My 12g Nano

[mshollenberger]

UPDATED 3/4/2006

Well -

I finally decided to pull the plug. After much research I have placed an order with Chris from NC (what a nice guy). I will, like everyone else, keep this post active during the process.

Tank
2006 Nanocustoms Modded JBJ 12DX 4.24
- Bulb Type Actinic Blue
- Second bulb Actinic Blue
- Third bulb 7100K Daylight
- Rear Sump Lighting 13w 6700K Daylight & PONY 118 Integrated
- Ballast Control Dual Powercord
- Fourth Bulb 50/50
- Moonlighting R2 Solution 5 LED Moonlight
- Finnex Titanium Heater - 050w
- Coralife Dual Power Center
- Corallife Thermometer

Substrate
- Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand 16 lbs

Water
- Catalina Water 15 Gallons

Live Rock
- Premium Aquatics Premium Marshall Island Rock 15 LBS
- Premium Live Rock Rubble 5 LBS


Corals
- Long Tentacle Green Plate
- Blue Crocea Clam
- Pulsating Xenias
- Feather Duster Worm
- Florida Ricorida
- Many Different Color Polyps

Fish
- Pair Tank Raised Percula Clowns
- Randalls Goby

Cleaner Crew

Crabs
- Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab 2
- Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab 2
- Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab 2

Total 6

Snails
- Margarita Snails 2
- Banded Trochus Snail 2
- Nassarius Snail 2
- Cerith Snail 2
- Empty Shells 15

Total 23

Shrimp
- Pistol Shrimp 1
- Peppermint Shrimp 1

Total 2

I would like comments on the following proposed components much of which I garnered through research. I could be completely off base, please let me know.

Comments, Suggestions, Complaints...

 

[Clownfish11790]

Welcome!
You will need a stronger light if you wish to keep a clam sucessfully. MH maybe?

 

[mshollenberger]

Welcome!
You will need a stronger light if you wish to keep a clam sucessfully. MH maybe?

This seems to be a quickly recurring theme. I think I need to make a call

Thanks for the advice.

 

[bunjiweb]

With 4 tubes on a 12G tank i doubt you would need MH for keeping a clam. Sounds like a good setup.... can't wait to see pics.

Ben

 

[steelhealr]

I agree..but...what's with this sudden interest in puka shell And I'm not sure about your choice of corals either:

-Elegance coral has short lifespan and Eric Borneman is studying it to see why they die, presumably by a virus
-xenia grows like a weed and requires constant pruning

Otherwise, the tank is a Cadillac of nanos. SH

 

[mshollenberger]

Thanks for the feedback on the lighting. I think, after speaking with Chris, I am going to give it a shot with the PC lighting.

Hopefully, with good results

I agree..but...what's with this sudden interest in puka shell And I'm not sure about your choice of corals either:

-Elegance coral has short lifespan and Eric Borneman is studying it to see why they die, presumably by a virus
-xenia grows like a weed and requires constant pruning

Otherwise, the tank is a Cadillac of nanos. SH

SH -

I came across a thread you posted in, there was a picture of the tank with the puka shell. I really liked the look.

Thanks for the feedback on the corals, I am still researching and do have some time obviously with the cycle. BTW, thanks so much for the thread you started on your nano setup, that was invaluable.

I just hope I can do it right. BTW, do you think 3 fish is a good number for 12g? I want to make sure they are not overcrowed and are happy

Thanks

 

[steelhealr]

I think you can do three if you pick SMALL ones. Puka shell might have a good look, but, you may regret it when it comes to nitrates in the future. The 'in' or most acceptable setup now with nanos is either a thin sand bed or barebottom. That substrate will preclude you from having any animals do a satisfactory sand sifting job, might be tougher for animals that like to burrow, and may trap nitrates. JMO. Lots of things 'look good' in a nano reef.......JMO. SH

 

[mshollenberger]

I think you can do three if you pick SMALL ones. Puka shell might have a good look, but, you may regret it when it comes to nitrates in the future. The 'in' or most acceptable setup now with nanos is either a thin sand bed or barebottom. That substrate will preclude you from having any animals do a satisfactory sand sifting job, might be tougher for animals that like to burrow, and may trap nitrates. JMO. Lots of things 'look good' in a nano reef.......JMO. SH

SH -

I didn't realize the potential risks in terms of nitrates and so forth. I don't need that problem to deal with in this size tank, that's for sure.

Will have to rethink that decision. Thanks so much for the input..

Off for another cold Corona

 

[steelhealr]

I think you can still mix some in....I woudlnt' make the majority of the substrate puka. I'm sure you can have a small bit in there and still keep the look you want and also help with buffering if puka shell is similar to all other shells in that it is made of calcium carbonate. Don't exclude it if you want....Just don't load up your entire bed with it. Good luck...looking forward to see how your tank develops. SH

 

[mshollenberger]

I think you can still mix some in....I woudlnt' make the majority of the substrate puka. I'm sure you can have a small bit in there and still keep the look you want and also help with buffering if puka shell is similar to all other shells in that it is made of calcium carbonate. Don't exclude it if you want....Just don't load up your entire bed with it. Good luck...looking forward to see how your tank develops. SH

steelhealr-

Thanks again. I appreciate your guidance..

 

[mshollenberger]

Here is a picture of the eventual tank location. It will be on the angled wall near the chair. The wall that has an outlet

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

 

[steelhealr]

Suggestions:

1) Rewire the outlet to a GFCI; my tank has at least 6 plugs: 2 pumps, one heater, one fuge light, ballast, skimmer
2) Parkay floors + Saltwater....think about a protective cover/tarp, these things can get messy; saltkreep, etc

SH

 

[mshollenberger]

Suggestions:

1) Rewire the outlet to a GFCI; my tank has at least 6 plugs: 2 pumps, one heater, one fuge light, ballast, skimmer
2) Parkay floors + Saltwater....think about a protective cover/tarp, these things can get messy; saltkreep, etc

SH

Installing GFCI tomorrow

Its real wood. Even worse. I am pretty anal when it comes to cleanliness though so I should be OK

What are your thoughts on Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Substrate?

I have searched for a poll on most popular substrate for reef tank but cant find one

http/www.naturesocean.com/marine_substrates.htm

 

[mshollenberger]

Can anyone identify the Goby in this pic

Thanks

 

[JJ1234567]

yashi haze goby with pistol shrimp, 80$ on liveaquaria.com