Nano Cube DX

[Bouncer254]

I have taken a former freshwater tank and have decided to have a go at a small saltwater reef tank. I am looking forward to what becomes of this project.

Equipment;
12gal JBJ Nano Cube DX
Stock Lighting, 2X24 PC 50/50
Maxi-Jet 900 pump
Hydor-Flo water deflector
Koralina Nano 240
50w heater

15lbs of Pukani live rock
10lbs of CaribSea live sand

This is my first foray into saltwater and my aim is to keep things as simple as possible. There is no filter media or chemistry in the set up other than a bit of filter floss that will be removed after the cloudiness settles in a few days. I have no expectations other than to have a bit of fun.

 

[Bouncer254]

Two days later and the clouds have cleared

Two days later and the clouds have cleared

After 48 hours the tank has settled in and seems to be doing it's thing. Testing the water tomorrow.

 

[Bouncer254]

Day three

Day three

This evening I am at roughly 72 hours with water, live rock and live sand. My salinity has been holding at 1.024, ph 8.1, ammonia 0 ppm, nitrates 0 ppm and nitrites 0 ppm. I have a steady temp of 79°, things are looking good. I am considering heading to my LFS to look around. Maybe I might add an inhabitant to the tank soon.

 

[kukulkan]

Congrats on your new set up, I have the same tank , mine is been up for few months after a new redo, and a fierce fight with algae, if I was you I will wait till your tank cycles, it is normal to show normal parameters right now, with in few days everything is going to spike , you can add a fish to speed up your cycle time.

 

[thienlong88]

Nice set up, can't wait to see livestock in it.

 

[Bouncer254]

Things have been going well. I have added a few things; a few snails, couple of scarlet hermit crabs, an emerald crab and two Black & White Ocellaris. Parameters are looking good and everyone is doing well. I will keep a close eye on things and let the tank stabilize for a few weeks. I hope to pick up a few bits of coral at a local gathering, cheers.

 

[ange062]

Looks like a good start!

 

[buddythelion]

One more koralia and your tank set up looks like mine!

 

[buddythelion]

I recommend getting an inTank media basket. One of the best purchases on my nanocube! Totally changed things around. Also look into a new light as the stock ones on the DX only go so far. Definitely good enough for starting out though. But just keep in mind/the back of your head on a good light.

 

[Bouncer254]

A bit of an update, lots of new inhabitants. Parameters are looking good and everything is getting along just fine. Currently in the tank; two Black & White Ocellaris, two scarlet hermit crabs, one maxima clam, one emerald crab, one scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp, three banded troches snails, two margarita snails, two astraea cone head snails, two small abalone, a few bristle worms. With generous support of my local aquarium society i have a few corals as well; Ponape Birdsnest, a terrific chunk of live rock with a kenya tree, red mushroom, pulsing xenia and other good stuff.