New 13.5 nano

Detri50 · Jul 9, 2022

Hello R2R,

My name is Ron. I'm not new to reef keeping. But, it's been 15 years. Yes it's just a nano. But, space is the reason.

Let me now, from the top 2 pics how you like the the small rock placement.

I had a 90 cube. 15 years ago. To me, it was the ultimate reef cube size. I don't have pics anymore of the tank stocked or the dimensions. I worked for an aquarium builder and I built the stand myself , at the time.

I am so figity. I can't wait until this is cycled so I have a reason to do maintenance/manage parameters. Haha. My hands want to be in the tank.

I just ordered a slew of upgrades for the tank. I tried to buy local as much as I could where available.

I bought, chamber one media basket. A back up/salt mixer sicce return pump. Another heater. Hydros x2 starter kit and ato kit. A maxspect 2k gyre with controller. And a fan to cool the water when the lights heat up the tank.

I planned to buy a light as well. I narrowed it down to 2 choices. I feel for the size and depth. An AI prime or a maxspect jump 65w will suit my needs. I'm leaning heavily towards maxspect, for price point and control. I am going to put sps in the tank. Just lower light ones like slimers or monties and or birdsnest. Everything else will be fine. Undecided on uphilia or goneopora. Both are amazing.

Thank you

Ron B.

SPR1968 · Jul 10, 2022

Great start Ron and keep the pictures coming!

I think the first picture is best with the extra small rock, it looks more natural, well to me anyway.

Detri50 · Jul 10, 2022

This post shouldn't end where i left it. How boring. This set up is and can be affordable for everyone. A Nano, is the best AND worst beginner ecosystem one can start with. It's affordable, but, it's the hardest to maintain stable base parameters. The first 6 months, if you take your time will have an amazing clown/limited fish tank. Who the heck stops there. Not me! You need artificial balls of ceramic to try corals expert growers successfully grow in 100+g tanks. Don't let this stop you. But, take this tank knowing you're going to go backwards in the first year. Really 1 full year! Keep the sand bed white and make algae (every type. Literally every type) your friend. Take care of your cherished first fish and keep your bottom white. It's going to be a lot of work. But, it will be the best ride! I'm going to break down my system so far.

This tanks price point is killer. You get a display tank; AND a working filtration system. Lights and hood that prohibits evaporation. However, you need to realize, this is just a starter kit. My first day, to get my tank up and running. Heater, salt, ro di water, sand bed, aqua scape dry rock, beneficial bacteria additive and inexpensive dry goods. Cost me $800 CDN. With a stand that looks decent. Not great, but decent.

If you just buy the kit. You only need, (what I bought) Caribsea live sand 10 lbs, salt water mix, (I bought seachem salt) 7 to 10 lbs dry rock ( I recommend 10 to 25 lbs so you can smash and break pieces to create a scape you like) a siphon system for water changes, a heater and thermometer for temp control, a bacteria seeding product to help cycle the tank, fish food to ghost feed and accommodate ammonia during the cycle, and patience. This will cost you a minimum of $590 Cdn. Without stand.

I bought all my gear and supplies at a place that doesn't Care who I am. As a nano owner Day one. ( my experience) I spent 800 dollars CDN. Just for setup. Now keep in mind. I know what I need and I'm working with 1 tenth the tank I owned 15 years ago. What I bought my first day, to start the cycle.

For measuring the salt. This from the local dollar store $1.75.

A cheap hydrometer to get the base salinity. $14.95. Disclaimer; I bought it because lfs (local fish store) prices are ridiculous for a refractometer. The only item I bought online.

This past week should; week 2. In a beginners point of view should look like this. Save money and set yourself up. This refractometer cost me 26.95 before tax. Out of the box, it read exactly 0 with distilled water I bought separately. Research what you need and the resources available to you. It's worth it

I bought a back up pump. Vinyl tubing. An external thermometer bacterial additive a siphon hose and a net, to get me started. Which got me to the $800 CDN point.

This week as mentioned on the post. I bought, the refractometer. (2 weeks after original purchase). In my opinion, a must have! Fish food. (To ghost feed for cycling). The chamber one media basket and floss. Media bags. Media; carbon, gfo. Primary test kits, for after cycle. Nitrate, phosphate, calcium, alk, ph, and tds. For all other elements I rely on my lfs to test samples I bring them periodically. These are, in my opinion, all you need to know to alert you If there is a problem and begin an advanced reef career.

For quality of life, I bought, the Hydros x2 starter kit and ATO kit. Neither of which will help me have a successful reef. But over the next year will give me peace of mind and more time to enjoy my tank. Controllers and monitors are a privilege not a commodity. They will help you, and hinder your success. My first personal tank had the aquatronica. In my mind; the far superior controller on the market even for today's standards. But, I'm spoiled. I need DIY gadgets. ATO and AWC are my future.

I also bought the Maxspect 2k gyre. For flow. Over kill? Yup! But with the controllable system it meets my standards. ("Cough" and my next upgrade, if! Life allows me) to sum it up, even before I have live stock. I spent $1000 CDN on the setup. And another $600+ CDN on quality of life.

While one lfs wouldn't even tell me to go away via email, the other held my hand and encouraged me. Talk to your lfs they will be your hobby friend, and the good ones will hold you back; in your best intrest. Thank you Candy Corals in Mississauga Ontario Canada.

More gear/supply pics to come!

Thank you
Ron B