Nealio's 12G Nano-Reef Build (RIP)

I couldn't help myself, I had to start a nano tank to hold me over until my 85g is ready. This tank will be simple, cheap, but still very nice looking. I have a 12G aquarium (a 10G, that's 3 inches taller), a dual compact fluorescent light fixture, and a Wal-Mart HOB filter. There will be a couple of small, easy to care for corals, but mostly it'll be there to house fish. A glorified FOWLR tank if you will.

So far, I have added sand, both new cheap sand, and a small amount of live sand from a friend's tank. 3.5# of liverock from the LFS, wanted more but they didn't have any more small pieces. I am looking to buy another 10# from a guy on craigslist, which would be great as I could skip cylcing completely. And finally, two 20w Coralife CF 50/50 bulbs.

Picture of the salt mixing. Think 2 MJ 600s, and a MJ 1200 are enough to mix a 12G? ;D



And a picture as it sits now. The 2 lonely little peices of LR. Note, only 1 of the 50/50 bulbs are in right now, the other one is on order.

 

It's been 5 minutes and I already have an update, lol. Just score 10# of cylced LR off craigslist for $20. He also said he might be able to work out a deal for some more live sand as well. So all in all, this project is off to a great start!

 

excellent update Nealio

those lonely live rocks are getting some company
looking forward to seeing them added to the set up

Steve

 

What's sad is that I paid nearly $25 for those 2 little rocks, weighing only 3.62#. I'm really glad to be getting 3 times that much rock for less money. So hopefully by Monday the tank will be looking a lot less sparse. He also has a Coral Beauty for only $15, and if it's still there, I'll probably go ahead and pick it up as well.

 

A little update. My tank is nearly done cycling. My Ammonia and Nitrite's have spiked, and the nitrates look like they are nearing their peak.

Here's a pic as it sits now.



The clowns are obviously a new addition, wasn't my idea to add them so early, but my gf surprised me with them. So far they've been making it through just fine, but to be safe I've been dosing PRIME to detoxify the Nitrates.

 

A couple more pictures.

 

i love my clowns. so far your tank looks like its off to a speedy start! good luck!

 

Thanks Gexx!


BTW, I forgot to mention that the deal with the local LR fell through, hence the pitiful aquascaping. Instead I'm going to buy another 10# of base rock to spice up the display. After that, it's time for some beginner's coral.

 

Well so far this tank is running great, and the Nitrates are down to 5, so it's basically done cycling. Another possibility is that I'm looking to get a JBJ Nano-Cube 12 that needs some work, so these clowns may be getting a new home fairly soon if all goes well.

 

Wow, I've forgotten to update this thread. I have since added some more rock, GSP, 2 peppermint shrimp, and a skimmer. I'll try to get some picture up soon.