My first nano reef plans, what do you think?

[Stish]

I am in the process of getting everything together for my first Nano tank. I have decided on going with a 10 gallon. I have had a 55g fish only and a 55g fish only with live rock in the past. I currently have a 55g freshwater planted. Below is the equipment that I plan on using for my build and I was just wondering if anyone had any changes I should consider. My budget for equipment is only about $250 right now.

 

Eheim Jager 75w heater
Current USA Marine Orbit LED
1 Hydor Koralia 425 Powerheads

Hang on back refugium

DIY ATO

Refractometer and reef master test kit

 

I plan on doing natural filtration only. I was planning on using about 10lbs of sand and 15lbs of dry rock and letting this cycle for however long it takes. Is there something I can get to introduce only beneficial mirco-organisms to the tank?

As for stocking I was planing on Soft corals and mushrooms, possibly would try some SPS. The only fish that I know for sure that I want in it is Firefish, very possible I would them only. Might throw a shrimp in there as well.

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[itskris]

I would recommend a hang on back filter. Definitely helps with takes with no sump.

[Reefin Ric Flair]

I would recommend a hang on back filter. Definitely helps with takes with no sump.

For sure, a good one to look into would be an aqua clear model

[Cencalfishguy56]

One powerhead at 425 should be fine or if a little more flow a 425 and the 240 would work

[Prp076]

I have a standard 10 gallon and I agree one powerhead is enough flow for it. Also with that light you won't be able to really have any sps. From my experience I was going to go natural filtration but with dry rock it was way to difficult. At bare minimum run a media reactor with GFO. Also make sure you cure your dry rock outside of the tank. That stuff will leak phosphates for months if you throw it in without curing. Know this from my past experience and I wish I would have cured it before starting my cycle.

[Prp076]

I have a standard 10 gallon and I agree one powerhead is enough flow for it. Also with that light you won't be able to really have any sps. From my experience I was going to go natural filtration but with dry rock it was way to difficult. At bare minimum run a media reactor with GFO. Also make sure you cure your dry rock outside of the tank. That stuff will leak phosphates for months if you throw it in without curing. Know this from my past experience and I wish I would have cured it before starting my cycle.

[Stish]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I have been doing some research since I last posted this and I have decided that I am going to be doing a hang on the back refugium for this tank. Be it an aquaclear conversion or one that I purchase I haven't decided yet.

 

I am also tossing around the idea of doing a deep sand bed in this tank. So that may change up some things a little bit. Thoughts on this?

 

I had initially shied away from using live rock from hearing the horror stories of bad hitchhikers. However, I am pondering the idea of using live rock instead of dry.

 

I also just build a DIY ATO for my freshwater planted tank and it has been working well so I will be adding one to this tank as well.

[Cencalfishguy56]

I have a standard 10 gallon and I agree one powerhead is enough flow for it. Also with that light you won't be able to really have any sps. From my experience I was going to go natural filtration but with dry rock it was way to difficult. At bare minimum run a media reactor with GFO. Also make sure you cure your dry rock outside of the tank. That stuff will leak phosphates for months if you throw it in without curing. Know this from my past experience and I wish I would have cured it before starting my cycle.

Duuuuude samething here mine leaks phosphates like crazy I run so much media in a 10G it's ridiculous!! Lol

It's been 5 months but made my tank hell I nearly gave up but much better now after I cleaned it up and added big guns a skimmer, didn't want to but it has helped tremendously honestly should have just got a gfo reactor oh well lol

Thanks for the replies.

 

I have been doing some research since I last posted this and I have decided that I am going to be doing a hang on the back refugium for this tank. Be it an aquaclear conversion or one that I purchase I haven't decided yet.

 

I am also tossing around the idea of doing a deep sand bed in this tank. So that may change up some things a little bit. Thoughts on this?

 

I had initially shied away from using live rock from hearing the horror stories of bad hitchhikers. However, I am pondering the idea of using live rock instead of dry.

 

I also just build a DIY ATO for my freshwater planted tank and it has been working well so I will be adding one to this tank as well.

Honestly an aquaclear would be a great idea I've seen plenty successful one but if not get a cpr aquafuge 2 it's so badass wish I would have got one!