45 replies to this topic

[Bowdy]

hey guys i just bought my first marine tank, its only a nano almost 50L. its an all in one unit with everything built in the back i got a great price i think so im very happy with it.

few pics of the set up,







The back set out.




im wanting to keep 2 sea horses in it and matbe a shrimp or two,
questions, the tank has a built in uv on the return is a uv really needed ?
i have a mate shutting down his tank would i still need to cycle the tank iven if i put a few small pieces of live rock in there?
im really excited about it so any advice is greatly appreciated.

[sandgroper]

The Uv i'd use it, cycle the tank, i would. Whats the no 1 thing reefers say take it SLOWLY. So take a deep breath and stop creaming your self.

[Anka]

Looks good bowdy, where did you get the unit from? Was it $$$?

I would be soooo keen to keep seahorses but I heard they are quite particular about their water quality? I read that water quality in nano's can be quite unstable unless you are very careful. That is the main reason why I haven't done a nano reef (cuz I'm a noob and would likely kill everything)

[Gareth]

Welcome to the Marine`addiction.
First of all I would get rid of the bio-balls, Noodles and sponge and put only live rock in the middle chamber. Just make sure it has some sort of light be able to get to it.
Sea horses for ur first stint at marine will be very challenging, i'm sure u have researched them though Like said above they are very particular with water quality and to keep them in a nano tank will be a mission.
If it was me doing this I would be making sure I was going to do 20% water changes almost every second day just to be sure the water quality stayed at peak.
U will still need to cycle the tank because it is its own envirment, its like buying live rock from the shop and saying it will be all good, it wont be... Must cycle for minimum 2-3 weeks.
Simple info to help out....
http://www.seahorse....y/library.shtml

Good luck

[Bowdy]

So take a deep breath and stop creaming your self.

Hehe il try mate

Cheers Anka. It's a sweet little set up $$ let's just say it was a great price

Her Gareth my house has limited room thank god so can't fit any more tanks
I spoke to riggs the other day and he has some crushed coral for the middle bit. There is no light in there so live rock can't go in the filter.
Cheers.

[Riggers]

Yeah Ray, When you come get your fish bucket I'll fill it with crushed coral for ya!!

[Mattymak]

good luck with it let me know how it goes, i was looking into starting a small marine myself

[Bowdy]

I picked up some live rock from AAA today to kick the tank off cheers Paul your a champ.
After getting home and putting it in I should have got more

But I have decided to stray away from sea horses untill I am more experienced with this marine kapper. I'm thinking a few puffers would look sweet. Nice and active. And I would really like a heap of differant coloured pollops. How does that sound ? Any thoughts. Cheers.

[dazzabozza]

Know which puffers u want Bowdy? Most get huge.

Coral gobies and dragonets are tiny but also more picky when it comes to feeding. Flame hawks cool but pricey.

[Bowdy]

Hey dazz I like the valentini puffer puffer they grow to bout 8cm so should be ok I would have thought. What do you think ?
Dragonets are awesome what can be kept with them ??

[Gareth]

I can see the bug biting you really quickly Bowdy.... lol.
There is a forum for Nano Reef Keepers http://www.nano-reef...orums/index.php?

Good Luck.

[Bowdy]

Bloody bit me everywhere
Guess I just wanna get a happy balance. I know nothing about the fish out there. And google can be a pain.
Cheers for the link Gareth il take a look.

[Riggers]

I want pics Ray!!

[Bowdy]

Here you go rigg man.











Not 100% happy with the lay out but not to bad for first crack.

[Anka]

Looking good!

Loving that fish - he looks like a hoon! What is it?

Could maybe do with a bit more live rock?

Any more fish or inverts on the way?

[Craig]

You've already got fish and corals in there?

This isn't going to end well...

[Bowdy]

Really can you tell the future Craig ? I think not.

i have taken advice from very knowledgeable and experienced marine keepers, have also used pre-cured live rock and 50% of the initial water was from a cycled system and i am doing water changes every two day for the first month, i have been told this should be fine but im very open to more advise , hints , tips ect.
cheers .

[drijanthony]

Hi Bowdy. Hope you keep posting updates and pics as the nano develops... I've been looking at a similar system to dip the toe in the marine side of aquatics. Good on ya!

[Bowdy]

cheers mate im pretty happy with the progress so far, i will add more live rock as i see pieces i like. its all very interesting

[Riggers]

That looks siiiiick bro!!! The new light tube makes a huge difference to the blue one! Top job bro