New to hobby

[sikiee]

hello, i'm new to this hobby, need some guidance. I just bought a small 1 ft tank finally, i think ard 6 gallons (BOYU MT-30), it comes with powercompact light (18w), filter and cooling fans already >> http://www.boyu.us/eng/aquarium-kit/MT_30.htm

firstly not too sure about the cycling, whether is it better to throw in uncooked shrimp or just let the live rocks cycle itself? am also not too sure about the height of my sand bed, my tank ain't very big and when i picture a 2" deep already seems very high. also, during the cycling process, do i still need to do water changes and do i need to still top up the evaporated water?

secondly i'm not keen on getting DI unit so where can i purchase RO water? distilled water will also be ok right?

thirdly, i'm scared to overload my tank hence i'm not sure how many corals can i exactly get. i'm planning to get easy corals (as read in many places) like mushrooms/leathers/LPS, but i'm not sure EXACTLY what mushroom and leather, any good recommendations (cheap and nice and easy to take care) or should i go straight to the marine lfs to enquire?

and also, if i get corals, what do i feed them? like some microplanktons thingy?

is it necessary for additives (and what exactly are they for) too?

am also planning to get a cleanup crew (like cleaner shrimps), any other rec and how many should i get? and i dun need to FEED this clean up crew right? (since they feed on the detritus)

oh oh sry for the bombarding qsns. pls correct me if i misunderstand anything. thanks!

[cdckjn]

hello, i'm new to this hobby, need some guidance. I just bought a small 1 ft tank finally, i think ard 6 gallons (BOYU MT-30), it comes with powercompact light (18w), filter and cooling fans already >> http://www.boyu.us/eng/aquarium-kit/MT_30.htm

A: it is a bit small but you can use this as a test first - but once up and running - you may have to do frequent water changes.

firstly not too sure about the cycling, whether is it better to throw in uncooked shrimp or just let the live rocks cycle itself? am also not too sure about the height of my sand bed, my tank ain't very big and when i picture a 2" deep already seems very high. also, during the cycling process, do i still need to do water changes and do i need to still top up the evaporated water?

A: cycling is best with the live rocks inside and water and sand already in. sand for 1ft tank can be 1inch. can put in 1 small prawn to speed up the cycling.

secondly i'm not keen on getting DI unit so where can i purchase RO water? distilled water will also be ok right?

A: you can buy water from NTUC or any supermarket - distilled water is ok, salt can buy from LFS and the meter to measure the SG of the water.

thirdly, i'm scared to overload my tank hence i'm not sure how many corals can i exactly get. i'm planning to get easy corals (as read in many places) like mushrooms/leathers/LPS, but i'm not sure EXACTLY what mushroom and leather, any good recommendations (cheap and nice and easy to take care) or should i go straight to the marine lfs to enquire?

A: yes you can out in corals, start with mushrooms or leathers, do a search for the pictures.

and also, if i get corals, what do i feed them? like some microplanktons thingy?

A: initially don't worry about feeding but you can buy coral food (in a bottle from LFS)

is it necessary for additives (and what exactly are they for) too?

A: same for additives.

am also planning to get a cleanup crew (like cleaner shrimps), any other rec and how many should i get? and i dun need to FEED this clean up crew right? (since they feed on the detritus)

A: for 1 feet 2 cleaners shrimps is more than enough. you should have a fish (perhaps a clownfish) should be more than enough livestock for a 1ft.

oh oh sry for the bombarding qsns. pls correct me if i misunderstand anything. thanks!

A: Welcome and happy reefing.

[jackywongto]

hello, i'm new to this hobby, need some guidance. I just bought a small 1 ft tank finally, i think ard 6 gallons (BOYU MT-30), it comes with powercompact light (18w), filter and cooling fans already >> http://www.boyu.us/eng/aquarium-kit/MT_30.htm

firstly not too sure about the cycling, whether is it better to throw in uncooked shrimp or just let the live rocks cycle itself? am also not too sure about the height of my sand bed, my tank ain't very big and when i picture a 2" deep already seems very high. also, during the cycling process, do i still need to do water changes and do i need to still top up the evaporated water?

secondly i'm not keen on getting DI unit so where can i purchase RO water? distilled water will also be ok right?

thirdly, i'm scared to overload my tank hence i'm not sure how many corals can i exactly get. i'm planning to get easy corals (as read in many places) like mushrooms/leathers/LPS, but i'm not sure EXACTLY what mushroom and leather, any good recommendations (cheap and nice and easy to take care) or should i go straight to the marine lfs to enquire?

and also, if i get corals, what do i feed them? like some microplanktons thingy?

is it necessary for additives (and what exactly are they for) too?

am also planning to get a cleanup crew (like cleaner shrimps), any other rec and how many should i get? and i dun need to FEED this clean up crew right? (since they feed on the detritus)

oh oh sry for the bombarding qsns. pls correct me if i misunderstand anything. thanks!

1st of all, welcome sikiee to SRC.

1 ft is very small and bad for newbie. but since you already bought it, lets try to make the most out of it.

Sand bed. Maybe invest a little more and get live sand. Iwarna and Aquamarin sell them.

you would just need prob half a pack to fill up to 1 inch, maybe buy/ share from some of the reefers here?

you can use distill water with salt mix. but you can also buy a bag of saltwater from LFS.

If you are cycling your tank, it is optional if you would like to do water changes.

Some people find it unneccessary since you are trying to get the full nitrogen cycle established in your tank.

Yes you can top off the evaporated water.

I strongly suggest you start off with a fish only tank 1st. Maybe just some small fishes/ shrimps while picking more to get over the learning curve.

btw, a small tang is not considered a small fish. Tangs are under the large fishes categories so dun go by physical size.

your live rocks will have some form of organisms. if you can keep them thriving, cut out the algae, boom some coraline, then maybe you are ready for corals then.

just my thoughts.

enjoy!

[comycus]

bro, do you have the budget to go bigger? If yes, can use this tank as a quarantine tank

Anyway such a small tank, I would suggest going bare bottom. Not much depth to play ard with sand. I would suggest starting the cycling with either fish food or prawn or bacteria starter.

And start reading up I can see information overload in your questions as you try to puzzle out everything. Tt's good, but you prob wanna just concentrate on initial set up information. Move on to stocking up and corals when you're in cycling phase... and slowly, the knowledge will come as you read more.

Wish you all the best!

[sikiee]

hello all, thanks for the info! even if am not having budget constraint, but having space constraint. think i can only make do with 1 ft now (:

prolly i'll go purchase my stuffs first.

thanks and btw i'm a "sis". not bro. haha:)

[teebs]

hello all, thanks for the info! even if am not having budget constraint, but having space constraint. think i can only make do with 1 ft now (:

prolly i'll go purchase my stuffs first.

thanks and btw i'm a "sis". not bro. haha:)

For such a small nano tank, it may be more feasible for you to get natural sea water instead of salt mix. It will probably be cheaper as a packet of NSW @ $1 for 10L is sufficient for your water change for a month already.

For your tank, I would say maybe forget about fishes. Add a shrimp or two and a couple of corals and you will have quite a nice tank already.

[kelvin70]

hello, i'm new to this hobby, need some guidance. I just bought a small 1 ft tank finally, i think ard 6 gallons (BOYU MT-30), it comes with powercompact light (18w), filter and cooling fans already >> http://www.boyu.us/eng/aquarium-kit/MT_30.htm

firstly not too sure about the cycling, whether is it better to throw in uncooked shrimp or just let the live rocks cycle itself? am also not too sure about the height of my sand bed, my tank ain't very big and when i picture a 2" deep already seems very high. also, during the cycling process, do i still need to do water changes and do i need to still top up the evaporated water?

secondly i'm not keen on getting DI unit so where can i purchase RO water? distilled water will also be ok right?

thirdly, i'm scared to overload my tank hence i'm not sure how many corals can i exactly get. i'm planning to get easy corals (as read in many places) like mushrooms/leathers/LPS, but i'm not sure EXACTLY what mushroom and leather, any good recommendations (cheap and nice and easy to take care) or should i go straight to the marine lfs to enquire?

and also, if i get corals, what do i feed them? like some microplanktons thingy?

is it necessary for additives (and what exactly are they for) too?

am also planning to get a cleanup crew (like cleaner shrimps), any other rec and how many should i get? and i dun need to FEED this clean up crew right? (since they feed on the detritus)

oh oh sry for the bombarding qsns. pls correct me if i misunderstand anything. thanks!

hi Bro, wellcome you, first my Avice is dont wast your time on the 1ft tank cos is hard to mainted & can not buy much fish or coal etc... I has try before so the choice is up to you ..if you really like marine fish alot... invent big tank.......

[vt_snowman87]

For such a small nano tank, it may be more feasible for you to get natural sea water instead of salt mix. It will probably be cheaper as a packet of NSW @ $1 for 10L is sufficient for your water change for a month already.

For your tank, I would say maybe forget about fishes. Add a shrimp or two and a couple of corals and you will have quite a nice tank already.

i second the seawater idea.. can buy them from iwarna at $1 a big packet.. thing is, have to be diligent and change water frequently..

[sikiee]

thanks for advice, but am having space constraints, and read from somewhere that many ppl keep nano tank due to space constraints and its still workable, i doubt i will be changing to a bigger tank (or at least for now), hence really hope to make the best outta wad i have now.

[derrickyeo]

hi bro

welcome to this hobby.

I think, seriously, for this size of tank, shld really take care of the water parameter and resist yr temptations to put in many corals or livestocks.. i nvr had success with my old tanks... 2 fts.... and finally, decided to settle down on a 3ft by 1 ft by 2ft and oso,,invvest in a affordable reliable skimmer.. and now, at least my tank has been running for a good 6 month plus..... with nice angels like juvenile emperor, koran and coral beauty. certain things are a good investments like a gd chiller, SKIMMER!!!!

now i can sit for hours in front of my tank... but still,,, 3-6 mth is still consider very young for a marine tank.. but... good husbandary skills will help u achieve yr aims faster.. plus... i discovered,,there are a few good bros in src who will offer good advise and knowledge sharings...

hapi reefing...

[zorden]

Guys. she is a SIS.. female reef too.

[comycus]

On behalf of everyone, I apologize for all the 'bros' you've been getting.

Just a friendly reminder... our TS is sis

[garyjg]

Hi sis,

you may want to read to attached link... nano club is the best for setting up a new tank.

http://www.nano-reef.com/

[jackywongto]

Hi sis,

you may want to read to attached link... nano club is the best for setting up a new tank.

http://www.nano-reef.com/

-10. totally disagree

SRC is best for setting up a new tank

[poomoon]

-10. totally disagree

SRC is best for setting up a new tank

YEAH ... lol

[sikiee]

lol, thanks comycus. there's mostly male reefers is it? i do visit nano-reef.com but feel more comfortable here and the replies are definitely more prompt and clearer here. (:

[jackywongto]

lol, thanks comycus. there's mostly male reefers is it?

slight correction. Mostly are male vultures hovering around pasar malam section.

[comycus]

slight correction. Mostly are male vultures hovering around pasar malam section.

lol this is quite a male dominated hobby la... When there are so many high tech toys ard, u will definitely find guys.

But there are many successful female reefers here in src too!

[poomoon]

hello all, thanks for the info! even if am not having budget constraint, but having space constraint. think i can only make do with 1 ft now (:

prolly i'll go purchase my stuffs first.

thanks and btw i'm a "sis". not bro. haha:)

sounds similar haha ...

[Digiman]

lol, thanks comycus. there's mostly male reefers is it? i do visit nano-reef.com but feel more comfortable here and the replies are definitely more prompt and clearer here. (:

Welcome.

There's a saying, for marine aquariums starting with a bigger gallon tank is better than a small one, it's true 10 yrs ago but not so true now. With so much advances and more understandings of this hobby compared to when i started many years back, there are many successful nano tanks (Check out the Members tank and specs thread) now and in fact there are more pros than cons of keeping a nano compared to a bigger tank. It's more manageable (in terms of the amount of liverocks, sand etc) and most importantly as u mentioned, no space constraints.There's no need to make things complicated.

Step 1 fill your tank with dechlorinated tap water (no need to buy seawater or mineral water so troublesome, jux use tapwater and water conditioner).

Step 2 add in salt and aerate for one day checking the required salinity.

Step 3 add in sand and live rocks.

Step 4 get a hang-on filter with carbon filtration. Let everything run and cycle for 2 weeks den check ammonia and nitrate. If the parameters are ok den u can start adding livestock.

Fishes - keep to nano gobies and firefish will be the best. Clownfish and damsels can be v aggressive in a small tank so not a good choice. Some species of dwarf angels and cardinals can be suitable.

Inverts - Hermit crabs, snails and some nano-shrimps. I discourage cleaner shrimp since they can get quite big, peppermint shrimps will be a better option.

Corals - Because u hav no chiller and strong light, keep to soft corals, a few simple LPS can also do fine so research b4 u buy.

For such a small tank no need skimmer. Jux do weekly water change. U can prepare your own and store a pail of seawater for water change from salt mix, add conditioner and aerate for few days and it's ready for use. No need to buy seawater or mineral water la so troublesome, i know some pple may disagree w me, but tat's my own practice which u can choose not to follow.

Tat said it's also one of my dream to have a nice nano tank one day. Wish u success.

[Digiman]

And to answer 2 of your qns,

1) No need to add any additives if u do 20% water change weekly.

2) No need to feed your corals. When u feed your fishes food like mysis, your corals will also benefit from the fish food, so there's no need for specific feedings to corals unless u keep difficult non-photosynthetic corals (meaning corals that don't require light).

[comycus]

There's a saying, for marine aquariums starting with a bigger gallon tank is better than a small one, it's true 10 yrs ago but not so true now. With so much advances and more understandings of this hobby compared to when i started many years back, there are many successful nano tanks (Check out the Members tank and specs thread) now...

...Let everything run and cycle for 2 weeks den check ammonia and nitrate. If the parameters are ok den u can start adding livestock.

how come cycling period is only 2 weeks when using synthetic salt mix? Don't cut short the cycling process.

Yes, nano tanks can be kept. But more discipline and husbandry needed. The other option of course is to replace your tank inhabitants every few months coz tank always crash.

Another point to take note of. 20% water change every week is stressful for corals and fish. The signs are v. obvious when you do your water change. It would be better to do 10% every 3-4 days. Like I said, more hard work for smaller tanks.

[sikiee]

Welcome.

There's a saying, for marine aquariums starting with a bigger gallon tank is better than a small one, it's true 10 yrs ago but not so true now. With so much advances and more understandings of this hobby compared to when i started many years back, there are many successful nano tanks (Check out the Members tank and specs thread) now and in fact there are more pros than cons of keeping a nano compared to a bigger tank. It's more manageable (in terms of the amount of liverocks, sand etc) and most importantly as u mentioned, no space constraints.There's no need to make things complicated.

Step 1 fill your tank with dechlorinated tap water (no need to buy seawater or mineral water so troublesome, jux use tapwater and water conditioner).

Step 2 add in salt and aerate for one day checking the required salinity.

Step 3 add in sand and live rocks.

Step 4 get a hang-on filter with carbon filtration. Let everything run and cycle for 2 weeks den check ammonia and nitrate. If the parameters are ok den u can start adding livestock.

Fishes - keep to nano gobies and firefish will be the best. Clownfish and damsels can be v aggressive in a small tank so not a good choice. Some species of dwarf angels and cardinals can be suitable.

Inverts - Hermit crabs, snails and some nano-shrimps. I discourage cleaner shrimp since they can get quite big, peppermint shrimps will be a better option.

Corals - Because u hav no chiller and strong light, keep to soft corals, a few simple LPS can also do fine so research b4 u buy.

For such a small tank no need skimmer. Jux do weekly water change. U can prepare your own and store a pail of seawater for water change from salt mix, add conditioner and aerate for few days and it's ready for use. No need to buy seawater or mineral water la so troublesome, i know some pple may disagree w me, but tat's my own practice which u can choose not to follow.

Tat said it's also one of my dream to have a nice nano tank one day. Wish u success.

thanks digiman. i do come across other reefers (esp in setting up nano tanks) who follow the same procedures as u, many whom don't even have a skimmer, using only live rock and live sand as only source of filtration. but i'm not using live sand, heard normal sand will still be as good after cycling, i hope my IOS helps.

btw, wad do u mean by conditioner? and what type of snails should i get? i think 1-2 for my 6gallon tank is enuf right?

[sikiee]

how come cycling period is only 2 weeks when using synthetic salt mix? Don't cut short the cycling process.

Yes, nano tanks can be kept. But more discipline and husbandry needed. The other option of course is to replace your tank inhabitants every few months coz tank always crash.

Another point to take note of. 20% water change every week is stressful for corals and fish. The signs are v. obvious when you do your water change. It would be better to do 10% every 3-4 days. Like I said, more hard work for smaller tanks.

and i agree it's gonna be more hard work, makes me really more and more tempted to get a bigger tank..but bigger tank = better to get chiller?

[andylee]

I agree with Digiman, just use those hang on type of filters can do, this is what i used when first started out. but since u have IOS, even better, can put carbon media (with nylon bag) inside.

if u worried, can add in those airstone old school type of skimmers (i have a few lying around).

Get few big pieces of liverock, add water, add sand (live anot not an issue, cos after cycling 1 month everything is live).

Use salt mix change water every 1-2 weeks, 10% shld be enough. DO NOT DO WATER CHANGE WHILE CYCLING TANK.

And dechlorinator additive to remove chlorine before mixing water. No need RO or DI.

Then ensure u have good lightings, can even utilise an algae scrubber inside ur IOS. I saw one bro using this to keep his nitrate in check.

After 1 month, test if parameters ok, then add in nano fishes such as gobies, clowns (skunk or ocellaris, no others), blennys etc. Tangs not advisable.

Cleanup crew can include sand star, turbo snails, hermits, shld be good to go.

Corals since the tank is small, parameters sure fluctuate and no chiller, try to keep simple n hardy ones like mushies, zoas, gsp etc.

Most importantly is got discipline to do good husbandry la. Hope this helps