Jacobnano

Congratulations to Jacobnano for being selected for our October Reef Profile! His 24 gallon nano reef is a gorgeous collection unique specimens. Below he has written a profile of his aquarium's progress over the past year, and shares his experiences in the hobby. Check it out and share your comments and questions in Jacobnano's featured reef profile thread.

Tank Specs

Display: Aquapod 24g 19.75" x 17" x 20"
Lighting: Current USA 150w Sunpod, with a 14k Phoenix Bulb
Skimmer: Warner Marine H1 Hang-On-Back Skimmer
Circulation: EcoTech Vortech MP10, stock return pump
Filtration: inTank Mediabasket, chemi-pure elite

November 2009
January 2010
June 2010

Maintenance Routine

Clean the glass daily, feed a cube of mysis shrimp every 2-3 days. Clean the glass with a razor every 1-2 weeks. 4 gallon (about 25%) water change once a week. Clean the skimmer cup weekly; entire skimmer and Vortech monthly. Of course visually inspect everything on a daily basis.

Corals

Acanthastrea
Brain Coral
Plate Coral

• Zoanthus spp
• Duncanopsammia axifuga
• Fungia tenuis
• Ricordea florida
• Euphyllia paradivisa
• Caulastrea furcata
• Euphyllia paranchora
• Acanthastrea lordhowensis
• Acropora microphthalma
• Acropora tenuis
• Montipora danae
• Montipora Capricornis
• Acropora millepora
• Seriatopora hystrix
• Stylophora
• Montipora digitata
• Montipora tuberculosa
• Pocillopora
• Trachyphyllia geoffroyi
• Euphyllia glabrescens
• Favites pentagona
• Hydnophora
• Blastomussa wellsi
• Echinophyllia
• Dendrophyllia

Invertebrates

• Mini carpet anemone, Stichodactyla tapetum
• Crinoid Squat Lobster, Galathea inflate
• Tridacna maxima
• Tridacna crocea

Fish

Flasher Wrasse
Midas Blenny
Crinoid Squat Lobster

• Midas Blenny, Ecsenius midas
• Flasher Wrasse, Paracheilinus mccoskeri
• Yasha Goby, Stonogobiops yasha (2)

History

This tank has been through a lot. The past two years have seen upgrades in lighting, circulation, and rock! The best upgrade I made for this tank was probably my Sunpod. I had always been interested in SPS coral, but sadly was not able to keep them. My next favorite upgrade has got to be my Vortech. At first, I got it more for aesthetics; the quality was a nice bump as well. Now, with my coral growing and taking up so much room, I would not be able to have enough flow and fit the old Koralias I had.

Inspiration & Goals

It is an interesting story how I got into reef keeping. I had an English teacher who kept a simple 10 gallon aquarium with a clownfish in it. From the moment I saw it I knew I had to have one. Having been raised with a freshwater tank in the house, I had a little knowledge of aquariums, but not enough. Thankfully I worked through some small problems I had and ended up with the tank I have now! My plans for this tank have always had an expiration date, which is unfortunate. When I head off to college, I will have to take it down. I think this fact has pushed me to try to make my reef the best it could be.

Future Plans

Maxima Clam
Zoanthids
Torch Coral

This tank has been an amazing experience. I have recently added a pair of Yasha Gobies, though I unfortunately do not have a picture of them because they are still hiding. I don't think I will be adding many more corals or fish to this tank, time to sit back and enjoy. Keeping it running for the next two years is the plan, and then it is off to college! It may seem a little obvious, but I plan on studying marine biology. I don't think there are many other choices that seem right to me.

Words Of Wisdom

Honestly, the best thing you can do for your tank is change the water. Fresh salt water makes a big difference. As long as you keep your water changes up, you won't have as many chances for big problems.

Thoughts On Lighting Technology

I have been using my 150w Sunpod for over a year now and it has to be the best thing I have purchased for the tank, period. Most other problems such as poor water quality can be fixed pretty easily with water changes. Lighting is not this way. I have been tempted to try T5 for the color, but I would miss the shimmer. As for LED I have my own skepticisms. I have nothing to really back up these feelings, it must be the fact that it is relatively new technology.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank everyone at Nano-Reef who helped me with this aquarium, I probably would have crashed my tank and left the hobby without you. Of course I would like to thank Christopher Marks for nominating me and keeping the best reefing website on the internet running!

@Jacobnano