HelifaxNZ's 7G Nano

[helifaxnz]

Hi Folks,
I've been breaking down my 24G tank and downsizing to an Aqua One Panorama 60 tank which is 60cm x 20cm x 25cm. 27 litres = ~ 7 gallons. Curved front. A nice tank, but expensive for what it is.

Setting it up on a hall table near the front door.

I have a Taam Rio nano skimmer (bought in USA). Has had very good reviews.

The lighting is a T5 2x 14w lighting and 1x 14w 10000k Actinic lighting. It is able to tilt up to make it easier to get at the tank.

Never knew breaking down a tank could be soo much work

I've added my Hydor nano Powerheads and put water in.

Picture of what it looks like under the table.

Have put some of my rock and corals in. Haven't really moved it to its final place yet. Not sure how I'm going to arrange it.

With blue lights on only.

Fish and Shrimp are now in as well. You can just see the yellow tail of my bi-colour blenny.

Went to put water in my skimmer and it was leaking!!!
Took the pump out and find the rubber washer was bent when they installed it originally. Managed to correct it and insert the pump back with the washer sitting properly. Doing a leak test overnight before I install it on my nano.

I got some new Aragonite which I may or may not add into the tank. Not sure whether to keep as Bare Bottom.

May just put a thin layer down, but scared it may just blow around.

What do you guys think?

 

[reefman23]

That is a sweet setup. I love that tank. Nice work! The sand should be fine. Those koralias are pretty gentle.

Jesse

 

[TimSchmidt]

I personally like the look of sand. The koralia nanos shouldn't kick up too much. The tank may be expensive but it sure has a clean look. Do you think you could cram the heater in the skimmer some where?

 

[helifaxnz]

I had a look whether i can or not. It's too long with the collection cup in place.

 

[TimSchmidt]

Here is a heater that has a 5 3/4 inch rod. The controller is on the plug. One down side is the cord is kind of short. Plus with you being in New Zealand I don't know how feasible this is for you. I have this one and it does great on my 12 gallon.


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13966&c=3578+3743

 

[helifaxnz]

I would need a separate transformer for this. I already have one for the powerhead and the skimmer. I'll leave things as is for the moment. I need to do some aqua-scaping so will try to hide it as much as possible. Thanks.

 

[helifaxnz]

I've now setup the Rio nano skimmer. Was very noisy but now has settled down. Starting to foam up a little more as it breaks in.

I've aqua-scaped and happy with what I've done. Will keep as bare bottom for now.

Not sure about the rock on the left. May get another piece and raise the bottom so there is another cave.

 

[TimSchmidt]

Very cool! Should be a lot easier to keep clean.

 

[reefman23]

I like it. Have you considered laying the heater horizontally along the bottom rear of the tank? Maybe it will be a little more hidden that way.

Jesse

 

[helifaxnz]

The heater is an Aqua One 55W. I have thought of laying it down. The instructions says it should be upright so that's why I've left it like that. I'll read the instructions again to see whether I can submerge the whole heater.

 

[helifaxnz]

I've changed the left side and now very happy with what it looks like....

Left side...

Right side...

 

[reing7299]

Looks like your shrimp is happy with the new setup too.

Tank is incredibly slick looking, very impressive.

 

[reefsmart]

personally i would add he sand i love it in my tanks and i find it to be one of he final ouches that make it look best

 

[TimSchmidt]

man that is one big clown fish in the last photo. :lol: :shock:

 

[helifaxnz]

If I add sand in there now, would it cycle the tank? Would I get a lot of Cyno?

Cheers

 

[SaltWaterNewb]

Should not cycle if you add dry sand. As far as cyno that is usually caused by lack of flow in an area so if you don't have any now adding sand should not cause you to have any. I am usually not a fan of bare bottom tanks but for some reason yours actually looks good without sand.

 

[TimSchmidt]

If you do add sand go slowly and try adding in live sand. A spike in the nitrogen cycle will occur but if you add slowly it will be a small spike. If you use a tube (like pvc) to funnle the sand to the bottom of the tank you can add the sand without a huge amount of clouding. Cyanobacteria is a bacteria normally from poor water conditions, I don't think you would have to worry about it.

 

[helifaxnz]

Thanks Guys. I'm still toying with the idea of adding sand.

 

[TimSchmidt]

I recently picked up a magnum canister filter and LOVE it for tank cleaning time. I imagine it would make very short work anything that collected on the bottom of your tank.

 

[SaltWaterNewb]

I used to have one for my FW tank that was nice. I vacuumed the gravel and the clean water went back in to the tank. That way I could clean ALL the substrate. When I was done I could change the water. Very handy.