My Aqueon 4 Gall nano build just set it up!

[swingod]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to start a thread related to my new tank. I set it up about 3 weeks ago still in the middle of my cycle but would like to give a play-by-play of how my tank is doing.

 

The setup can be seen here:

 

 

Hey guys just wanted to share my new build. I'm doing an aqueon 4 build includes a zoomed 501 filtration system with chemipure elite in it, a underwater heater, the stock pump, tunze auto top-off system 5 lbs of live rock with a 2-3 inch sand bed, beamworks LED light, and also using the stock light for my fuge.

 

So far things are looking good, I have 2 red legged hermits and a turbo. The turbo is going to leave soon, I know its not great for a pico tank, I just wanted it until I get more CUC from online since my LFS didn't have most of what I was looking for. I also got a ball of chaeto in the back as mentioned in my vid.

 

Here's what it looks like so far:

 

http://youtu.be/mWMUDPvZnzs

 

For my CUC Ill be getting 2 nassarius snails, 2 ceriths, I plan to have 1-2 sexy shrimp, and possibly a bicolor bleny or small goby later on if i get really stable.

 

Ill be adding zoas/LFS when the tank also becomes a bit more stable and cycled. ammonia is at .5, nitrites at 1 low nitrates still so some work to do as far as the cycle.

 

I dont want to do water changes until the cycle is done but I also dont want the ammonia going up too high with my cuc on board.

 

Tell me thoughts!

[SquishyFishy]

I highly recommend Dr. Tim's One and Only to help cycle the tank. I used his products on my Nuvo 16 and never did have nitrate/nitrite problems, tank cycled in 8 days! Get it on Amazon. I am converting my Aqueon 4 also and am wanting the most simple set up. Did you read the "Simple Reefing" thread?

[jservedio]

I highly recommend Dr. Tim's One and Only to help cycle the tank. I used his products on my Nuvo 16 and never did have nitrate/nitrite problems, tank cycled in 8 days! Get it on Amazon. I am converting my Aqueon 4 also and am wanting the most simple set up. Did you read the "Simple Reefing" thread?

Even easier, and cheaper, than that is to just use good live rock from an established system since you only need one, maybe two pieces for a pico and have absolutely no cycle at all and no maturation process. Additionally, it is much safer since you won't have any surprise hitchhikers. It makes keeping your pico much easier since you won't be going through any cycling whatsoever and know exactly what hitchhikers, macroalgaes, pests, etc. you are getting.

 

I couldn't imagine dealing with the same algae I had in my bigger reef during the first 4 months in a pico! Not to mention the aiptasia, hydroids of every variety, bubble algae, and other pests I spent at least 6 months fighting in the beginning when I started my 20g. Dealing with that in a pico will be much more difficult.

[SquishyFishy]

I haven't ever had any algae, not a speck, except the usual stuff on the glass since day one using Dr. Tims the reason I never had any hitchhikers is my rock was dry rock. Tank is over 6 months old now. No problems ever....cross my fingers and toes!

[swingod]

So far the tank is doing well had a bicolor blenny in it for a while but it started destroying my coral. Didn't know they could be biters. I have a golden headed sleeper goby now and its doing great. anyone had any experience with these?