Hi, I want to start a nano reef but I really don't know where to start. Right now I just want to learn everything I need to in order to eventually start one. Where can I find info as far as info on nano reefs and how to start one and keep it going, like the type of aquarium, equipment , care, etc. I know these are very basic question but I am trying to get basics info so I can eventually start a beautiful reef like the ones that I have seen. I feel that if I have the knowledge I need I can do so. Thank you
newb in need of info
- Thread starter maubee
- Start date
EDGRAY
New Member
Here is a link for biggines ...great info about a little of everything..
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/sbegin.html
really help me with alot of stuff and also in my opinion a NanoCube will be excellent for you (someone might have different opinion) but the other ones are great to but most of all is DIY or get this get that for this an nano just updates or not even that if you get a great lightning upgrade at nanotuners.com cause 2006 model have a strong pump so you upgrade wont be necessary like the old nanos so good look and HTH.
eddy :cool1:
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/sbegin.html
really help me with alot of stuff and also in my opinion a NanoCube will be excellent for you (someone might have different opinion) but the other ones are great to but most of all is DIY or get this get that for this an nano just updates or not even that if you get a great lightning upgrade at nanotuners.com cause 2006 model have a strong pump so you upgrade wont be necessary like the old nanos so good look and HTH.
eddy :cool1:
Welcome, maubee. I would suggest using the search function as sadie stated. Search this site and take a couple days (or weeks...whatever it takes) and read through all the posts in the beginners section and any other section that applies to your situation. You are always more than welcome to ask questions as well.
You have come to the right place!
Jesse
You have come to the right place!
Jesse
Thanks for the the link it is really helpful. I am considering the 12gal Nanocube because of what it comes with. I have read that to start a nano reef you would need a lighting system, heater, powerhead pump, and live rock and sand for filtration. Is this just the basics needed or is there more equipment. Would I be better of just putting a tank together with this setup or is the Nanocube the way to go as far as price. I'm still doing my research, it'll prolly take me awhile to make that initial first step but thanks for all your help.
EDGRAY
New Member
like jesse said search in the bigginer area cause they are some nice tanks that are not nano cube but i own one and is great the only thing is that without nanotuners updates on the lightning you cant put clams or hard corals in the 12g Nano dx.... but things needed for a nano will be only a heater,thermometer, LR,LS and a extra pump for more ciculation (but is up to the owner) and thats about it in equipment cause the 2006 model comes with everything you need and saltwater :lol: :lol: j/k but if your setting a nano cube you're more than welcome to ask me anything or anyone but let me tell you nanoscubes are really popular :lol: sorry if i sound like get a cube but is just that i love them 
... but here is a link that i like to show on a really detailed way to setup a nano tank by Mike Guerrero a really nice guy...
http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=644
anyways good luck on finding what you looking for....
eddy :cool1:
... but here is a link that i like to show on a really detailed way to setup a nano tank by Mike Guerrero a really nice guy...http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=644
anyways good luck on finding what you looking for....
eddy :cool1:
EDGRAY
New Member
also after the setup and bla bla bla you will need some aditives for you water but thats later and people use different stuffs and some dont use nothing.... i dont want to be a show off but here is a link of my tank before new aquascape...now i have more colors and more corals than the pics on the link
http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic ... sc&start=0
and the chemical or additives that i use are
chemicals
Tropic marin bio-calcium, Tropic marin bio-magnecium ,kent luiguis ion & strontium.
after or days later of my water change: kent marine superbuffer dkh and other day ph buffer (ph always needs a buff ) and Novaqua waterconditioner.
but thats me some use more things and other less some dont use ph buffer but i do cause mine drops all the time ...unknow reason...
anyways good luck....
eddy
:cool1:
http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic ... sc&start=0
and the chemical or additives that i use are
chemicals
Tropic marin bio-calcium, Tropic marin bio-magnecium ,kent luiguis ion & strontium.
after or days later of my water change: kent marine superbuffer dkh and other day ph buffer (ph always needs a buff ) and Novaqua waterconditioner.
but thats me some use more things and other less some dont use ph buffer but i do cause mine drops all the time ...unknow reason...
anyways good luck....
eddy
:cool1:
Cubes are great because of the simplicity of them. However, it you want a nice custom setup with everything that YOU want, I would suggest a 10 gallon...or even better, a 20gallon long....and purchase everything that you want. This is the most flexible way to do it...with the nanocubes, you are pretty much stuck with what you get. They are nice though, and the 2006 models come with a surface skimmer and an upgraded return pump.
Personally, if I had to start all new again, I would go with the 20 gallon long (30"Lx12"Wx12"T), get a 30" power compact or better yet a VHO lighting fixture, an Aqua-C Remora skimmer, a powerhead or two, around 18-20 lbs of live rock, and around 30-40 lbs live sand. While this is more expensive, I think a system like this will be much more fun and flexible...just my opinion. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend.
Here is a great 30" fixture...$135 http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/P ... 004+113345
--A 20g long is about $25 at PetSmart...
--A bakpak 2r skimmer would work, the aqua-c remora is a little better...~$100-$150
--A couple power heads....~$15-$30
--20lbs LR and ~30lbs LS...~$120
**Basic 20g long setup = ~$450**
**Basic nano cube setup (tank, LR, LS, power head....) = ~$250**
Dont forget tes kits, salt, hydrometer or refractometer, livestock, probably a couple other things I forgot.
HTH,
Jesse
***BTW everybody...great deals on Orbit PC fixtures at drsfostersmith.com right now.
Personally, if I had to start all new again, I would go with the 20 gallon long (30"Lx12"Wx12"T), get a 30" power compact or better yet a VHO lighting fixture, an Aqua-C Remora skimmer, a powerhead or two, around 18-20 lbs of live rock, and around 30-40 lbs live sand. While this is more expensive, I think a system like this will be much more fun and flexible...just my opinion. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend.
Here is a great 30" fixture...$135 http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/P ... 004+113345
--A 20g long is about $25 at PetSmart...
--A bakpak 2r skimmer would work, the aqua-c remora is a little better...~$100-$150
--A couple power heads....~$15-$30
--20lbs LR and ~30lbs LS...~$120
**Basic 20g long setup = ~$450**
**Basic nano cube setup (tank, LR, LS, power head....) = ~$250**
Dont forget tes kits, salt, hydrometer or refractometer, livestock, probably a couple other things I forgot.
HTH,
Jesse
***BTW everybody...great deals on Orbit PC fixtures at drsfostersmith.com right now.
EDGRAY
New Member
that is really true what jesse stated cause if you do mods to nanos is really hard but with a setup like he mentioned you can add alot of stuff like Metal Halide Lighting more filtration mods ...skimmers a bigger refugium and alot of stuff that you cant do in a nano but is up to you... if i had the time and patience for all that ill go on jesse set up but if you want something now without getting this and that just go with the nano cube......(but i thing that i regreat about nano cube ...didnt upgrate light at nanotuners.....now i want to add more lighting but keep looking into cause looks hard to me to doit)
eddy
eddy
I really like your setup Edgray, it looks really great. I hope someday mine would look as good as yours. But for the mean time I'm leaning towards your idea with the nanocube. If I do go with that setup I don't really need to upgrade anything anytime soon. I really only looking for something to start off so I can get comfortable in this new hobby. So the basic live stock that this tank will support is fine with me. I also wanted to know what would be the smallest tank I could use to setup a reef with a single fish, this will prolly be going in my daughters room. Thanks for the info again.
I would go with either a Nanocube or a 10 gallon with a Coralife 96 watt powerquad PC. You could go smaller but I would get one of the above to start off. As you look around on the site you cann see many examples of different tanks, decide which best suits you and go from there. :welcome to nanotank!
islandcreation
New Member
:welcome Maubee... Well I was in the same deal as you. You can look in the forum in the beinners area and it shows everything I have done. Since money will be a factor try Ebay :maitre I have saved alot of money there rather than my LFS. The only thing is that you have to wait for the items. Just my two cents to one beginner to another, plus listen to Jesse. In the long run you'll be more happier, plus you can always transfer those items to a bigger tank or smaller. Have fun and always be patient... alot of memebers will tell you that. ha,ha,ha
Hello again, I was wondering would it be better to get live rock that is uncured and use it for the cycling process. I have also read that most live rock doesn't necessarly need to be cured only if it's really bad and it smells. Is this true? Also where is a good place to buy live rock from. So far I've been looking on ebay. Thanks again
henry hill
New Member
I would say go with the 10-12 gal Nancube. I went with it to save $. And Im still spending a shitload on this little one!! (BUT I CANT HELP MYSELF) Its so addicting!! These guys are great here to, They will answer all your questions and help you the best that they can! Here is a pic of my 20 day old tan
k.