My first nano-reef (question)

[spykey]

I am so glad to start my first Nano reef tank. I just set up the tank at my desk at work. I am trying to make this tank "dummy proof" Just in case I need my co-workers to take over the tank for a few weeks here and there based on my schedule.

 

The tank is Fusion nano-10 premium starter.

 

I used 5 gallons from my "home" macro algae tank (that hasn't had a water change in about 6 months) and combined it with 5 gallons of Nutri-SeaWater natural "live" saltwater.

 

My plan is to have two clowns and crustations only with a single piece of live rock. I also plan to go skimmer-less and do monthly 5 gallon water changes with the Nutri SeaWater.

 

Does anyone have any advice on the skimmer issue? and the water change frequency?

 

Thanks

 

[Nanomaniac]

What species of Clownfish are you thinking? I would steer towards doing smaller more frequent water changes if you can get away with it, especially if it's going to be run without a skimmer and have only a small amount of live rock.

[kirbaay]

You dont need a skimmer for that tank. I suggest a large piece of liverock if you are going that route. I would suggest doing bi monthly 2 1/2 water changes rather than a big one, once a month.

[Clown79]

You don't need a skimmer on a small tank but on a 10g, monthly waterchanges won't be effective.

 

Weekly waterchanges is best. Clowns produce a lot of waste.

[spykey]

OK. I have decided to put two Medium sized pieces of live rock in the tank because one didn't look very nice with just one. I also added some sand. As much as I want to get a skimmer for this tank I have opted to not get one at this point (I have not ruled it out in for the future). I have decided to split the single 4.4gallon water change into 4 monthly water changes using the Nutri-SeaWater natural "live" saltwater.

 

I hope to pick up some ocellaris clownfish. Does anyone put bubble tip anemones in tanks this small?

[SelectedByNature]

OK. I have decided to put two Medium sized pieces of live rock in the tank because one didn't look very nice with just one. I also added some sand. As much as I want to get a skimmer for this tank I have opted to not get one at this point (I have not ruled it out in for the future). I have decided to split the single 4.4gallon water change into 4 monthly water changes using the Nutri-SeaWater natural "live" saltwater.

 

I hope to pick up some ocellaris clownfish. Does anyone put bubble tip anemones in tanks this small?

Anemones require a stable at least 6 month old tank, and are often more trouble than they are worth (they move around and clowns won't necessarily host them).

[burtbollinger]

I am so glad to start my first Nano reef tank. I just set up the tank at my desk at work. I am trying to make this tank "dummy proof" Just in case I need my co-workers to take over the tank for a few weeks here and there based on my schedule.

 

The tank is Fusion nano-10 premium starter.

 

I used 5 gallons from my "home" macro algae tank (that hasn't had a water change in about 6 months) and combined it with 5 gallons of Nutri-SeaWater natural "live" saltwater.

 

My plan is to have two clowns and crustations only with a single piece of live rock. I also plan to go skimmer-less and do monthly 5 gallon water changes with the Nutri SeaWater.

 

Does anyone have any advice on the skimmer issue? and the water change frequency?

 

Thanks

 

no skimmer.

 

just speaking from my own experience...for all I know you work 60 hours a week in a super hip, open-minded widget warehouse loft space with amazing, kind hearted creatives...If so, please ignore, but if not:

 

If your travel schedule is literally weeks away, I simply wouldn't trust co-workers with a tank. More importantly...Nor would I want to burden them with it. It is a lot of faith in them to have them care for it while not knowing anything about a tank...and to think/assume that they will want the responsibility of caring for it while you are away for a few "WEEKS here and there". Feeding...topping it off.

 

Then theres the optics of it all....Work tanks are funny to me...I see them every so often on here...I wonder...If I had a co-worker that had time to mess with a fancy, delicate and expensive looking reef tank at work, I think I'd be wondering if he was busy enough. That could happen, btw. You've just potentially put a magnifying glass on yourself (depending on the nature of your work, of course)

 

Anyway...I'd love a tank at my desk too...but there's reasons why I don't. In my situation, work is for work, not hobbies. Many workspaces also breed resentments...a reef tank on the desk is resentment fuel. Be sure you've assessed your unique situation before committing.

[Clown79]

I agree with burt.

 

I won't even go on vacation because I'd trust no one with my tank unless they themselves are dedicated reefers.

 

I wouldn't allow my co workers to do my work because its my work and the level of dedication/care on their part wouldn't get the job done, I certainly wouldn't trust one to baby my reef.

 

 

As for anemones, tank should be 6+ months old, very stable water. Be prepared to deal with it possibly moving, getting caught in equipment(possibly destroying the tank), and they don't always host clowns and not all of them do.

[spykey]

Thanks Burt. I didn't even consider potential for resentment from my coworkers. All I can say is haters gonna hate.

 

And for everyone else, I got it, anenomes are a no-no. I am trying to make this tank as "easy" as possible and bring a little "Zen" into my office situation.

 

Thank you all for your input!!