nano tank

Eskemo · Feb 21, 2015

hello i just setup a nano running bioballs and rubble i was wondering if i needed a skimmer in a nano its 55 litres...

also i brought my ammonia up to 4.0ppm it has no live rock will this be a issue or will this still cycle in 4-6 weeks as is i cant get down to the petshop i buy my live rock off for bout 2 months so..

am i doing this right new to the hobbie and just trying to keep my gf happy with a 55 while i have a 400 litre display

glb · Feb 21, 2015

Sounds like the live rock will really help the cycle. My nano cycled in a few days with live rock. They really establish the nitrogen cycle quickly. Is there anyway you could order some? I think the tank would stabilize more quickly if you could get it in there. Do you have any nitrites or nitrates yet?

jrr98002 · Feb 21, 2015

You don't necessarily need a skimmer if you're willing to do very frequent large water changes on a consistent basis, but I'd highly recommend one. Also, your tank will not cycle as well without live rock as that's your primary biological media for bacteria colonization. You might get by with just the bioballs, but you really should get some LR in there.

Squid · Feb 21, 2015

No need for skimmer and no need for large frequent water changes. Maybe do 2-5 gallons every week or every other week. Also, add your live rock now or else your cycle will take forever and everytime you add more rock will cause a mini cycle. I've tried to cycle with just sand before and it is not effective