End of the beginning and what I've learned
End of the beginning and what I've learned
Update: end of the beginning
Hey guys. A couple of days ago marked the 3 month anniversary of the start of this tank. I really had no idea where it would end up, but where it is now is MUCH further than I ever intended it to go, both time and monetary wise. The apperance of a clean and well maintained aquarium, however, is well worth it in my opinion. I could not have done it without help of fellow reefers who visited and gave me suggestions. For example I would not have gotten:
-Tronic heater
-Canopy
-Refugium
-Removed glass top
-etc...
...if it weren't for suggestions made here. Not only was this intended to help other reefers, but it helped me out immensly. I find it quite comical to review the first couple pages of this thread and laugh at how clueless I really was when I thought I knew a lot.
From my experience, I'd like to share a few pros and cons with nano reefing that I soon discovered. My hope is that people who are indecisive about nano tanks can figure out their decision here.
Pros of a nano reef system:
-Generally cheaper than a larger system
-Take up less area, hence it being a perfect addition to a desk or office
-Easy water changes
Cons of a nano reef system:
-Easy to overstock with livestock
-One small toxin released could be catastrophical, but the same in a larger tank could be fine.
-Usually harder to incorporate a sump (overflows take up precious space)
-All perameters fluxuate more intensely and often.
-Acclimation is a water change itself (hard to remember)
-Auto top off is almost mandatory.
-Anemones, beautiful creatures, are not meant for such small tanks.
-A snail gone unflipped can mean bad news to water conditions.
Although it might seem lopsided, I acually enjoy my nano just as much as I enjoy my 75 gallon. For what one doesn't have, the other makes up for it.
Things I have learned over the course of 3 months and
suggestions
1.) Nano tanks are not for everyone. A common misconception is that a new reefer should start out with nano's because they are simpler. This could not be any farther from the truth.
In my experience, this nano takes up much more time to maintain than my 75 gallon does. But, due to money issues, these tanks are generally turned to. For a new reefer, I would advice in a tank that is no smaller than 10 gallons.
2.) Buy the best equipment, the first time: I calculated that I've spent $55 on a whole bunch of crappy equipment when I just ended up replacing that stuff with the best equipment.
Especially with a nano tank, you need stuff that works the first time and well.
3.) Build a canopy- I've said this earlier, but
building a canopy was the single best decision I've made throughout this whole experience. It allowed me to add more lighting, cool down the tank with a fan, perfect placement for moonlights, and makes the entire system look 100 times better. I am so glad I built this thing because I do not think I'd be satisfied without it.
4.) Patience and planning are your best friends. I tended to rush through this a little bit, and once I slowed down, things looked better and I saved money.
5.) Don't put sand in your HOB refugium. Makes taking it off and cleaning almost impossible. I've heard that pods will increase if you have a sandbed, but I have plenty.
6.)Don't add a fish. Not only is it pretty small for one, but the bioload isn't worth it. Mine died after 4 days, not sure why, but probably because the tank size and acclimation. If you really want a fish, I'd recommend at least a 10 gallon tank.
7.) Any type of mechanical filtration needs to be changed religiously. I have a Millenium filter pad, and after about 20 days it is cashed. If you leave it in there for more, it'll start to bring down water quality.
8.) Leathers like a lot more flow than I thought. My sinularia really perked up after I aimed the powerhead right at him.
Well, as you all know, I'm more than happy to continue to answer any questions you may have about my tank. I'm far from done, but I think I've finally reached the end of the beginning. I hope that this post helps people further for their nanos or encourages an experienced reefer to try it out. I absolutally love my nano. It is so different from my 75 that I don't know what I did without it. With a TOTM nomination I figured this would be a good time to post this, as my tank starts to die down in "stuff happening." I'll be sure to post updates, like always. Good luck with all your nanos, hope I helped, and cya later!
Ben Klauder
But I'm a senior so it'll be a fun year. As for my tank, it is going pretty well. There is this algae, however, that I cannot control. I have ceriths, astreas, and nassarius, and none of them touch it. You'll see it in the pics. Does anyone have a suggestion for a last coral? I also got a new pink (!!) mushroom and another zooanthid from Doug. Doug gave me the pink mushroom to try out and see if it'll regain it's red color (hopefully not, I think it looks sweet). 
