life guard aquatics. Tank has 5mm, Low iron glass and is sharp, with superb clarity. The back chamber came with a pump, sponge and bio balls. Also has plenty of room for add ons. I am a really big fan of the IM Nuvo series and currently have the IM 20. I will definitely say Lifeguard Aquatics makes an outstanding nano AIO. This one in my opinion rivals many others out there. Now I will take you through the set up.

Here are the specs

 

[WIReefer]

Congrats on the new build can’t wait to see pictures!

 

[Shusblues]

I created the Aqua scape solely out of rubble I had in my storage bin. I pieced it all together and let it set. I picked up a bag of the Carib Sea Hawaiian black sand. I have never done black sand before So I decided to give it a try. I put 10lbs in it, placed in my scape and filled it with 5 gallons from my IM20 and 5 gallons freshly mixed. I also did not put the bio balls in the back chamber cause I prefer natural media over plastic, so that’s filled with dry and live rubble/SPS bones. I added a small bottle of rapid start to boost the nitrogen cycle. So now I play the waiting and testing game. I will give updates on which direction I decide to go in with live stock in the future. Here are some pics.

 

[Shusblues]

I have the first buyer review for this tank. Should anyone be interested in ever purchasing this tank here are a couple cons I have discovered. First off as with many stock pumps, they tend to be a bit noisy. This one sounded like oil crackling in pan. Easy fix swap it with one of my small pumps in storage and used some DIY to fit it perfectly. Second the return line did not come with nozzle fitting, it was just open lock line. No sweat there, just picked up an 1” 1/4” x 1/2” flare nozzle and two more loc line pieces. Other than that fantastic little tank.

Before

After

 

[Shusblues]

2 weeks into the cycle
Ammonia 0ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 0.5 ppm

Time to start looking into some fish options. Open to suggestions.

 

[Shusblues]

The tank has been circulating for 1 month. I have found a tenant for the tank. This juvenile Maroon clownfish is renting the tank for now.

Other than that, the tank is still bare and it needs more time before any coral/invert additions. Will keep posting the progress.

 

[Shusblues]

Hey Reefers, First update after two months into setup. I used the Turbo Start saltwater and it pushed the nitrogen cycle Faster than I have ever seen. I also started dosing vibrant after one month. So I did a massive bacteria overload. The maroon clown and feeding once a day Is the only thing fueling the tank. I had one week of algae and then all clear. I decided to trial inhabitants, I added a cleanup crew. Snail, hermits and urchin. With them added no ugly Dino or algae phase has had a chance to break out. The tank is testing and looks older than what it is. So I will recommend the turbo start and Vibrant. They are awesome products especially when used together. I still head some caution of an ammonia spike. However no readings yet. Furthermore I decided to trial some hardy corals as well. After a week of addition everything seems to be doing well and thriving. So far a very positive experience. Picture included for details.