New 12G Nano Cube Deluxe...Getting started...

[cburns32]

Hello, I just recently registered to this website, and I am already loving it. My name is Chris, I've had freshwater tanks nearly all my life...And now I want to take in a new hobby, marine and reef tanks. I love marine fish and reefs, I've been to the Great Barrier Reef and ever since that visit, I wanted a reef tank, just never got around to research it. I just recently ordered a 12 Gallon Nano Cube Deluxe. I've heard alot about these tanks in how they are beautiful when completed and cared for correctly. I also know that they are difficult to maintain because of size. I am willing to spend $$$ on this tank, and can't wait to get started, but am limited of space (hence I bought this compact tank). I need tips on how to get started, if the stock equipment meets the needs of a reef aquarium, what other equipment may I need, what sand, live rock, and coral to choose. As well as interts and possibly a few to none fish. Any ideas, suggestions or help would be great.

P.S. The item is on backorder so I won't recieve until 02/24/06, but should I buy anything else to prepare for its arrival. (I have no equipment or anything of the sort to start off with since I sold it all two years ago). What to prepare for?

Thanks a bunch, can't wait to get to know you all

 

[reefman23]

First off, welcome. There are a couple links on this site for common upgrades for these nanocubes. I would say that the lighting you have with the DE modelis fine, but i think you may want to consider upgrading the pump right off the bat. This will help to increase the flow through the tank, helping to keep detritus in suspension to make it possible for the filter to remove it before it settles. I would also suggest removing the ceramic beads and replacing them with live rock rubble. I would also recommend running a product like carbon, Purigen, or Chemi-Pure.

As far a corals go, I am a huge fan of zoanthids. There is such a HUGE variety of colors that I discover a new color almost every week. Mushrooms, LPS such as candy canes, brains, etc would do well, even some sps like the monti digitata would do okay up high in the tank. I have an orange digi under 80 watts of power compact lighting...they are one of the hardiest sps corals.

If i had it to do all over again, i think the one thing I would change is I would have bought my LR from www.premiumaquatics.com---> http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... e=Liverock This is the uncured one...no problem with going with uncured if you are starting a new tank. They offer it cured, but it is $1 more per pound. You can specify that you want ~10 lbs of nano-sized pieces...you dont want to get rock that is too large.

You could get your live sand through them too...looks like a god price---> http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... e=Liverock You could go with dry sand too...eventually it would seed and become live. You would want about ~2"-3" sand bed, so I think a 20lb bag would be enough.

The overall most important thing is to be patient and do your research...if you do, you'll be fine.

Jesse

 

[EDGRAY]

Welcome to nano tank chris

uhhh well normaly the most common mods that owners of 12g nano cube are lightning, pump (minijet 606) & fans.... but i think the 2006 has a better pump than the other models so you dont have to upgrade it..... for mods on lights check

http://nanotuners.nanocustoms.com/

The best LR in my opinion is the fiji Live rock or tonga.
Sand any kind that is argonite more common used is the Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand and alot more here is a link:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_searchitem.asp

what you can get right know are some timer for light & the argonite sand and then cured live rock if you can so will speed up your cycle, and a refractometer for salinity or if possiblea

http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1906

a heater, test kit and extra pump for more circulation that's all the equipment that pass in my mind let the experts help you more....

and what corals to choose is up to you, your light , alot of search & reading ... but for bigginers the mushrooms & zooanthids(alot of variety and color)

and for setup for 12g check one of my favorite tanks here on nanotank.com.... mike guerrero tank link:

http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=644

hope my begginer knowledge helps you chris.....

eddy :cool1:

 

[EDGRAY]

i thought i was gonna be the first cause no one answered but i guess meanwhile looking for links you finish jesse ohhh well you know more than me... :cry: :cry: :cry:

edd :cool1:

 

[cburns32]

Thanks for the great advice guys, I'll keep you up to do date. What pump do you recommend that wouldn't take up to much room? And possibly I've heard in different places that skimmers are great too, do you suggest that or is that definately a NO? Any more step-by-step advice or suggestion, I'd greatly appreciate. I'll keep you posted.

 

[cburns32]

Jesse what about LiveAquaria.com's Live Rock Nano Pack, or Indo-Pacific Sand, or Soft Coral Nano Pack...Check it out and tell me what you think. I generally use them for my equipment and livestock, but then again I wouldn't mind taking a look at your suggestions or eddy's

 

[skipm]

I haven't heard any comments about liveaquarias nanorock but www.premiumaquatics.com nano rock I have heard nothing but praise. If you call them up and tell them what size tank you are using they will pick pieces that will fit the best for your tank. I have dealt with them for other purchases and they are an awsome company to deal with.
Before trying to upgrade your tank wait until it arrives, since its backordered I suspect it will be a 2006 model and it already has an upgraded pump and surface skimmer. The new model should have a label on the back with a serial number and manu. date. If your tank has this label it already has the upgrades.
Lighting is a different story but you can keep alot of corals with the stock lights. Unless you have you mind set on higher light corals like acroporas or you want to keep clams the stock lighting will be fine.
You could go ahead and buy some of the drygoods you will need like test kits, heater, salt or premixed saltwater, a hydrometer or refractometer or jbj digilab to check salinity levels, etc. I would wait on ordering live rock and sand until you have the tank in hand just in case there is some other delay with shipping. A couple of other things that are quite handy are a couple of buckets that are used for aquarium use only (residue from detergents and chemicals can be toxic to your tanks inhabitants) and towels also come in quite handy (I use cheap white towels that I just toss in the washer wiyth bleach to disinfect them) because no matter how careful you are you will spill some water.

 

[cburns32]

So you say the upgraded (deluxe) 12 gallon nano comes with a surface skimmer and upgraded pump and filter system, because I heard I'd need to buy a new surface skimmer http://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...o+cube+skimmer and a better pump for more extreme water flow, and change my setup on filtering? What would you suggest? What inverts for clean-up crew, and I've heard of using a Peeled Shrimp to help the cycling process? Thanks a bunch for the help.

 

[cburns32]

OK, I'm thinking about placing a pump and heater in the 3rd compartment of the filteration system, since I don't have my tank yet, but want to buy this equipment, what sizes should I get if I wanted that to work, like the dimensions of the compartment, heater and pump. If that won't work out give me good tips on the heater and pump. What's the best setup for the filteration system?

 

[reefman23]

Yes, the 2006 now include a surface skimmer and upgraded pump.

If you are getting new live rock, you dont need to add anything to start the cycle. there will be plenty of dead and dying material on the LR whether it is cured or not.

For a 12, you may want a couple Nassarius sp. snails for the sand bed, a couple ceriths and astrea snails for algae, and a couple blue leg hermits.

I would replace the pump unitl you get the tank running and all and observe the flow that you get with the new stock pump. You can always easily change the pump if you desire after the tank is set up and running.

I think a 50 to 75 watt heater would work for a 12 gallon. I personally use the Stealth heater... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/P ... 004+113767 I like that is is plastic and is very tough. The best heaters out there, IMO, are the titanium like this one... http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... uct=WB1113.

Ebo jager is also a outstanding brand.

Jesse

 

[cburns32]

I would replace the pump unitl you get the tank running and all and observe the flow that you get with the new stock pump. You can always easily change the pump if you desire after the tank is set up and running.

Would or wouldn't, and if I don't can those heaters go into the 3rd compartment of the filteration system?

 

[EDGRAY]

check the links and read carefully alot of your questions were answered in the beggining and if you see mike setup you can see the heater in 3rd chamber and fits and almos all the 50 to 75 have the same dimensions so you will be able to fit it......

 

[cburns32]

Thank's Ed, I apologize for the repeated questions I'll try to keep it plain and simple thanks for the advice.

 

[cburns32]

Do you got a pic of your Nano Ed?

 

[EDGRAY]

sorry i didnt meant to sound rude or something bad sometimes we misunderstood typing so i apologize if a sounded bad ok sorry.... and feel free to ask anything.... thats why this site is for to answer everyones questions and also try to be the friendliest site...

eddy.

p.s: i do have a pic of my tank (2 weeks old)but not pics of my back or chambers setup.... ill post it but PLEASE I KNOW EVERYONE IS GONNA DISLIKE THAT I HAVE A CLAM OVER THERE BUT I COULDNT HELP IT AND ALSO I DONT RECOMEND ANYONE PUTTING ONE CAUSE THE LIGHT OF A 12G DX IS NOT ENOUGH FOR IT (only if you have mods of nanotuners) BUT I COULDNT RESIST IT FOR $15 SOFARE IS DOING FINE. and once again sorry......

 

[aromano]

Beautiful tank Ed!!! :thumbup:
Keep is up man, you're doing an outstanding job in that reef.

P.S. Just keep a close eye on that clam, as they require a lot of lighting.

 

[EDGRAY]

yeah thats why im doing.... ass soon as it gets bad or i start to see the signs ill see if jesse takes it from my hands or steve, adrian or someone close to my area....but right know still looks the same the only thing i dont like is when i do water change and water gets to low and she closes and spits or splash water out in my face or in the desk.....but is funny when it does that...

eddy :cool1:

 

[Didger]

Thanks for the great advice guys... I too am just about to set up so really appreciate the time you all spend helping.

I posted in the "General" forum:
That Fish Place in Lancaster PA said that Nano-Cubes are discontinued??

Anyone know about this?

Thanks... Geoff aka Didger

 

[reefman23]

Ive got first dibbs on that clam if you need a new home!! Outstanding tank, Eddie...but you could have told me you had a clam when we met up!

Jesse

 

[EDGRAY]

Why??? is that jesse if you cant post you answer PM.... :lol: :lol:

eddy :cool1: