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Eheim Aquastyle 24 litre - Office setup


matt1977

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Hi all,

 

I thought I'd put up something about my new Eheim Aquastyle 24 litre - Office setup.

I've just set it up 3 days and it's going to need to 'cycle' for a couple of weeks. See pics below - Note: the light is only on for the pics. I don't usually bother with the lights during cycling.

 

To be honest, I was not a fan of these tanks as I like things to be neat and all equipment hidden away in a sum or at the back of a AIO system. However, after I've set it up - I'm liking it. It was easy to set up. After 45mins - I actually caught myself saying "is that it?'.

 

The upgrades I'm planning to do in the next few months or so is very minimal. I'm planning to replace the 'daylight' light to the 'Blu and Actinic' light from Eheim. I'll probably install a ecotech MP10 from my other tank to this one or just get a cheap nano pump. I will not set up a skimmer. I will just do water changes once a week.

 

Currently the 24litre has live rock: Im planning to purchase a CUC once Nitrites are down. Then I will fill the filter with Purigen.

 

As for stocking, I planning a couple of mushrooms, star polyps, and zoos + hermits and a couple of snails(CUC), macro algae (there's still a debate in my head about this one) and 1 fish (don't know what yet).

 

If you have any suggestions on stocking let me know - I'd like to see what other options I have.

 

 

M

 

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You're cycling the tank (without lights) with a colony of Blastos?

HI SEABASS! Yep.. The colony is dying already when I got the live rock.

Should I cycle with light considering the parametres of the water will fluctuate and would likely kill the colony during cycling?

 

What do you think light or no light?

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Wow , I see plenty of healthy heads in that bunch. It's a shame you're okay with just letting them die.

 

Hi Ninja. Yes - I'm having second thoughts about it now...

I'm more concerned about the water quality during the cycle will make them die-off even with light.

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I'd try to save them. I'd use the lights on a normal light cycle and start running the filter media (and perform regular water changes).

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I love the scape. Really simple yet unique looking shaped rocks. I would definitely try to "soft cycle" the tank to keep the coral alive. They really add some personality imo.

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So I've decided to do a soft cycle on my office tank to try to salvage the colony Blastos on the live rock. I've just tested and I'm a bit surprised and perplexed at my readings. I am only entering the 5th day of this tank cycling and my readings are as follows.

 

Temp: 24.5c

Test readings from API test Kit and Seachem test kit: averaged

Ph: 7.9

Ammonia: 0ppm

Nitrite: 30ppm

Nitrate: 10ppm

 

So much about taking this slow... If this is the 'real' pattern - I think I will be trying to catch up with nature rather than waiting for it.

 

I think the results are that way because the live rock is from an existing established tank and I used water and filter media from my reef tank at home that's been up for more than a year.

 

Either way, I have done a 10-15% WC, lights have been turned on (6hours) and I will test again after 24hrs to see the results.

Maybe its time to get some clumps marco algae in a few days or so...

 



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Same-ish:

 

Day 6

 

Temp: 24c

Test readings from API test Kit and Seachem test kit: averaged

Ph: 8

Ammonia: 0ppm

Nitrite: 20ppm

Nitrate: 20ppm

 

Will do a small water change.

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I'd do a massive water change.

 

Because your nitrates are high, the biofilter has already converted a good amount of ammonia. And since the ammonia isn't detectable, you tank is nearing the end of its cycle (establishing the nitrogen cycle). At this point, a water change will not delay the cycle (but will reduce both nitrite and nitrate). In fact, I'd personally change it all out.

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I'd do a massive water change.

 

Because your nitrates are high, the biofilter has already converted a good amount of ammonia. And since the ammonia isn't detectable, you tank is nearing the end of its cycle (establishing the nitrogen cycle). At this point, a water change will not delay the cycle (but will reduce both nitrite and nitrate). In fact, I'd personally change it all out.

Thanks Seabass.. Agree.. I'm used to doing water changes that requires 25litres of premix water...

Water change on this tiny cube is a small water change .. :) I'm just mixing up 15 litres at home at the moment and will bring it in the office tonight.

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UPDATE:

 

Day 10 - Diatoms arrived on Day 9... and happy it was not too heavy. I added a small hydor pump for movement.

 

Parameters

Temp: 24c

Test readings from API test Kit and Seachem test kit: averaged

Ph: 8

Ammonia: 0ppm

Nitrite: 0ppm

Nitrate: <5ppm

 

Water change (30%) and placed some new corals + a macro algae at the back.

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Day 11 (38 hours later)

Diatoms have started receding - very fast. it's a bit perplexing... but a welcome result.

 

Temp: 25c

Test readings from API test Kit and Seachem test kit: averaged

Ph: 7.9

Ammonia: 0ppm

Nitrite: 0ppm

Nitrate: 0ppm (probably due to 30% WC the day before or the macro algae)

 

post-81033-0-85503600-1397432623_thumb.jpg Macro Algae detail

 

Corals are showing off and opening up..

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Full tank shot. A few weeks to go - I can probably add a clown goby...

CUC arriving today... 3 hermits and a few Ceriths.

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Really nice tank mate! I hope one day when I'm older (Currently I work in O&G but I have a cubicle) but someday if I have my own office on a high floor I'd love a nice little pico just like yours! Looks awesome, again! :)

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Day 13 update...

All settling in well...

 

 

Temp: 25c

Test readings from API test Kit and Seachem test kit: averaged

Ph: 8.0

Ammonia: 0ppm

Nitrite: 0ppm

Nitrate: 0ppm

 

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Now I cant wait to receive the replacement light fitting from Eheim..

Right now it's just the Daylight light... I ordered the Daylight/Actinic combo...

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At least the colour in the tank will pop.. Im getting over the brown/yellow look of it :)

 

Also - thinking of upgrading the filter... I was thinking a HOB Breeder box modified with a small pump...

Not sure yet - but here we go... upgrade planning time.

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Light!!!

 

I dug out my old AquaMini Mimcol light and installed it on the Aquastlye...

Hallelujah! Finally I get to see some colours...

 

Pics doesn't it do it justice...

 

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Woah, what a difference!! Went from brown to killer!

I know... So glad I don't throw equipment away. Thanks mate.

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  • 11 months later...

UPDATE APRIL 2015 -

Eheim Aquastyle 24 litre - Office setup

 

HI all,

 

Its been awhile. Below is the pics of my office Nano - its been almost a year since I've set it up.

A few things have gone and been moved to my bigger Nano (55lt) at home. Over all, nothing much has changed apart from new corals and and upgraded light.

 

The Office Nano, seems to be well settled in - parameters don't swing too much anymore. 5% water changes are fortnightly. Top up with fresh water every 3 days...a mug full.

 

Feeding is also kept at a minimum. Dotty back and cleaner shrimp gets fed every 3 days. Corals fed monthly.

 

Im still running the Aqua style filter with purigen - which is replaced every 3 months or as required.

i have a nano stream 6020 tunze powerhead running. Its was originally too powerful for such a small tank - but with a bit of trimming of the propeller - I've managed to limit the powerhead substantially to a level that it does not stir up the sand.

 

Fingers-crossed the nano keep running smoothly. :)

 

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Wonderful little tank. So often, office tanks go by the wayside because of days off, vacations, weekends, etc, but it's obvious that you take pride in yours. Keep it up.

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Wonderful little tank. So often, office tanks go by the wayside because of days off, vacations, weekends, etc, but it's obvious that you take pride in yours. Keep it up.

Thanks - The main challenge is I will be away for 4 weeks next month.... a lot of automations have been implemented and more to come.. Ie ATO and training a junior to do a water change.

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  • 2 months later...

UPDATE - OFFICE NANO

 

So I'm back from 3.5 weeks vacation. Before I left, I made sure that my office nano is as automated as it can be (budget permitting).

 

My pre work are as follows:

- 2 weeks before my last day: I did a 50% water change. Upgraded the filter to a Eheim 2215 and just ran it with none of the trays and with only a bag of purigen. Vac'd the substrate and trimmed the macro algae i have growing in the display. Gave inverts a good feeding.

 

post-81033-0-92759400-1435042168_thumb.jpeg

 

- 1 week before my last day: 30% water change. Installed the Tunze Osmolator Nano for auto top off with 12 litres of distilled water. Tested and re-tested equipment (filter, heater and lights).

 

post-81033-0-65485300-1435042160_thumb.jpeg post-81033-0-18752500-1435042165_thumb.jpeg

 

- 3 days before my last day: Did a 10% water change and prepared the food for office junior to feed fish every other day. I used 7 day pill boxes for the right amount. I made a list for the Office junior to follow (from feeding and checking temperature of water). I bought a back up heater and set up 5 litre of FSW as a just in case. Gave all inhabitants a good feed.

 

- Last day: Drilled office junior on procedures (hahah). Re-checked equipment.

 

I'm very happy to report that the tank is ok. It needs a good clean - but all is ok! Even water parameters! YAY!! See pics. This is the state of the tank when i walked into my office. Not too bad, considering the nightmares I was having about it whilst I was away.

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