JBJ 28 gal Nano Reef Build

[Superd513]

So I’m wondering what all should I have in my intank media basket I just got? I currently have in the original one a piece of filter media and in the bottom I put a Brightwell bio cube. Instead of the ceramic rings that came with tank. Is that all I need during the cycle? Is that the correct place to put the bio cubes? That’s all I have in it right now.

 

[Superd513]

Update on my tank. I totally redid my aquascape during a water change. I like it much better now. Everything seems to be ok. I’m doing another water change tonight. If I can go another week without an alge outbreak I can use Brightwells Clean. According to them it will help prevent the “ugly stage”. They recommend waiting a week after the cycle is complete. It only took my tank 4 days to cycle. But I used all live rock and live sand and MicroBacter Start. I seeded the bio block overnight like they recommended.
so far I have 5 black saltwater mollies.
2 encrusters
2 zoies
3 other corals I’m not sure what their species is other than softies.
I will probably add a pistol shrimp and a goby next week. Then I’m not going to add anything else for a month if I can help it. One thing I’m learning is patience. Lol
Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

 

[H3rm1tCr@b]

W

I personally think the scape looks nice! But yes, like everyone else has said, you can just get a little sand and rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater (I’d recommend sand too, it is chock full of worms and beneficial bacteria.) A little holding tank (also like how you mentioned) is also an excellent idea! Be prepared, you might get a bunch of weird crabs, shrimp, maybe even a mantis. You can always get an ID on this forum, and maybe even find someone willing to take the undesirables! Good luck!

 

[Superd513]

I personally think the scape looks nice! But yes, like everyone else has said, you can just get a little sand and rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater (I’d recommend sand too, it is chock full of worms and beneficial bacteria.) A little holding tank (also like how you mentioned) is also an excellent idea! Be prepared, you might get a bunch of weird crabs, shrimp, maybe even a mantis. You can always get an ID on this forum, and maybe even find someone willing to take the undesirables! Good luck!

Here is my tank now. I have 8 different corals and I just put a pistol shrimp in. What kind of coral is the bottom pic? Is that an Acan?

 

[H3rm1tCr@b]

Here is my tank now. I have 8 different corals and I just put a pistol shrimp in. What kind of coral is the bottom pic? Is that an Acan?

I think the one on the bottom is a blastomussa. They are reasonably easy to care for. Also, I like the new scape! And a pistol shrimp was an excellent idea, they are highly entertaining and stir the sand.

 

[Superd513]

I think the one on the bottom is a blastomussa. They are reasonably easy to care for. Also, I like the new scape! And a pistol shrimp was an excellent idea, they are highly entertaining and stir the sand.

The local fish store guy said it was kinda rare and that he bought the other one when they came in. It was only 20 bucks That little pistol found the most unviewable spot to dig his lair. lol

 

[CallMeChris]

You could buy a small amount of Tampa bay to supplement what you already have. Just bust it up into smaller pieces and disperse it amongst your current rock. The stuff living on the TB rock will start growing over onto your existing rock.

They also sell smaller sizes, nano and rubble

 

[j.falk]

They also sell smaller sizes, nano and rubble

So does KPAquatics.

 

[Superd513]

They also sell smaller sizes, nano and rubble

I’m going to get a 15 or 20 gal and use as a qt tank or maybe a frag tank

 

[Superd513]

I just realized I don’t have an updated whole tank shot. I need to take one. I’ve done some changes and redid my scape some. And my pistol rearrange some corals for me. Lol. Luckily I seen right after he did it and I put them back. Tank looked the best today than in a long time. Everyone was happy and opened. Even pistol was capping off a few rounds. Lol.

 

[areohen]

The local fish store guy said it was kinda rare and that he bought the other one when they came in. It was only 20 bucks That little pistol prick found the most unviewable spot to dig his lair. lol

Shouldn't you know what it is since you bought it?
If the LFS told you it was rare, then they should have also told you what is was. Saying something is rare is just another was of selling you on it. It could be the most common coral in the world but saying its rare makes people buy that don't know any different. I would avoid buying anything at that LFS