Bare Bottom Fluval Edge 6g

AScarbro14 · Aug 16, 2015

I have wanted to do one of these tanks for a long time and a pet store close to my house was having a big sale and was about to pick the tank up for $70. Plans have changed several times since I got it. The first setup was to run either a Aqua Illuminations Nano or Prime in the factory hood but I started looking you just couldn't get the coverage I wanted like that. I decided to remove the top off of the tank and will be purchasing a Radion Xr15w Pro. As for the aquascape I kept trying to build something I like but just had a hard time working inside through the small hole. Main reason I removed the top. I ended buildin my aquascape into one solid piece so if I needed to remover for some reason I could. Finally for flow I am using an MP10wes and will be ordering the new quiet driver for it in a few day.

This is a picture of my first aquascape.

This is my final aquascape and fell in love with it. (The light that is on it is temporary)

As of right now I am on day 3 of my cycle and I am using Dr. Tims One and Only. I added the Ammonium Chloride to bring the tank to 2ppm to start the cycle. Hopefully using this product will shorten the cycle time. Everything I have read about it says that everyone who uses it has good luck so figures crossed.

As for stocking I know I am going to put a pair of Black Ice Clowns. I know it's a little much for such a small tank but I intend on doing a 2 gallon water change every week. As for the clean up crew I'm am not to sure on yet. If you guys have any input please feel free to let me know.

AScarbro14 · Aug 16, 2015

Also got my xr15w ordered today from a member on here today. Now I just have to order the quiet drive and reef link and I'll be happy.

Reef Bed · Aug 17, 2015

Very nice, I love how clean your setup is. I run bb on my office pico 7 gallon. It's about 3 months old and I haven't run into any problems yet other than a tuft of hair algae. I currently have a scarlet hermit, ninja star snail, 2 blue leg hermits, and 3 white leg hermits (my favorite). I might throw in a barnacle blenny and a clown down the line.

AScarbro14 · Aug 18, 2015

Alex Leon said:
Very nice, I love how clean your setup is. I run bb on my office pico 7 gallon. It's about 3 months old and I haven't run into any problems yet other than a tuft of hair algae. I currently have a scarlet hermit, ninja star snail, 2 blue leg hermits, and 3 white leg hermits (my favorite). I might throw in a barnacle blenny and a clown down the line.

Thank you i appreciate it. I'll look into those guys for a clean up crew. It's day 5 now and still no sign of nitrites. I have been testing with api test kit. I guess I'm gonna have to break out the salifert and make sure.

AScarbro14 · Aug 18, 2015

Well after salifert test here's results between both.
Ph Api 8.2 Salifert 8.3
Ammonia Api 2ppm salifert 0.25
Nitrite Api 0 Salifert 0.1

Which one should I believe? I know I added 2ppm of ammonia from Dr. Tims.

Reef Bed · Aug 18, 2015

Well you know ammonia is present within your system, I would wait until it hits 0 and test for Nitrate. End of cycle: 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate >0... then you will be in the clear.

The readings are pretty similar and both say your cycle is well under way. Just wait for the above mentioned parameters.

I use Salifert and I prefer API to test alkalinity but the rest I use Salifert (Ca, PO4, NO2, pH, NO3)

AScarbro14 · Aug 21, 2015

Finally got everything lined out. Stopped using api kit and just salifert. Shouldn't be much longer now. Tank is using 1.5ppm of ammonia per 24 hours now.

AScarbro14 · Aug 22, 2015

New Light came in today. I'm very happy with it.

SixSteppa · Aug 25, 2015

Hi AScarbro14, I am on day 26 of my 6g Fluval Edge tank cycle. I used to have a 90g SW a few years ago and just got the OK to start a nano reef from my wife.
I plan to have a snowflake clown and probably a yellow clown Goby with a peppermint shrimp. I don't think your 2 clown will be too much as long as keep a keen eye on parameters and water changes. Things can change quick in our nanos.
Current USA LED ordered and on its way.
I've followed you since we have a tank in common. Hope to see the progression.

AScarbro14 · Aug 26, 2015

Awesome man. Let me know when you start your build thread and I'll check it out. I love these little tanks and love to see what everyone does them. I'm on day 12 of my cycle and everything is moving along very slowly.

SixSteppa · Aug 26, 2015

Totally jealous of that Vortech pump BTW. It's not too much flow? I had read that even on the lowest setting the MP10 can be a lot. Then again you are going bare bottom so no sand to whip around.

Oh, I'm going with a cerith and astrea snail to start and see how they handle the algae before looking for more. I don't want to overstock.

Joshua Cline · Aug 27, 2015

Looking forward to this tank. Thinking about setting up a tank similar to this for my daughter!

AScarbro14 · Aug 28, 2015

I am as well. Shouldn't be to much longer and cycle will be complete. I've decided only one clown will be going in this tank. Also gonna stuff it with sps on the rocks and cover the glass bottom and back wall with zoas.

SixSteppa · Aug 28, 2015

How's your Nitrate levels coming along?
Buying a snowflake clown today.

AScarbro14 · Aug 28, 2015

SixSteppa said:
How's your Nitrate levels coming along?
Buying a snowflake clown today.

Everything is good. Tank is cycled and I'm floating my first coral right now lol. Awesome upload some pics when you get them in the tank. I'll be ordering my black ice clown next week.

AScarbro14 · Aug 29, 2015

Not the best picture but first coral went in today and done my first water change on the tank. Little 3 polyp Gold Maul Zoa I got for cheap.

AScarbro14 · Aug 30, 2015

Here's a better pic of the gold mauls. Had to figure out how to get a good pic with my s5 active lol

SixSteppa · Aug 30, 2015

Nice. I'm on the lookout for Rasta or fruit loop zoas. My snowflake clown is in the tank. I'll post a pic tomorrow.
My light arrived but the transformer on it buzzes really loudly when it's under load (lights on & bright). Kinda bummed. I emailed Current USA.
Have fun!

AScarbro14 · Aug 30, 2015

SixSteppa said:
Nice. I'm on the lookout for Rasta or fruit loop zoas. My snowflake clown is in the tank. I'll post a pic tomorrow.
My light arrived but the transformer on it buzzes really loudly when it's under load (lights on & bright). Kinda bummed. I emailed Current USA.
Have fun!

I hold both in my 90 gallon. Loved the both wish I would have never got rid of that tank. I've been looking at alot of sps right now.