sps nano advice, please

[mayjong]

o-k, so i'm not new to reefing, just new to nano. got out of my 150G, and i'm looking for a countertop (22"x22"?) cube(ish) tank 30G or less.
don't want (but not completly opposed to) MH lighting (heat factor)

i've read through some of the LONG cube build threads. trying to figure out what everyone is using gets confusing with threads referencing other LONG threads...
i'm tring to keep this baby ALL on a bar counter, no sump/fuge (x-cept HOB if needed)
like the biocube and after reading threads thinking of a biocube/modded for skimmer/fuge/media,heater, pump
what i need is a parts list.
what do i need to get established (type of heater, skimmer,media,pump, light (led?) etc???).


thanks so much!

 

[calveezzzy]

With a nano, you can run a "natural" filtration system without the need of having a skimmer, HOB filter, etc. a lot of people I know are just running LR, LS, and a couple powerheads. A lot of nano keepers are also modifying AC 70's and 110's into mini fuges with Chaeto in them.

 

[Nano sapiens]

You really don't need a lot of equipment for a successful nano tank. Frequent, regular water changes with a good reef salt mix can keep parameters in balance, remove organic waste, etc. Sufficient LR and/or LS, lighting, temp and water circulation...that about it. Need to keep detritus in check since the water volume is a lot smaller and algae can take over quickly in a small tank.

I had a 50g running for a decade and went to a 12g around 4 yrs ago. The 12g is a much simpler 'Natural' type setup without mechanical/chemical filtration, but it is a bit less forgiving of mistakes/laziness.

 

[Nano sapiens]

Also, since you are asking specifically about SPS, I have a few Montipora types and some inbetweeners like Pavona and Leptastrea all doing well. Since my lighting isn't strong, growth has been slow-but-steady and the only supplement I have to add occasionally is an Alk booster.

 

[calveezzzy]

Sorry to piggyback off this thread, but I heard SPS are more difficult to take care of in nanos. Is this true? And how do you know if you have to add supplements to your tank for your coral?

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

Sorry to piggyback off this thread, but I heard SPS are more difficult to take care of in nanos. Is this true? And how do you know if you have to add supplements to your tank for your coral?

SPS are generally more difficult to take care of period..nano or not...and you have to test the water to know what you need to replace...all reef tanks need supplements or frequent water changes to replanish Alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and other trace elements consumed at a much slower rate like strontium, iodine, copper, iron etc...most of the trace elements are not supplemented though, just use water changes to replace them as their concentrations are so small that dosing for them in often not needed and potentially very fatal to the inhabitants..

that said i have a fully mixed 5gallon reef softies, leathers, LPS and SPS corals all doing really well with minimal filtration, just a piece of filter floss and a bag of carbon and a bag of purigen, and a ball of cheato, little bit of live rock as well...NO skimmer, and i use LED lights

 

[Sun357]

I'd go LED's, no heat and no bulb replacement and SPS grow good under them.

~Fred

 

[Acropolooza]

well*

 

[mayjong]

thanks, any advice on what LEd setup?
it's gotta look "clean" or the wife won't like it!

 

[ange062]

thanks, any advice on what LEd setup?
it's gotta look "clean" or the wife won't like it!

Looks up the EcoTech Radion, AI SOL, or Maxspect Mazarra lights. All clean looking LED's with enough power for an SPS 30g. Kessil is a nice light also, but not powerful enough for a 30g so would have to be supplemented with T5 or something else, which would probably throw aesthetics out the window.