SW Noob Starting Nano

Mattb126 · 09/16/2017, 08:40 AM

Hey everyone,
I've recently joined this forum as I'm just getting started in the saltwater hobby. I've been keeping and breeding freshwater fish and plants for some time now, so I figured it was time to move on.

I've recently set up a FluvalSea Evo V. I know that the smaller tanks are harder to keep and maintain due to the fact that parameters can swing fast, however, I have much experience keeping stable water parameters for specific fish in small tanks. Also, I'm ready for a challenge!

I started my tank about 2 weeks ago from today (9/16/17) and it's officially cycled as of today. I kept everything in the tank equipment wise, stock. I used CaribSea Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand as my substrate, and about 12 pounds of dry rock, and a few pounds of live rock to seed my tank. I went for a very minimal scape to start, I plan on adding more to the rocks as I learn more about saltwater.

I plan on stocking 1-2 small ocellaris clowns (I plan on setting up another tank soon, a 40 breeder), a small clean up crew, and possibly a tail spot blenny. I do plan on adding some corals down the road, will probably just stick to soft corals for now.

So, here's what the tank looks like for now (9/16/17)

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Mattb126 · 09/17/2017, 10:42 AM

Added some blue legged hermit crabs last night (3) and a couple frags of Kenya tree. Unfortunately the Kenya tree's didn't seem to do very good. Hopefully they'll bounce back and do good. The hermit crabs are doing good as of now.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Mattb126 · 09/22/2017, 05:32 PM

Thinking about stocking the tank this coming week.

I've recently discovered that I have an infestation of bristleworms. Which threw a monkey wrench in my stocking plan. I'm not interested in trying to trap the worms so I was thinking of getting a predator to eat them. I was really looking into the Orchid Dottyback, but don't know if it's compatible w/ 2 ocellaris clownfish in a 5 gallon. Any other suggestions for the stocking? I think I'm set on having the 2 clowns, but might change my mind if it's not recommend.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Mattb126 · 09/22/2017, 05:38 PM

Also, I re-arranged the rocks to create a taller scape, and removed the dead Kenya tree's. I think when I fragged the Kenya's I damaged them too bad.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Mattb126 · 09/24/2017, 05:29 PM

Thanks for "ALL" the advice guys! What a waste of time forum

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

09/16/2017, 08:40 AM	#1
Mattb126 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 2	SW Noob Starting Nano Hey everyone, I've recently joined this forum as I'm just getting started in the saltwater hobby. I've been keeping and breeding freshwater fish and plants for some time now, so I figured it was time to move on. I've recently set up a FluvalSea Evo V. I know that the smaller tanks are harder to keep and maintain due to the fact that parameters can swing fast, however, I have much experience keeping stable water parameters for specific fish in small tanks. Also, I'm ready for a challenge! I started my tank about 2 weeks ago from today (9/16/17) and it's officially cycled as of today. I kept everything in the tank equipment wise, stock. I used CaribSea Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand as my substrate, and about 12 pounds of dry rock, and a few pounds of live rock to seed my tank. I went for a very minimal scape to start, I plan on adding more to the rocks as I learn more about saltwater. I plan on stocking 1-2 small ocellaris clowns (I plan on setting up another tank soon, a 40 breeder), a small clean up crew, and possibly a tail spot blenny. I do plan on adding some corals down the road, will probably just stick to soft corals for now. So, here's what the tank looks like for now (9/16/17) Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

09/17/2017, 10:42 AM	#2
Mattb126 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 2	Added some blue legged hermit crabs last night (3) and a couple frags of Kenya tree. Unfortunately the Kenya tree's didn't seem to do very good. Hopefully they'll bounce back and do good. The hermit crabs are doing good as of now. Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

09/22/2017, 05:32 PM	#3
Mattb126 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 2	Thinking about stocking the tank this coming week. I've recently discovered that I have an infestation of bristleworms. Which threw a monkey wrench in my stocking plan. I'm not interested in trying to trap the worms so I was thinking of getting a predator to eat them. I was really looking into the Orchid Dottyback, but don't know if it's compatible w/ 2 ocellaris clownfish in a 5 gallon. Any other suggestions for the stocking? I think I'm set on having the 2 clowns, but might change my mind if it's not recommend. Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

09/22/2017, 05:38 PM	#4
Mattb126 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 2	Also, I re-arranged the rocks to create a taller scape, and removed the dead Kenya tree's. I think when I fragged the Kenya's I damaged them too bad. Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

09/24/2017, 05:29 PM	#5
Mattb126 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 2	Thanks for "ALL" the advice guys! What a waste of time forum Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk