scott11
New member
I recently broke down my 90 gallon reef for several reasons. I needed to move the tank from its location for an impending flooring change, I had become lax on maintenance and was dealing with some nuisance algae, and was going to need to replace the stand with something more "furniture grade" if it was to be relocated to the family room. With all these issues, and a general lack of motivation for the tank, I decided to take a break from the hobby. I started selling most of the equipment and livestock (thanks to all the local buyers), but when I just could get the last few fish and corals sold, I decided to set up a nano (a tank I had in my garage) to hold the livestock so I could sell off the rest of the equipment.
Well, after setting up the nano and seeing how nice it could look (and how easy water changes are on a small tank), I decided that I wanted to keep the remaining corals and fish and just run a nano for a while.
The tank is an all-in-one from Pico Aquariums, its an 18" cube with the rear 4 inches as a built in sump. About 22 gallons total.
After committing to doing the nano right, over the last few weeks I have traded / bought some equipment and picked up some great deals at the last auction. Its a little heavy on fish, but this is just what I had left over:
Pair of clowns
Fairy Wrasse
Lawnmover blenny
Green Chromis
Pencil Urichin
There may or may not be a green corris wrasse. He was there when I set up the tank and I have seen him since, but he likes to burrow. At this point, I have not seen him for over a week, so I am more sure if still alive. If so, I will likely remove him, since he is too big for this tank long term. Depending on how clean the water stays, I may remove another fish, or replace the lawnmower with something much smaller. Would love to have a dwarf goby and pistol in here. Urchin will likely go also, since he is big enough to harm frags
Equipment:
Tunze Silence return pump
Tunze 9001 nano skimmer
Tunze 6040 DC powerhead
Tuzne ATO
Neothem heater
Kessil A160 w/ gooseneck
Apex controller
There is a built in media basket that holds bags of carbon and GFO
I am still looking for a cooling solution for the summer, but right now it stays around 78. Also may look into a mini media reactor and use the media chamber for a refuge, since the rear has a window for a grow light.
Plan for corals is a true mixed reef. Current have softies, LPS and a few SPS and will see what does well. Not too partial toward any specific coral, but want color and movement.
Current have a little bit of diatom from a mini cycle starting the new tank, but the levels are all acceptable and that will pass soon.
I will try and update this thread to use to track the growth of the tank. If anyone has great tips for nanos, let me know.
Well, after setting up the nano and seeing how nice it could look (and how easy water changes are on a small tank), I decided that I wanted to keep the remaining corals and fish and just run a nano for a while.
The tank is an all-in-one from Pico Aquariums, its an 18" cube with the rear 4 inches as a built in sump. About 22 gallons total.
After committing to doing the nano right, over the last few weeks I have traded / bought some equipment and picked up some great deals at the last auction. Its a little heavy on fish, but this is just what I had left over:
Pair of clowns
Fairy Wrasse
Lawnmover blenny
Green Chromis
Pencil Urichin
There may or may not be a green corris wrasse. He was there when I set up the tank and I have seen him since, but he likes to burrow. At this point, I have not seen him for over a week, so I am more sure if still alive. If so, I will likely remove him, since he is too big for this tank long term. Depending on how clean the water stays, I may remove another fish, or replace the lawnmower with something much smaller. Would love to have a dwarf goby and pistol in here. Urchin will likely go also, since he is big enough to harm frags
Equipment:
Tunze Silence return pump
Tunze 9001 nano skimmer
Tunze 6040 DC powerhead
Tuzne ATO
Neothem heater
Kessil A160 w/ gooseneck
Apex controller
There is a built in media basket that holds bags of carbon and GFO
I am still looking for a cooling solution for the summer, but right now it stays around 78. Also may look into a mini media reactor and use the media chamber for a refuge, since the rear has a window for a grow light.
Plan for corals is a true mixed reef. Current have softies, LPS and a few SPS and will see what does well. Not too partial toward any specific coral, but want color and movement.
Current have a little bit of diatom from a mini cycle starting the new tank, but the levels are all acceptable and that will pass soon.
I will try and update this thread to use to track the growth of the tank. If anyone has great tips for nanos, let me know.
