My new 20G nano reef tank thread

[rickvanduin]

Hi everyone,

I am so excited about setting up my new tank that I wanted to share it via a thread. I currently converted my freshwater tank into a saltwater tank. Not because I don't like freshwater but simply because saltwater is a new challenge to me and the beauty of it: wow!

I am in the first week of my cycle and keeping the lights of for a while to prevent algae growth. I did take a couple of pictures for you guys with the lights on. At the end of this month I am going to upgrade to reef lighting with a higher Kelvin and automatic day night function. I am also going to purchase a wave maker system and some new power heads. Any suggestions regarding price / quality?

I hope you all enjoy my new tank. Please post any comments, suggestions, thoughts or advise.

[rickvanduin]

WEEK 1: TANKSTAND

[rickvanduin]

WEEK 1: DAYLIGHT AND MOONLIGHT

[nawilson89]

Congrats! I remember when i did the change from FW to SW. The challenge is so worth it!

[rickvanduin]

Thanks!! It's definitely worth it.

I will post more pictures next week. Currently, I am working on a canopy design that matches the stand and I am getting some doors to cover up all the wires.

[sushi1517]

your on your first week of a cycle then I would not recommend having a clown in there already, especially when you've started with dry rock. you have start your cycle with any source of ammonia like fish food or dead fish or piece of shrimp. good luck

[rickvanduin]

Unfortunately, I do not have another tank to transfer the clown fish. He is doing really good and not showing any signs of stress. I know, it is still not recommended by you guys and I would love to transfer him until the cycle is complete. I will cycle my next aquarium without one for sure.

[rickvanduin]

20G Nano Reef Tank Week 2.
This week, I spray painted the back of my aquarium. No significant difference compared to week one noticeable yet. I am planning on getting some purple algae scrapes at the local fish store. Any advice or comments? Please share your thoughts.

[KirbyBTF]

I find it very hard to believe you didn't know about the detrimental effects a cycle can have on a fish. Please take the clownfish back. When in doubt, ask yourself "would I do this to a dog or a cat?"

[jad1217]

If taking the clown fish back is not an option you need to add beneficial bacteria as soon as possible. They sell it in bottles and you can pick some up at just about any pet store that sells fish. The fish should be ok but you need to now test every day and please do not add any more fish.

[rickvanduin]

I added these bacteria directly after setting up my tank and waited two days before I got the clown. That might be why the clown is doing so well an not showing any signs of stress. I also try to feed very minimal to reduce ammonia until my cycle is complete. I am planning on getting the next fish in week 6, only if my levels are showing the cycle is complete.

[rickvanduin]

Do you guys have any advice on setting up a sump refuium? This is the link to my build thread with some 3D renders.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2352224

[RL206]

You have the clown already, AND you spray painted after setup on the running tank? You should plan out the tank before you build and setup. I have been ancy and it's been killing me but I've changed my mind numerous times, and these are things that you should have planned and set up beforehand. And you're going to be putting this clown through hell on top of the water conditions.

[Lincutis]

I hope this sounds kind, in the way it is intended. Go to the beginners section and read the sticky notes about setting up the tank. I think this will give you the best help and it's
friendly.

[rickvanduin]

That is very well said if you would ask me. Unfortunately I wish the budget was there to complete the tank before setting it up. I will have to upgrade certain parts along the way. Regarding the construction and building plans there are no problems since I know a lot about that. Regarding the fish and corals, I still have to learn a lot since I just switched from fresh to salt and that is then also the reason I posted this thread, to learn from the professionals here on this forum. Everything I learn now, I will apply to my next tank build.

Thank you again for your feedback!

[KirbyBTF]

Upgrading along the way is a natural part of this hobby, however choosing spray paint over regular pant is pure ignorance and lack of planning/research. Right now it seems like you're playing the ignorant beginner card to excuse yourself from impatience. It's people like you that will put a trigger in a 10g "cause it's small enough for now" I apologize for my rudeness but I'm tired of people putting animals through hell because they want something pretty NOW. Please change your actions and remedy the situation, take the fish back and start fresh. We will help you do it right this time. And above all, take it slow.

"Being conscientious as a marine aquarist means being an informed, intelligent consumer. More than that, it also implies a level of faith in the hobby and a deep affection for the environments we seek to mimic in miniature. It means taking certain responsibilities seriously and doing things right, both for our own peace of mind and the well-being of our captive charges" -Robert M. Fenner, The Conscientious Marine Aquarist.

[rickvanduin]

I agree on cycling without a fish and painting the backing up in front. Although, I did my research on painting methods and it came down to either using a roller and acrylic or spray paint. The reason I went with spray paint is that it creates a solid gloss coating that does not scratch fast, where acrylic does and the roller does not create such a nice equal coating. I'll take my fish back to the store and cycle the rest without, although I think taking him back is going to cause more stress to the fish then keeping it in the tank where it seems to be very happy. And that is not ignorance but just a fact from observing it and keeping very close track of it. I am trying to learn so regarding the ignorance card you are mistaking otherwise I would've not even posted this thread to begin with. Thank you for your "advice" though. Please take a look at my other thread (see link in comment above) to get a better understanding of what I am planning on doing.

Thanks!

[Crna]

The concern with the spray paint is the aerosolized particles. I have seen threads where hobbyists were concerned about painting the walls of the room that their tank is in due to the fumes.
I'm a beginner too, and mistakes are inevitable! Having a resource like this is very beneficial. Are you cycling your tank with live water and sand?

[Lincutis]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Please help beginners, don't blast them. They want help not insults. That's how we all start. We desire to build a responsible reefing community that helps one another. We should not discourage people from posting their questions for fear of unsympathetic members. We want to help not harm.

[KirbyBTF]

I encourage asking before action is taken. I'm pleased to see he's taking the fish back. Rule one of reef keeping is research research research.

[Travis55]

Looks like a good start. Ive spray painted numerous tanks although none with fish in them but i have spray painted about 15. Hundreds of people do a fish in cycle. It has been shunned upon nowadays but people do it. Whatever you do, IF your using tap water dont admit to it... you should use RODI water but if anyone finds out your not theres another 25 posts of bashing. Just take your time from here and think out each step. When i made the switch from fresh to salt it was a million ways different. I wish you the utmost best of luck on your salty journey!!!

[rickvanduin]

CRNA: I am cycling the tank with dry rock and live sand. Thank you Luncutis for noticing the slightly intense replies. Travis55 thank for your advice, you actually gave me some information that is useful and will help me advance in this hobby.

KirbyBTF: Did you really believe I was going to take that fish back? That would cause way more stress to the fish. Maybe I would've if you showed some more respect to a fellow hobbyist trying to learn something. This method is used by many people over many years and I've done my research on how to cycle a tank. Different people prefer different methods, and this one is mine. There is no harm being done to this fish and nothing to worry about. You obviously have your method and I assume you like to be respected for that choice as well. I would appreciate your respect for my choice as well, if you do not have that, then please do not comment on my thread anymore so I can focus on more important things then writing you back. Thank you very much!

[Travis55]

Although i tend to respect everyones opinions and thoughts and processes it bothers me when they say "would you do it to a cat or dog?" No, i wouldnt dunk them in a saltwater tank... lol but we are all guilty of "inhumane" treatment towards our fish and corals. It comes back to all discussions on size of tank for a fish. This fish "requires" this size tank. We took them from the OCEAN which is millions of square miles and cram them in a 6'x2x2' tank because thats its "requirements". Like i said we are all guilty of something and I'm not one to tell someone they f'd their whole tank up because it doesn't follow my thought process. Rick, keep doin your thing and don't let us discourage your dreams. Don't be afraid to hop on and ask a question. While I don't know even close to everything aquaria related what I don't know someone else will!

[rickvanduin]

Very well said Travis55. We are all here to observe, learn and share our experiences with others in an educational way and never too old to learn. I went to visit a friend of mine his brother who grows thousands of corals for retail use and he told me that we all have our own personal methods in this hobby, some of them work, some of them don't. Posting and reading on this forum is to prevent ourselves from using the methods that do not work or improving any of the methods that do work. Either way and bottom line, we are all beginners compared to mother nature and her methods. I will soon post some updates on my tank.

[rickvanduin]

Please take a look at the following thread. I am constructing a 30G Nano Tank and would like feedback to improve and maximize the functionality of this setup before building it.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2352224