bahamareefer
New Member
Hello,
I have several questions concerning lighting and substrate in a new nano setup. I used to keep a marine setup back when I was a kid, but it was fish only, so growing corals / inverts is a new arena for me!
I purchased a blank 10 gallon with a cheap freshwater style hood and a Aqueon power filter. I am planning on using the power filter with chemipiure elite, getting a hydor 280 gph power head for circulation and 50 watt heater. My stocking scheme is mostly softies with a small clean up crew and a single cocoa damsel. Is this okay?
My real questions are about lighting and substrate. I am planning to retrofit the hood with two 20 watt 50/50 coralife mini compacts until I get the $$$ to upgrade to a better system. Is this enough light to grow anything? Also since I have to mailorder the bulbs, can I start the cycle with two 5600K 18watt full spectrum freshwater bulbs until the 50/50's get here?
About the substrate, I live in the Bahamas, so I figure to 'harvest' my own live sand, the problem is the size of the sand particles on the reef vary from almost mud like silt to crushed coral. What grain size would you guys recommend?
I know it's a lot of questions, but I want to get it right before I start! Everyone's imput and suggestions are appreciated!
I have several questions concerning lighting and substrate in a new nano setup. I used to keep a marine setup back when I was a kid, but it was fish only, so growing corals / inverts is a new arena for me!
I purchased a blank 10 gallon with a cheap freshwater style hood and a Aqueon power filter. I am planning on using the power filter with chemipiure elite, getting a hydor 280 gph power head for circulation and 50 watt heater. My stocking scheme is mostly softies with a small clean up crew and a single cocoa damsel. Is this okay?
My real questions are about lighting and substrate. I am planning to retrofit the hood with two 20 watt 50/50 coralife mini compacts until I get the $$$ to upgrade to a better system. Is this enough light to grow anything? Also since I have to mailorder the bulbs, can I start the cycle with two 5600K 18watt full spectrum freshwater bulbs until the 50/50's get here?
About the substrate, I live in the Bahamas, so I figure to 'harvest' my own live sand, the problem is the size of the sand particles on the reef vary from almost mud like silt to crushed coral. What grain size would you guys recommend?
I know it's a lot of questions, but I want to get it right before I start! Everyone's imput and suggestions are appreciated!