The new nano build

[FlReef]

well everyone im going to do my best to show my small build and specs I just signed up this morning on this site. I am not new to aquariums but I am new to saltwater aquariums. I have done my research and I understand completely that a smaller tank is much much hard to deal with and levels can spike very easy. I did lots of research before deciding if this build was right for me and so far I'm happy, except with some of my equipment but the specs are as follows:
Deep blue rimless 6.5gallon
Finnex px-360 canister filter
Wave point led light 6"
Aqueon heater(hate it)
Inside of the tank is lace rock
And caribsea Australian gold live sand

Has been running with light off for approximately 2 weeks now still waiting for full cycle. As I mentioned I do have things I'm not super happy about, when I built the tank I didn't need a heater due to running heat in the house it actually kept the water at a steady temp. Then the one day I turned the heat off the temp on the tank dropped fast so I had to run down to the store and do a quick fix I am still searching for a smaller more low profile heater. I'm still happy with the tank but wanted to keep as much bulky equipment out of the tank as I can. The finnex filter I actually do like except that it only comes with 6 brackets 3 one size 3 another and I need 1 more of the smaller brackets to properly mount the return so it keeps it as close to the glass as possible without being shoved to close to middle of the tank. And just did a test of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Looks like the cycle is starting
Ammonia: 1.0
Nitrite: .25
Nitrate: 4.0(maybe just a little less)

So all in all I have some small things to fix/change like the filter and changing the heater but this is it for now. Don't judge me too hard getting ready to do a good outside cleaning of the tank and try to fix the filter return. Also the 2 attached pictures are 2 out of the 3 light settings the third one which is not shown is so blue the tank disappears from the camera so it's pointless to try and show you with an iPhone camera. And if this is posted in the wrong section I am sorry!! I will keep everyone updated on this small build.

 

[pondman]

Welcome to R2R we're glad your here. It looks like your off to a good start I like your rockwork very nice.as far as a heater there are smaller sizes they have some that are preset and small.overall I like your tank and good luck in your tank.

 

[FlReef]

Thank you and I'm happy with the rock I planned live rock I went to the 3 shops in this city and about 4 in another and couldn't find anything that would fit this tank how I wanted but on the last stop I happen to see a bin of lace rock and that piece with the small one sitting on top I pulled it out set it down and instantly had to have both pieces and they fit together nicely I found a heater it seems to out around the same size of the aqueon but very flat I may consider switching to that one in the future

 

[FlReef]

Also forgot to add I have a tunze osmolator nano auto top off just don't know if I should use it yet

 

[Retro Reefer]

Nice looking tank! Nano's can be a little tricky to keep stable just keep a eye on it and go slow, the plus side is they are supper easy to maintain, cheaper to set up and fill with livestock. I would go ahead and get your ATO installed it will help with the stability of your tank by keeping your salinity level in check.. With a open top nano your going to have lots of evaporation.

 

[FlReef]

I considered that I just hate adding more bulk around the tank my goal is to keep it clean as possible I found a glass shop that will make me a lid for this and I found some clips at my lfs that would allow me to install the glass top flush with the inside of the tank instead of on top and leave about a 1" gap in the back for filter, heater etc etc

 

[Retro Reefer]

A glass lid will make a huge difference in your evaporation rate and will also help keep your temperature stable however the downside is they can dramatically decrease your light intensity mostly from all the condensation that will form on the lid unless your house is warmer than the tank.