I am starting my first saltwater tank in the next month or so and would like a little constructive criticism on my plan so far. (I have been in to freshware for a couple of years).
The tank is the AquaOne Minireef 120 litre (with sump and cabinet).
It is an all in one nano tank with enough gear included to get me started although I intend to upgrade the skimmer and maybe the return pump from day one.
A pump like the Jecod RW4 will also be used.
I intend to have an aragonite sand substrate with medium grade grains, not sure which colour but am open to suggestions as I am not sure about stark white or if it should be live or not.
For rockwork I am thinking of an Arka ceramic rock feature from MA as centre piece (the triple column seems a good one) plus the remainder being cured live rock with some rubble in the sump.
Once it shows signs that it is cycled (not 100% sure on the method yet so need a little advice) I will add the first part of my CUC.
I would like crabs possibly mithrax and some red legged hermits, plus a variety of snails (hopefully the type that can right themselves if they become upturned) and a pair of fire shrimp and maybe some cleaner shrimp too.
I will add the CUC a few at a time and keep an eye on water parameters.
The first fish I would like to put in will be a pair of tank bred clowns then I will let things settle for week or two before thinking about some easy corals.
If things go well and the corals flourish I could consider a lighting upgrade so I can be less restricted on my choice of corals.
The third fish for the tank is still undecided but would need to be nice and showy as it will be the centre piece species of the display.
All advice is welcome
The tank is the AquaOne Minireef 120 litre (with sump and cabinet).
It is an all in one nano tank with enough gear included to get me started although I intend to upgrade the skimmer and maybe the return pump from day one.
A pump like the Jecod RW4 will also be used.
I intend to have an aragonite sand substrate with medium grade grains, not sure which colour but am open to suggestions as I am not sure about stark white or if it should be live or not.
For rockwork I am thinking of an Arka ceramic rock feature from MA as centre piece (the triple column seems a good one) plus the remainder being cured live rock with some rubble in the sump.
Once it shows signs that it is cycled (not 100% sure on the method yet so need a little advice) I will add the first part of my CUC.
I would like crabs possibly mithrax and some red legged hermits, plus a variety of snails (hopefully the type that can right themselves if they become upturned) and a pair of fire shrimp and maybe some cleaner shrimp too.
I will add the CUC a few at a time and keep an eye on water parameters.
The first fish I would like to put in will be a pair of tank bred clowns then I will let things settle for week or two before thinking about some easy corals.
If things go well and the corals flourish I could consider a lighting upgrade so I can be less restricted on my choice of corals.
The third fish for the tank is still undecided but would need to be nice and showy as it will be the centre piece species of the display.
All advice is welcome
Patience and planning is paramount.
