Starting A Nano

[squeeker]

Hello all!

I'm planning on starting a 10 gallon salt water tank in the spring. I've been doing a lot of reading on the subject and I''m now getting into the actual "planning" phase of the project.

I've decided to go with a 10 gallon despite the fact that I know that most SW hobbiests reccomend starting much larger. Unfortunately, budget/space issues will not allow me to do so. I fully intend to take it VERY slow! I have a lot of experience with fresh water, so I know the basics.

So, here's what I have so far. 10 gallon tank, 2 Aquaclear 30 (150 GPH each), 50 watt heater.

I will need to get LR, 10-15 lbs worth, plus enough live sand to make a 1.5" deep bed, a glass top, a powerhead, and lights. I'm not going to get a skimmer or fuge for the time being as I do weekly water changes on my FW tanks anyway so I'll do the same for this tank as well. Also, as I said before, I'm on a budget. I realize that I will need to have low stocking levels, which is alright by me. I am more fascinated by the crabs and snails and shrimp than I am about the fish anyway!

My major question comes in the form of lighting. I'd like to start out simple and keep a FOWLR setup at first, until I get the feel for the system and gain confidence. Then, I'd like to start with some easy corals (mushrooms, xenia, polyps, etc.) I currently have an incandescent fixture for this tank, which I completely realize is inaccurate.

However, while doing my research for the past month, I came across the following:

Light link

If I were to run 4 of these 20-watt bulbs above a 10 gallon tank, would this be sufficient to grow coralline algae and eventually some undemanding corals?

Any other flaws in my plan (ie water flow, etc?)

Thanks!

 

[steelhealr]

First off, welcome aboard and I applaude your doing the right thing...R&R prior to starting up. This is the best tool for having a successful nano.

To get right to the point, if you are only going to run a FOWLR, you could just get along with the classic single strip light and plastic hood. You could simply buy a 'marine glo' light and that would be fine for now. The bulbs you selected are good. Four of them tho' would be MORE than enough. 4 of those lights would give you almost 8 watts/gallon of 50/50 PC lighting...you'd be able to support some SPS with that. You might have some heat issues tho...and..if you are making your own hood with that, you would want to consider building it with fans....or...dry run your tank first will all equipment and lights running and see how the temps go, leaving room for fans if needed.

Everything else looks good to go so far....you could even thin the sand bed out to 1" if you wanted, but, 1 1/2 would be OK.

SH

 

[squeeker]

Thanks for the reply, SH. Your nano diary was one of the resources I have been reading, your tank is gorgeous and it's what I will be modeling my aquascape after. Hope you don't mind!

Glad to hear that you support my choice of lighting. I was quite concerned about this aspect of my plan as others on a local aquarium forum didn't think that this light would be sufficient. I can't see how 80 watts of CF wouldn't be enough, though! Plus, the price is right for this setup. If it didnt' work for corals, I could always change to a more typical SW lighting setup, or stick with FOWLR.

I don't plan on building my own hood, just using the standard incandescent fixtures over a glass top with these bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.

Heat is a major concern. I don't have air conditioning in my house, and summers get pretty toasty here in Ontario; my FW tanks often get to 85F or so during a heat wave. I can't justify running a chiller for a 10 gallon tank. I suppose in the summer I'd have to go with an open top, perhaps rig up a way to suspend the lights and use a fan to blow over the surface of the water?

Do you think my flow will be sufficient with the 2 AC30's and a small powerhead?

Also, what would be the benefit of having a thinner sandbed rather than thicker?

Thanks for the input!

 

[steelhealr]

A temp of 85 is..well....probably wouldn't be too serious if it were stable, but, it really should be kept lower. You could buy a small fan to blow over the water.

Those lights will be OK. However, if you plan to do serious stuff, I would tend to lean towards gettting nice strip lights with PC lighting and built in fans.

I think your flow is cool. Thinner sand bed may have less detritus, caking, easier care. If you are getting animals that burrow or need sand caves, then, slightly deeper might be better. 10lbs of aragonite should be fine. SH

 

[squeeker]

Fantastic, thanks SH. Now I get to start collecting components and continue to research water additives, optimal levels, etc...

Watch for my own nano diary coming to a forum near you in March or April!

 

[Siamese Fighter05]

Good job mate, good to see lots of research. I'll be watching and waiting...