Rimless 10G Nano

[Volkoff]

Hey guys, this is my first thread on this forum, felt like sharing my tank with you guys :)
It's roughly 3 and half Months old :)

Day 1 FTS, http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/FB_IMG_1452957541039_zpsc4o2hwy9.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/FB_IMG_1452957541039_zpsc4o2hwy9.jpg.html)

At that time, I had gotten a cheap powerhead to begin with I'm now using a Koralia 425 I believe!

2 and a half weeks later, cycle was surprisingly done! Added CuC and fish.
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/FB_IMG_1452957545445_zpstf3kwhbg.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/FB_IMG_1452957545445_zpstf3kwhbg.jpg.html)

2 weeks after adding livestock! http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/FB_IMG_1452957550856_zpsmnfrzt9p.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/FB_IMG_1452957550856_zpsmnfrzt9p.jpg.html)

In this photo I had lost one of the clowns to a jump, he didn't make it! Also before people complain about lawnmower blenny, he's fine, I borrowed him from a friend to remove hair algea, which was indeed very successful! Been hair algealess for weeks now! He's returned to 125gallon tank ;) http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20151213_173801_zpseusip8sb.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151213_173801_zpseusip8sb.jpg.html)

Livestock list:
1 Ocellaris Clown
1 Black Ocellaris
1 Cleaner Shrimp
1 Emerald Crab
1 Ninja Snail
2 Turbo Snails
1 Scarlet Hermit
1 Red-Legged Hermit

Coral List:
Candy Cane
Birdsnest
2 different types of Zoas
Pulsing Xenias
Green Star Polyps
Random mushroom

All the corals are doing really well! Been 1 month in the tank,
Noticed growth on all the corals :)
I'll post more pictures as I go :)

[chubbyone]

Nice Start! Enjoy the hobby it's incredibly rewarding!

[Volkoff]

FTS as of 17/01/2016
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160117_142724_zpsjxe8kbz0.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160117_142724_zpsjxe8kbz0.jpg.html)

Random images
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20151212_122653_zpskkkxus7g.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151212_122653_zpskkkxus7g.jpg.html)
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20151212_140233_zpsyx0tarja.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20151212_140233_zpsyx0tarja.jpg.html)
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20151212_122708_zpssxfshtap.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151212_122708_zpssxfshtap.jpg.html)
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20151212_122659_zpsjwvtrvu4.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151212_122659_zpsjwvtrvu4.jpg.html)

[homer1475]

Unless you want that GSP to overtake all your rocks, I would move it down to the sandbed.

Looking good, and looks like your on your way. Have fun and welcome to RC!

[Volkoff]

Unless you want that GSP to overtake all your rocks, I would move it down to the sandbed.

Looking good, and looks like your on your way. Have fun and welcome to RC!

I want it to take over that specific rock, from there I'll be controlling it!
Thanks for the welcoming! Hopefully this hobby treats me nicely :)

[Volkoff]

Got a new coral, local LFS is closing down, I didn't pay a penny for these guys :) http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160123_195538_zpsaumuhmjk.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160123_195538_zpsaumuhmjk.jpg.html)

My attempt to a Macro shot of it :) using Samsung Galaxy S6+ edge :)
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160123_210551_zpsex1twoth.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160123_210551_zpsex1twoth.jpg.html)

[Brett28]

Try using RO/DI water aswell when mixing your water. It may help with the algae. Overall nice setup.

[Volkoff]

Try using RO/DI water aswell when mixing your water. It may help with the algae. Overall nice setup.

I've only been using Ro/Di water, algea has been solved already! :) Thanks tho!

[Volkoff]

FTS Update as of 4th of February 2016!
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/20160204_113116_zpsdvypvx20.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/20160204_113116_zpsdvypvx20.jpg.html)

[Volkoff]

FTS as of 11th of February 2016!http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/20160211_114235_001_zpso7cgpj9y.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/20160211_114235_001_zpso7cgpj9y.jpg.html)

[SNAKEMANVET]

Tank looks good.What kind of light are you useing.

[worldcitizen93]

lookin good!

[Volkoff]

Tank looks good.What kind of light are you useing.

Currently using Marineland Reef Ready LED, I know it's probably not to good, but for budget and circumstances, it's doing well surprisingly! :)

[Devaji108]

can we get a FTS from a lil filthier back. so we can see the rimless. ha nice BTW I am more and more liking nanos.
great score on the free coral! :)

[Volkoff]

can we get a FTS from a lil filthier back. so we can see the rimless. ha nice BTW I am more and more liking nanos.
great score on the free coral! :)

I'll get one up tonight after work/school! Very great score on the free corals! Thanks for feedback :)

[Volkoff]

So bit the bullet and got a bubble tip anenome!

When first put into the tank!http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160220_173746_zpswydcnp8t.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160220_173746_zpswydcnp8t.jpg.html)


After an hour and a half inhttp://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160220_194640_zps9mizp3qp.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160220_194640_zps9mizp3qp.jpg.html)

[Volkoff]

FTS Update as of 25th of February 2016:
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160224_162645_zpswwirmoqx.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160224_162645_zpswwirmoqx.jpg.html)

Here is how the anenome has been doing, seems to be doing fairly well, hoping my Clown will host soon :) hit or miss hey!
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160224_161658_zpsibzigrax.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160224_161658_zpsibzigrax.jpg.html)

[Volkoff]

New coral added Frogspawn :D

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160227_175624_zpsn9x0a6vx.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160227_175624_zpsn9x0a6vx.jpg.html)

FTS as of 28 of February 2016.
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160227_172832_zpsrzohogzb.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160227_172832_zpsrzohogzb.jpg.html)

[Volkoff]

FTS as of March 14th :
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160310_215603_zps8wjzatsc.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160310_215603_zps8wjzatsc.jpg.html)

New lighting, AI Prime, amazing little light for price! :
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/Mobile%20Uploads/20160311_103453_zpsctii1uej.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160311_103453_zpsctii1uej.jpg.html)

[dkeller_nc]

Hi Anthony, I saw your thread on the AI Prime in "Lighting and other Equipment" section, and your question from the 2nd of March on lighting another tank that didn't get any replies.

I've been doing this for about 25 years, and I very much like nanos - my current 20 gallon nano has been running since 2004. So maybe I can help a budding hobbyist along that has similar interests.

Keep in mind that I don't know what you know. So if what's below is "yeah dude, I already know that", my apologies in advance.

Let's address your current tank first. You've clearly got the basics down from the standpoint of cycling since your tank's now 3 months old, and you've done relatively well with your first animals.

So - let's talk about your maintenance routine that will help your first coral acquisitions do well. Maintaining good water chemistry is essential to success with corals, much more so than with fish, so here's the basics:

Water temp - can have a "setpoint" from 76 to 84 degrees, with the most common range that most reefers use varying between 78 and 80 degrees F. Regardless, stability is important. You don't want your nano heating up because of being sited near a window that will get spring sun.

Specific Gravity - you've clearly already gotten a measuring device, or you're buying your saltwater from an LFS. Typically, folks use refractometers because of the small sample size. We used to use hygrometers in the 1980s and 90s, and those work extremely well to if they're calibrated; they're not accurate right out of the box, nor are refractometers. If you've a refractometer, get a 1.026 refractometry calibration solution from a place like Bulk Reef Supply. If you've a hydrometer, the best course is to go to a LFS and ask to let you test their water, and compare the readings. In any event, you want to maintain 1.026, with make-up water added daily. Stability, again, is more important than the set-point within a fairly narrow range.

Nutrients: Ideally, you need a nitrate test kit. Phosphate can wait. Shoot for nitrates <10 ppm, but not zero.

Calcium and Alkalinity: Because you've added stony corals, you need to get a Calcium and Alkalinity test kit, and test your tank water every three days or so until you're confident of stability. Shoot for 450 ppm Calcium, and 8 dKH for alkalinity. The calcium can vary quite a bit - from 380 ppm to 500 ppm and not cause any issues. Alkalinity should be kept within about 7.5 - 8.5 dKH. You can also shoot for a slightly higher "setpoint" for alkalinity of 9 dKH, in which case the range should be 8.5 - 9.5 dKH. Alkalinity stability is the single most important water chemistry parameter after specific gravity.

To maintain the calcium and alkalinity, you are likely to have to do "2-part dosing", as water changes alone are unlikely to be enough. Here's (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-04/rhf/feature/) a good article explaining the relationship between calcium and alkalinity, and here's (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/) an article about preparing the 2-part solutions yourself - it's far cheaper than using commercial 2-part products, and you can get the sodium bicarbonate from the grocery store and the calcium chloride from any number of mail-order reef suppliers (as well as food suppliers).

Water Changes: Because you've a small tank, and it doesn't look like you've a skimmer, you'll need to change more of the water more often than a bigger tank with a skimmer. That's OK, many nano folks change nearly 100% of the water in their tank every week or two, though I don't recommend that you do that yet. In order to make that water change schedule work, you need to use a high-quality salt mix that's consistent, and you have to be very cognizant of the new saltwater's specific gravity, temperature, and especially, alkalinity. Instead, I'd recommend that you change 2.5 gallons every week, and up to 5 gallons if you have trouble controlling nitrates.

With respect to your light choice for an upcoming 20 gallon tank, I'd strongly recommend you go retro and get 4 24" T5HO bulbs over the tank. Two Aquatic life Marquis units would set you back about $225 USD with bulbs, and they include timers built in to the units. It's not as cool as an LED fixture, but you won't have to think about spectrum or intensity, there's no risk of burning your corals, and they're bullet-proof - they will grow anything you want, from SPS corals to tridacna clams to acans. The nano that I mentioned earlier has been using 460nm & actinic white PC bulbs since 2004, and I harvest acropora and montipora out of it every 4 weeks because the colonies overgrow the tank. LED will work, but it's much trickier. If you go this route, I'd recommend 2 Kessil A160we lights (for a 2 foot, 20g high nano), though you will need to buy the spectral controller with them to get built-in timers (though you can also use simple wall timers with these).

When you go to your new nano, consider the idea of drilling it yourself and installing an overflow, such as sold by CPR (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cpr-retrofit-overflow-box.html). Use a standard 10 gallon tank as a sump, no baffles required. Doing this will allow you to include an ATO, skimmer, and a reactor for carbon and/or GFO in the future, and having a sump will give you a lot more choices as far as a skimmer is concerned.

[Volkoff]

Updated FTS as of April 9th, 2016:
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/20160406_125934_zpsjkwl0ddr.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/20160406_125934_zpsjkwl0ddr.jpg.html)

Few close ups:
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/20160408_213541_zpsmygqxibn.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/20160408_213541_zpsmygqxibn.jpg.html)
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/20160408_213438_zpsce8v0nbl.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/20160408_213438_zpsce8v0nbl.jpg.html)

Birdsnest, doing extremely well!
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/20160408_214323_zpsuwj1iz9r.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/20160408_214323_zpsuwj1iz9r.jpg.html)

To finish the little update! My Tomato Clownfish is finally hosting the RBTA!!! :D
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/anthonybohuslav123/20160403_180744_zpsqlmxefrb.jpg (http://s428.photobucket.com/user/anthonybohuslav123/media/20160403_180744_zpsqlmxefrb.jpg.html)

[Volkoff]

Hi Anthony, I saw your thread on the AI Prime in "Lighting and other Equipment" section, and your question from the 2nd of March on lighting another tank that didn't get any replies.

I've been doing this for about 25 years, and I very much like nanos - my current 20 gallon nano has been running since 2004. So maybe I can help a budding hobbyist along that has similar interests.

Keep in mind that I don't know what you know. So if what's below is "yeah dude, I already know that", my apologies in advance.

Let's address your current tank first. You've clearly got the basics down from the standpoint of cycling since your tank's now 3 months old, and you've done relatively well with your first animals.

So - let's talk about your maintenance routine that will help your first coral acquisitions do well. Maintaining good water chemistry is essential to success with corals, much more so than with fish, so here's the basics:

Water temp - can have a "setpoint" from 76 to 84 degrees, with the most common range that most reefers use varying between 78 and 80 degrees F. Regardless, stability is important. You don't want your nano heating up because of being sited near a window that will get spring sun.

Specific Gravity - you've clearly already gotten a measuring device, or you're buying your saltwater from an LFS. Typically, folks use refractometers because of the small sample size. We used to use hygrometers in the 1980s and 90s, and those work extremely well to if they're calibrated; they're not accurate right out of the box, nor are refractometers. If you've a refractometer, get a 1.026 refractometry calibration solution from a place like Bulk Reef Supply. If you've a hydrometer, the best course is to go to a LFS and ask to let you test their water, and compare the readings. In any event, you want to maintain 1.026, with make-up water added daily. Stability, again, is more important than the set-point within a fairly narrow range.

Nutrients: Ideally, you need a nitrate test kit. Phosphate can wait. Shoot for nitrates <10 ppm, but not zero.

Calcium and Alkalinity: Because you've added stony corals, you need to get a Calcium and Alkalinity test kit, and test your tank water every three days or so until you're confident of stability. Shoot for 450 ppm Calcium, and 8 dKH for alkalinity. The calcium can vary quite a bit - from 380 ppm to 500 ppm and not cause any issues. Alkalinity should be kept within about 7.5 - 8.5 dKH. You can also shoot for a slightly higher "setpoint" for alkalinity of 9 dKH, in which case the range should be 8.5 - 9.5 dKH. Alkalinity stability is the single most important water chemistry parameter after specific gravity.

To maintain the calcium and alkalinity, you are likely to have to do "2-part dosing", as water changes alone are unlikely to be enough. Here's (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-04/rhf/feature/) a good article explaining the relationship between calcium and alkalinity, and here's (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/) an article about preparing the 2-part solutions yourself - it's far cheaper than using commercial 2-part products, and you can get the sodium bicarbonate from the grocery store and the calcium chloride from any number of mail-order reef suppliers (as well as food suppliers).

Water Changes: Because you've a small tank, and it doesn't look like you've a skimmer, you'll need to change more of the water more often than a bigger tank with a skimmer. That's OK, many nano folks change nearly 100% of the water in their tank every week or two, though I don't recommend that you do that yet. In order to make that water change schedule work, you need to use a high-quality salt mix that's consistent, and you have to be very cognizant of the new saltwater's specific gravity, temperature, and especially, alkalinity. Instead, I'd recommend that you change 2.5 gallons every week, and up to 5 gallons if you have trouble controlling nitrates.

With respect to your light choice for an upcoming 20 gallon tank, I'd strongly recommend you go retro and get 4 24" T5HO bulbs over the tank. Two Aquatic life Marquis units would set you back about $225 USD with bulbs, and they include timers built in to the units. It's not as cool as an LED fixture, but you won't have to think about spectrum or intensity, there's no risk of burning your corals, and they're bullet-proof - they will grow anything you want, from SPS corals to tridacna clams to acans. The nano that I mentioned earlier has been using 460nm & actinic white PC bulbs since 2004, and I harvest acropora and montipora out of it every 4 weeks because the colonies overgrow the tank. LED will work, but it's much trickier. If you go this route, I'd recommend 2 Kessil A160we lights (for a 2 foot, 20g high nano), though you will need to buy the spectral controller with them to get built-in timers (though you can also use simple wall timers with these).

When you go to your new nano, consider the idea of drilling it yourself and installing an overflow, such as sold by CPR (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cpr-retrofit-overflow-box.html). Use a standard 10 gallon tank as a sump, no baffles required. Doing this will allow you to include an ATO, skimmer, and a reactor for carbon and/or GFO in the future, and having a sump will give you a lot more choices as far as a skimmer is concerned.

Thank you so much for all this information in this thread and other one regarding my light! I'm gonna be sticking to LEDs, as I want color more than growth surprisingly! Waterchange schedule will be changing for sure! I'm so excited to start next build, bigger tank more room for corals :)

Have a great day DK,
Anthony!

P. S, I'll send you a pm if ever I need more knowledge from you! :bounce2::bounce2:

[Volkoff]

This tank crashed. No more updates for this anymore, next build will start in the summer... :'(