New to the hobby

ReefinRich · Apr 24, 2019

Hey everyone,

So I’m new to the hobby and wanted to say hi, and share my tank with everyone to hopefully get some ideas and troubleshoot some issues.

So this is my first saltwater tank. It’s a Fluval Evo 13.5g. I’ve had it set up for about 3 weeks now and I’ve been waiting for it to cycle. My last test as of today was

Ammonia: 0.0 - 0.25 ( I say this because I still feel like it’s just close enough to be 0.25, but not quite all the way)
Nitrite: 0.25
Nitrate: 10ppm

I’ve been using an API test to measure the levels daily, but I’ve read also that there is a bit of false positives associated with these tests.

So, now I’m just waiting. I’m hoping when the tank finally cycles that I can get a few inhabitants and some coral. I’m open to thoughts and suggestions.

btmedic04 · Apr 24, 2019

Welcome! Your set up looks great! API kits are ok for cycling, but upgrade to a different brand later on down the road when you get into testing alkalinity, calcium and magnesium.

Since its a smaller tank, you have limited options for fish. You can probably get away with a single ocellaris clownfish if you want something that will be out and about. A clown goby is another option, but they can be quite shy. Once theyre used to their surroundings though they are quite the characters. Alternatively you might be able to get away with a trio of greenbanded gobies, but I would wait on someone who has had them to confirm if 3 would be ok in a tank this size.

I assume you are using the stock lighting, which is fine for soft corals and maybe a few of the easier LPS corals. Zoanthids and Palyathoas are hardy, colorful and easy. Mushroom corals are as well. Leather or toadstool corals are another option. All of these are soft corals. Try to stay away from things like xenia, Kenya tree, or green star polyps as they very easily outcompete most other corals and can quickly take over your tank. If you like the look of those corals, then consider placing them on their own rock work islands to isolate them from your main rock structure. If you can maintain those soft corals and see growth after a few months, you can consider getting a piece or two of LPS such as favia, or Micromussa lordhowensis (formerly known as acanthastrea or just acan.) Just keep in mind if you make the jump to LPS/SPS, you will need to begin closely monitoring your alk/cal/mag levels.

Im not sure if you have one yet, but an ATO is a game changing piece of equipment as far as nano tank stability goes. I just got my first and second ones 5 months ago and I honestly have no clue how I went 3 years doing manual top offs. I have used the Icecap ATO and the Autoaqua Smart ATO Micro and both are fantastic. If space in your sump is limited, go for the Autoaqua Smart ATO Micro. The sensor is about the size of a penny.

Lastly and most importantly. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby. Take your time, do your research, dip your corals, quarantine your fish and don't be afraid to ask questions here at R2R. There will always be someone here willing to offer some friendly advice.

High ICP · Apr 24, 2019

I have tested old expired API tests versus new Red Sea and Salifert tests

Right on

The said, I will use new and expensive tests kits. Because that’s just me, knowing full well that the API tests are just as accurate.

If you’re like me, you will get to the point where you won’t use half the test kits you absolutely positively need in the beginning of this hobby

High ICP · Apr 24, 2019

ReefinRich said:
Hey everyone,

So I’m new to the hobby and wanted to say hi, and share my tank with everyone to hopefully get some ideas and troubleshoot some issues.

So this is my first saltwater tank. It’s a Fluval Evo 13.5g. I’ve had it set up for about 3 weeks now and I’ve been waiting for it to cycle. My last test as of today was

Ammonia: 0.0 - 0.25 ( I say this because I still feel like it’s just close enough to be 0.25, but not quite all the way)
Nitrite: 0.25
Nitrate: 10ppm

I’ve been using an API test to measure the levels daily, but I’ve read also that there is a bit of false positives associated with these tests.

So, now I’m just waiting. I’m hoping when the tank finally cycles that I can get a few inhabitants and some coral. I’m open to thoughts and suggestions.

People today have a big problem using fish to cycle a system.

I don’t, old school I guess

I would have had a CUC inverts and a few damsels in that system from the beginning.

I would have had some cheapy ricordea and zoanthids in it by 3 weeks

Michael Naegeli · Apr 24, 2019

Welcome to R2R

reef lover · Apr 25, 2019

Welcome to r2r!

Taxus812 · Apr 25, 2019

Welcome! R2R is full of good information as you may see. Nano reefs are a group all their own and quite popular. My wife fell in love with them right away and has a 7 gal tank (I have a 45). There is a lot of Experience here with nanos so you should be able to talk to many people with any issues that you have. I also would encourage you to do a build thread. It will help you put together a timeline on when you added things and see the progress of your tank over time.

Anyway have a good time and welcome!