Starting my first tank in a few weeks

Leyth · Feb 2, 2016

Hey everyone, I've been a long time lurker and I am finally getting to the point where I am ready to start a tank. I used to have a 60 gallon Deep blue rimless cube. However, I never got it up and running. I was living in an apartment and had a feeling I would have to move soon and didn't want to go through the headache of moving. I ended up selling it and I really miss that thing because it was really sleek looking.

Well, my new plan is to go with a IM Nuvo 20 gallon all in one and set it up next to my computer desk. I've seen the tank in person and I think it is very nice. I would like to immediately upgrade it's features before even adding water. I am OCD and really want to do things right.

So far I have some ideas about the livestock, live rock, lighting, and substrate that I wish to use. I would like to work towards getting 2 clowns, 1 anemone, and corals. SPS, LPS, or Zoas? I am not sure yet. My goal is to stick with beginner ones that are hardy until I can get the hang of things.

Any recommendations?

ShaneTweedz · Feb 2, 2016

Seems like a great plan! Kessil pendants would be perfect lighting for a desk tank. You may have trouble with a anemone though in that small of a tank.

brandon429 · Feb 2, 2016

On cycling new tank
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/n...d-cocktail-shrimp-live-rock-no-shrimp.214618/

Handling sand in your new tank:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/t...ead-aka-one-against-many.230281/#post-2707175

Those two just saved you headaches.

SeahorseKeeper · Feb 2, 2016

Sounds like you are on the right path.

Leyth · Feb 2, 2016

ShaneTweedz said:
Seems like a great plan! Kessil pendants would be perfect lighting for a desk tank. You may have trouble with a anemone though in that small of a tank.

Thanks for the response! I was actually thinking Kessil A160 or A150. Would it be beneficial to get two and keep them apart so I can get that light spread very well and avoid shadowing as much as I can? I will have to research the anemone part, that will be a bummer if the tank is not large enough for one.

brandon429 said:
On cycling new tank
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/n...d-cocktail-shrimp-live-rock-no-shrimp.214618/

Handling sand in your new tank:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/t...ead-aka-one-against-many.230281/#post-2707175

Those two just saved you headaches.

Thanks, those are great reads. The first one was a little tough to read due to the formatting, but I think I get the idea. "Real" live rock is the way to go as long as it is transported correctly to the tank.