8 gal. Nano

Yes, I mis-spoke... I have premixed water for water changes and I have a side container of fresh RO/DI water for topoff. I've been testing with my refractometer to ensure the salinity is 1.025. Still getting my measurements correct for my premixed water, but getting closer each time I do it.

 

Running Carbon during cycle?

I realize carbon removes certain nutrients from the water, but I'm wondering if that would have a negative impact on the cycle? Also, if carbon doesn't affect the cycle, can you run "too much" carbon? Or doesn't the amount really matter as long as it's replaced accordingly.

 

I'd actually recommend running Chemipure Elite and Purigen. I have them in my 12g nanocube and my water quality is excellent. I highly recommend them and you will see that a lot of people run that combo in nano tanks.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have to look into those. My tank is currently only 5 days old and cycling. I might add those once my tank is finished cycling and I get some livestock added.

Would you recommend GSP for a starter coral? I've read that it can grow like a weed but I would like it as a backdrop growing on my back wall (well contained of course).

 

welcome to 3reef lol.

 

I have a 5 gallon and the evaporation rate is minimal. I have to put about 4-6 ounces a day depending on how long the light was on for

An ATO would be complete and utter overkill on a system this size. Not saying it wouldn't make things easier, because of course it would. these small tanks are for hobbiests who want to be very hands on day in and day out with their systems. Especially with 3+ fish and SPS coral in your future plan

 

GSP is a very hardy coral to start with and is recommended for beginners, but just be aware that if you decide you've had enough of it, it is VERY hard to get rid of unless you remove everything that it touches.

One other thing- I know you mentioned about possibly going with 3 fish. I would recommend that you stay with 2 max. 8 gallons isn't a lot of room and I think 3 fish will overstock it quickly, especially since the Nuvo is 8 gallons including the filtration area, leaving even less space in the DT. For reference, i only have a watchman goby and pistol shrimp in my 12g nanocube.

 

Agree with you 100%. I got this tank size because I wanted it to fit on my work desk. Since I'm at this desk at least 40 hours a week (usually more) it is easy to add the top off as part of my maintenance routine. Like you said, it's such a small amount that I think an ATO would take up more desk space than it's worth in my situation. Definitely going to use the ATO suggestions that were given when I'm able to get my 120g. tank set back up!

 

I have researched the GSP over the past few months while I was planning this tank. What you said is one of the main things people said about it, hardy but difficult to contain and remove if wanted. That is why I've decided I want to start it on the back wall. That way I can scrape it to keep it contained. I plan on never allowing it to spread anywhere other than the upper portion of the back wall. With the fish situation, I realize this volume is actually about 7 gal. due to the rock/sand/equipment displacement. With the back compartment the space for fish is actually a little less. I want to start with a small clown, then add a yellow watchmen goby, and a fire cleaner shrimp. Other than that it would just be a small cleanup crew. I realize the fish in this tank will be limited and have to be small. I only suggested maybe having 3 fish because if the clown and goby settle in nicely I might add a second clown. Nothing big though, my LFS has a wide selection so I should be able to find small fish to put in here.

 

Cycle Update

Starting to see my first algae, not much, but it's there. I've had my tank cycling for a week and here is a pic as well as parameters from yesterday/today. I'm going to do a 25% water change tomorrow and then test again Sunday. I am assuming my nitrates dropped today because of the algae starting to grow.

Yesterday's Parameters:
SG: 1.025
pH: 8.1
Ammonia: 2.0 ppm
Nitrite: 5.0+ ppm
Nitrate: 60 ppm
Temp: 77.8°


Current Parameters:
SG: 1.025
pH: 8.1
Ammonia: 1.0 ppm
Nitrite: 5.0+ ppm
Nitrate: 5.0 ppm
Temp: 78.2°