New 10g nano!

[trevorspencer94]

Hi all, I set up this 10g nano a few days ago as have been starting the cycling with seachem stability, the goal is to be a reef nano. Currently I have a 200w heater (I know it's overpowered but it's raising/keeping the temp up to 20 degrees above ambient temp sometimes so I wanted plenty of power), a 528 gph wave maker (placed on back center aiming at front glass, I could use opinions on this), 1.5 inches of caribsea ocean direct live sand, and a decent chunk of rock that is probably 10lbs. I am running two 24w t5 bulbs on the aquarium, so about 5 watts per gallon of actual water (it has 9 gallons of water in the tank) I am picking up a snowflake clownfish today (1/11/16) to go into the tank.

I am planning on continuing to add the seachem daily through the use of the entire 250ml bottle since I'm a little skeptical about adding life in so soon. How long should I wait before I start adding some more resilient corals? My temperature and salinity are very consistent and will remain that way. I'm using a diy ATO.

Here is a couple pics from the two viewable sides, front and side, of what it looks like currently, this is my first nano and first time using stability, my saltwater is made with di water.

 

[trevorspencer94]

Added my clownfish, it's been a couple days, it mostly just swims in one spot right under the wave maker. I have tried feeding it flakes the last 2 days and it doesn't eat them, planning on getting pellets. Here is a couple pics, going to a local coral grower soon for several frags!

Notice the friend I added outside the aquarium for my clown lol.

 

[trevorspencer94]

Also, I have a 528gph wave maker in there, with about 9 gallons of actual volume this is about a 58x turnover rate. With the wave maker pointed at the front glass I get no dead spots in the bottom corners or anywhere and I get surface agitation. Does anyone think this is too strong of a current for the clown? I'm sure most corals I will add will love the high flow but I'm worried about the clown.

 

[trio91]

how long has the tank been cycling? i also didn't see any type of filter on that tank....unless i missed something

 

[trio91]

also do you have a test kit?

 

[bairdimusprime]

I agree with @trio91 , where is the filtration? as well how new is this tank? has it had time to properly cycle? not trying to come off rude here. just concerned and making sure all of the proper steps have been taken before you add fish and corals. 10 gallons isn't a lot of water to work with and runs plenty of risks with water stability. we will all gladly put in the time to help if you need it

best of luck

 

[trio91]

i don't want to sound harsh (and i apologize if i offend you as it is not my intention) but i think that clown is going to die.....no filter, tank hasn't cycled

Id take the clown out....get a type of filter...preferably a sump set-up if its in budget but if not, a good HOB filter that you are willing to maintain. pick up a test kit and go from there

 

[bairdimusprime]

i agree with @trio91 best of luck

 

[trevorspencer94]

I am double dosing seachem stability for the start of the bacteria (and plan to continue to do so long past the week that it suggests in the instructions), plus the live sand, i also am using a diy skimmer and ato that i took out to take the pictures as they go on the back corner that blocks the view from that end. Also doing 2 water changes a week for 1.5 gallons out of the 9 gallon volume each. I do have extra hang on back filters lying around that are appropriately sized that I could add if you guys think they are needed. I do have an API test kit that I have been checking every day. I"m hoping i dont see spikes with the precautions I have been taking, but I can easily make accommodations in the situation that one is needed!

As far as the flow question with the wavemaker what do you guys think?

 

[trio91]

The flow should be plenty for that sized tank, depending on what u r looking to stock IMO

Any updates? Filter, test results? Health of the fish?

 

[trevorspencer94]

All is well! 2 water changes in, nothing notable to worry about, fish is eating well. I may add a small hang on back just to suck out small particles that end up floating around, will make the worry of extra food a little better as well. I'm still a little worried that the flow is too much, if I add a small hang on back I'm going to be about a 60x turnover rate, I might change the wave maker out for a smaller one and aim for something closer to 40x turnover, suggestions?

 

[trio91]

this is the smallest wave maker i can think of {Hydor Koralia Nano Circulation Pump/Powerhead 240gph} (fairly priced but i do not know what your budget is like) and for that size tank that should be plenty once you add in a HOB filter

also with the HOB, depending on the size you should be able to squeeze in some carbon (you can use the bulk stuff but i personally use the Chemi-pure blue nano as the little pouch is a great space saver) and a filter sponge that can be routinely cleaned out.....and IMO for the most part you should be all set. you will just have to keep up with the good housekeeping practices with that small sized tank

 

[trevorspencer94]

Yep! Thanks for the reply, I did change out for a 200gph pump, and added a 15 gallon hob filter. Should be good for a 10g tank. I currently just turn the hob on during the day as its close to my bedroom and the biowheel filter is kinda loud haha. I thought about adding a filter sock of carbon to the hob, I currently have it stuffed with filter floss and the typical filter that goes with it to polish the water.

 

[trio91]

just keep an eye on the floss as I can get clogged really quickly, I would also look after that bio wheel for the same reason as well, It may be easier if you just removed the wheel as I can see that as being clogged with a bunch of stuff that you do not need going back into your system.

if you keep the water level high enough, it should muffle the sound of the HOB's water plashing onto the water level's surface...I would also recommend that if possible, try to squeeze in some good carbon into that filter just so that you have that extra "polishing" effect

in any case keep us posted on the progression of the tank, I would also (IMO) hold off for a few on purchasing corals and especially an anemone given that your tank is very young....let it run for a bit, and constantly test so that you can make sure your tank is mature enough to host other items

 

[trevorspencer94]

Water is still testing all good as of today, I added another 5lbs of rock today as well, I will be replacing the filter floss in the filter with a bag of carbon tonight. Had to hold myself back from adding a green clown goby today lol. Was thinking about adding a couple nerites and ceriths. Opinions on that? I don't think there is much to speak of for them to eat I may have to put small pieces of seaweed in if I do.. I've been continuing to double dose seachem stability every day past the recommended week of dosage. I will just continue that through the use of the 250ml bottle. Maybe at the 1 month mark I will consider some basic corals. Here is a couple pics with the new rock!

 

[trevorspencer94]

Btw I have been feeding the fish frozen mysis as well as omega one small pellets. It didn't eat the first 4 days I brought it home but it eats readily now! I have been feeding it mysis every other day, and usually 2 pellets on the days between mysis.

 

[trevorspencer94]

Clownfish disappeared today, was there when I went to sleep last night, 7 am was gone and no signs on floor or anything, there is only a 3 inch gap on top that isn't covered from jumping. Idk what happened

 

[trio91]

did you check the filter? check around the rocks? he's gotta be somewhere if hes not on the floor

also i would assume something is wrong in your system....have you checked your parameters?

 

[trevorspencer94]

Okay I found it, it was hidden inside a crevice in my rock in the back. It's not gone that's a good sign but that is different behavior than normal. Parameters still checking good. Nothing is changed from yesterday maybe it's just feeing shy today?

 

[ndz98]

What kind of corals are you considering?