I just set up my 12g nanocube. I've got a koralia nano for circulation (plus the bult in pump).

To start the cycling I've got ~8 lbs of live rock (to start with) and live sand.

My question is about the bio ball and ceramic rings that came with the aquarium. The local fish store told me to take them out because I didn't need them since I've got sufficient live rock. I just wanted to check with others if I should really leave the balls and rings out or if I should put them in?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Take em out.

You would only leave them in if you were planning a Fish only or fish with live rock(FOWLR). In a reef environment, they are too efficient and turn waste into nitrates too fast to be removed by a skimmer or the live rock.

Good to know. So based on your comment above, do I need a skimmer? I planning on live rock with 2 clowns and a shimp.

I didn't think I needed a skimmer based on my research but I want to ask.

I do appoligize but I am new so this is why I ask.

Thanks.

I took mine out of the Aquapod, and so far i havent had any issues with the water..Im new too

as far as a skimmer, I would like to know the answer to that ? as well

I don't know......2 fish and a shrimp would be pushing it for me. Long run I feel like a bioload like that u will run into algae issues. Ur tank won't look crystal clear....but then again I'm agaisnt having fish in tanks. =P

if you do take them out you are going to want at least 1-2 pounds of rock per gallon making you need 12-24 pounds of live rock. this is only if you are going to take them out 8 pounds just wont do it.

Based on some research I was planning on getting the aquarium cycled with the 8 pounds and then adding 4-6 lbs more before adding any fish.

The guy at the local fish store agreed that it would be OK but I did need to up the live rock before increasing the bio load.

I really catch see adding more than 12-15 lbs of live rock in that aquarium. Adding twice of what I have now seems like it would create a very cluttered environment with very little room for fish.

12 lbs is good. maybe a little more but i would leave that for a later date because you might buy something that has live rock attached to it. you don't need a skimmer, just do weekly water changes like 3 gallons. run a good quality carbon and floss and change floss every 3-4 days and carbon every week .