8 gal. Nano

I have the skimmer to help with bioload because I'd like to have 2 fish in here. Depending on how the tank handles them I might add a 3rd. Just a precaution for now... I'd rather have the skimmer and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

The PAR38 bulb is not over the tank right now. I agree the stock light is enough, but eventually I'd like to keep SPS and that light will most likely replace the stock one. I also love the PAR38 bulb because it is more royal blue bulbs which is the look I'm going for. As for the sand, the pump upgrade helped with the flow and the sand actually is "moving" slightly. It isn't stirring up violently but I can definitely see the water flow is keeping the sand clean. I also have the stock pump which is very small and might add that somewhere behind the rock to get some extra flow behind the rocks.

 

I started my cycle towards the end of last week by dropping a media bag of raw shrimp in the tank. Someone suggested leaving it in there for 3 days. After a few hours the water was cloudy and started to smell. I left it in for 12 hours which IMO was still too long. The ammonia was over 8ppm so after another few hours I did a 50% water change. The water cleared up quickly and I've let it run for the weekend. I just tested everything and it looks like everything is cycling as planned. I'm going to need to top off the water which should help bring the SG down to 1.025. Other than that it looks like a colony of beneficial bacteria is starting to grow.

Current Parameters:
SG: 1.026
pH: 8.2
Ammonia: 6.0 ppm
Nitrite: 1.0 ppm
Nitrate: 10 ppm
Temp: 78.5°

 

These smaller tanks are a blast to have. While a ATO would be nice it isn't necessary as long as you have a lid. A par38 would work perfectly as it looks nice on my 5 gallon. The lighting is good enough to grow sps too. I do weekly half gallon WC and it seems to be doing the trick. Good luck with yours!

 

Thanks! Do you have a pic of your 5 gal? Also, what bulbs are in your PAR38 and how many are there?

 

They are if you are using a fan for cooling :-/

 

I've been keeping a close watch on the tank as a whole, I have actually noticed the evaporation is minimal even with the fan. I do have a lid but the water level has only been dropping maybe a cup a day if that... I have my water mixed and in a bucket so it's simple enough for me to top it off. Plus I work from home so this is on the desk that I am at all day. Maybe in the future I'll figure out a DIY ATO but for now I'm going to just top it off myself.

 

For a good DIY topoff course, go to AutoTopoff.com

I bought two DIY kits myself. As long as you are somewhat handy, this is the way to go. I am using one on my 8 gallon tank.

 

I'm somewhat handy, thanks for the link. That has everything needed for a custom DIY topoff. Whenever I can afford to get my big tank going I am definitely going to set something like that up. I want to get this tank successful before I start dumping money into my 120g. system again. Plus I don't have the space to set that one up right now.

 

Top Off Faux Pas

I just joined to say this:
You mentioned you have a bucket prepared for top off... If you are using salt water to top off your tank, you are raising the salinity every day. when water evaporates from your tank the salt stays behind. ONLY FRESH WATER should be added when topping off a tank. If you're doing a water change, you are taking out salt water and should replace salt water.

If I read this right (it's early and caffeine is still being absorbed) you should test your salinity and adjust accordingly. Hopefully this saves you a lot of headaches.