Hasted Posted October 23, 2020 Share Posted October 23, 2020 I have returned to the world of Nano tanks! My journey: Started here with a basic 29g with a HOB. It was running successfully, which pushed to to upgrade! I moved on to a Red Sea Reefer XL300 (65g display + 15g sump = 80g total). Having great success, especially recently. Got through some challenges like Dinos, cyano, 0/0 Nitrate and Phosphates, and the inability to keep hammer corals alive. Now, it is on grow mode and looks absolutely stunning, especially at night! Still rocking the same 3 nano fish from the 29g due to the lid taking a long time to arrive... Added over 20 more corals, though!NOW FOR THE NEW TANK! I am in my home office (I call it the Library) a good amount these days. Since winter is coming, I figured now would be a great time to start the cycle process and have something to tinker with. More I work on the Nano, means less I can mess up on the main tank... I knew I wanted a peninsula style tank. Unfortunately, no one actually makes a tank the dimensions I wanted.Waterbox Peninsula Mini 15! 5-8 Inches longer would have been the dream tank! The IM Peninsula 20 is super close to what I wanted, but just a hair longer than what my desk is! This was the next best thing that fits my style. I am not a fan of tall tanks, which pushed me away from some others. This one has a square face at 13.8" long and tall. Close enough! Picture Archive: 10/22/2020 Stay tuned for a small update of what have happened up to this point! Current Equipment List: Waterbox 15 gallon Peninsula Mini - $180 AI Prime 16HD w/Mount - $216 Sicce Syncra 0.5 Pump - $25 Assortment of Rocks - ~$65 Future Equipment Needs: Under desk cabinet for support - $80 Heater Nero 3 Powerhead - $150 inTank Chamber 1 Media Basket - $40 What I have from other tank: What I already have I can use on both tanks: 5 Stage RODI Red Sea Pro salt Test kits · Hanna Salinity / Temp · Hannah Alk · Hannah Phosph · Hannah Calcium · API Master Ammonia, Nitrate, pH, Nitrite (waiting for Nyos in stock from BRS) · Aquaforest Mag Coral / Fish Food · LRS Nano · Nano Pellets (forget name) · Reef Roids · Red Sea AB+ · Algae Wafers Nano Python Siphon Additives (Literally have never dosed any of this, though. Still unopened. Scared tbh because I do not understand it fully) · Red Sea Trace Colors (ABCD) · Red Sea Foundation (Ca/Alk/Mag) Plenty of buckets, cleaning stuff, and other maintenance tools. 1 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted October 23, 2020 Author Share Posted October 23, 2020 10/21/2020 Got an expensive box of rocks today!1 Marco Rocks small foundation rock - This was... disappointing. It claims it averages between two and three lbs, but mine was less than one pound... Could have put me in a bind considering that isn't enough for even this small of a tank! 9lbs Reef Saver Frag Mount rocks - YES! This is what saved my rock order. This bag was amazing. Ended up getting 3 more small rocks that were perfectly flat and essentially a base rock! The other rocks are small, very unique shaped, and beautiful all around! I should have just bought 2-3 bags of this! HIGHLY recommend! 5lbs regular Reef Saver MRock - Just a typical Marco Rock order. Got a few normal round rocks. As expected. Planning to crush them anyway. Would have been better to buy another Frag Mount bag as mentioned above. Here is all the new rock in my old 29g And in a 5g about to be cleaned with RODI (I have a good amount of other rock left over from my previous projects that I can use if this isn't enough) Also got Aquastik Epoxy Putty from Two Little Fishies. Hoping this can permanently bind the rocks together. The Marco stuff was way too much (size and price) for what I needed in my small tank. Hope this stuff will work well with the super glue I already have. 10/22/2020 The tank showed up today!! Waterbox Peninsula Mini 15g - Can't complain one bit about packaging. Outer box was bruised up a bit. The inside box, however, was untouched. No cracks I see. Silicone job is clean and minimal. I have not water tested it. AI Prime 16HD - I opted for the +PLUS HD option when I ordered the tank. It comes with an Prime. This is the only light I have any experience with. I do, however, plan on shopping for a new light other than this. If I happen to find a light I like better, I can just take this light and add it to my main display. I want a 3rd one to finish off my lighting on that tank anyway. I think I will be very happy with this light if I don't swap it out, though. I am in no rush and not pressured to make that decision. Sicce Syncra 0.5 Pump - Also decided to go ahead and upgrade pump in it now. This is the pump WB promotes as the upgrade. 1 Quote Link to comment
Christopher Marks Posted October 23, 2020 Share Posted October 23, 2020 Great work so far @Hasted! 10 hours ago, Hasted said: 😄 Quote Link to comment
Andy7 Posted October 24, 2020 Share Posted October 24, 2020 I seriously debated buying that tank, I instead just used the Fluval Flex 15 gallon I have on hand until I decided to but a Waterbox Cube 20 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted October 24, 2020 Author Share Posted October 24, 2020 10 hours ago, Andy7 said: I seriously debated buying that tank, I instead just used the Fluval Flex 15 gallon I have on hand until I decided to but a Waterbox Cube 20 Nice! The 20 cube and Peninsula 25 were both on my radar. This being 2" shorter helps being on my desk. I was afraid the light would be shining into my eyes if too high (it still almost does, I have to move the light a little closer to the tank than I would like). If I moved it off my desk, the 20 or 25 would be a clear winner! 13 hours ago, Christopher Marks said: Great work so far @Hasted! 😄 Thanks! Gatsby did not enjoy the tank. Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted October 26, 2020 Author Share Posted October 26, 2020 10/23/2020 Started on the rock scape! I have an idea in my head and I am sure it won't actually work... how things usually go. 10/24/2020 Two simple things today. Leak test today! I trust Waterbox, but always gotta leak test. Also, picked up the "cabinet" legs for my table. Should be plenty of support now! Didn't trust just the two small corner legs from before. 10/25/2020 As expected, the tank passed the leak test! It is now in its final resting place. This is actually an old picture from a few days ago, but still adding it! Other than that, still working on the scape. Probably be finished in 2-4 days? Maybe? 3 Quote Link to comment
Andy7 Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 I'm very much looking forward to seeing the scape you come up with 1 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted October 28, 2020 Author Share Posted October 28, 2020 10/26/2020 More rock work. Pieces here. Pieces there. 10/27/2020 Guess what! More rock work! Slow going. I should have bought some of that instant set spray. Oh well. Unfortunately, the rock work is not coming out quite as I planned, but that is fine. A slightly modified version is coming about, and it should do. Slapped all the rocks in the tank for a last few final glues. Wanted to make sure the base rock was flat for all of them. The "skeleton" of the rockwork is all glued and one piece! I have been going around strengthening each joint to keep them from falling apart. Hopefully I can pick up the whole structure without worries. Right, most viewed side from PC: Front: Left, the side I won't see much: I am hoping I can add some chunks here and there to give it a bit more surface area, spots for corals, and to be more visually appealing. Good thing is, if I don't like it, I can always start over. My idea is to go bare bottom and coat the whole bottom with GSP. I would like a "tree" type coral that grows somewhat large where that lone center rock is. Hammer, torch, birds nest, leather, etc. I want it to be the centerpiece and to be much larger than any of the other corals I add. We shall see! This will require a lot of work keeping the GSP off those base rocks... 2 1 Quote Link to comment
k4ndyk1ng Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Aquascape looks so nice and I love the idea of the big tree coral in the middle. God luck if you go the gsp route as that stuff is invasive 1 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted October 30, 2020 Author Share Posted October 30, 2020 10/28/2020 Same thing! Adding small rocks to the main structure, as mentioned already, to add more spots for corals, surface area, and visual appeal. It is also increasing the strength since I am adding pieces over joints/connections to add more epoxy and glue. 10/29/2020 Well, one of the few joints I didn't get to support more came apart! Now 2 pieces again. Puts me a half a day back, but it is whatever. Was still able to get it back together (I hope) and still add a couple more chunks here and there. I am definitely close to finishing! Going to add very small chunks over the epoxy to hide as much as possible. I also get my coral glasses over my Wyze camera set up! I have it set to take a picture once a day for the next month. I will try to remember to set that up again in a month and repeat ad naus. I am also manually taking a picture through the app daily since I don't actually trust the time lapse feature... Lastly, I got my starter bacteria in! I was thinking of just using seeded rocks from my main display, but I want to test out other cycling methods to see how the two systems differ. I assume eventually rocks/corals will transfer back and forth and it wont matter down the line. 1 Quote Link to comment
mitten_reef Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 On 10/28/2020 at 6:47 AM, Hasted said: 10/26/2020 More rock work. Pieces here. Pieces there. 10/27/2020 Guess what! More rock work! Slow going. I should have bought some of that instant set spray. Oh well. Unfortunately, the rock work is not coming out quite as I planned, but that is fine. A slightly modified version is coming about, and it should do. Slapped all the rocks in the tank for a last few final glues. Wanted to make sure the base rock was flat for all of them. The "skeleton" of the rockwork is all glued and one piece! I have been going around strengthening each joint to keep them from falling apart. Hopefully I can pick up the whole structure without worries. Right, most viewed side from PC: Front: Left, the side I won't see much: I am hoping I can add some chunks here and there to give it a bit more surface area, spots for corals, and to be more visually appealing. Good thing is, if I don't like it, I can always start over. My idea is to go bare bottom and coat the whole bottom with GSP. I would like a "tree" type coral that grows somewhat large where that lone center rock is. Hammer, torch, birds nest, leather, etc. I want it to be the centerpiece and to be much larger than any of the other corals I add. We shall see! This will require a lot of work keeping the GSP off those base rocks... that's one crazy cool scape. hope you'll be able to execute your vision of the rockwork. I'd reserve center island for centerpiece euphyllia or goniopora. and sprinkle some sticks along the arch - but i'm a stick guy, lol. 1 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted October 30, 2020 Author Share Posted October 30, 2020 8 hours ago, mitten_reef said: that's one crazy cool scape. hope you'll be able to execute your vision of the rockwork. I'd reserve center island for centerpiece euphyllia or goniopora. and sprinkle some sticks along the arch - but i'm a stick guy, lol. I haven't cared for goni yet, but found some that do catch my eye! I definitely want the centerpiece to be a REAL centerpiece and grab your eyes. I kept the structure a bit lower in case I do add some sticks, but I think my main display is where I would want to focus more on SPS. I say that now... but anything can change. Thanks for coming by! 1 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share Posted November 1, 2020 10/31/2020 Found a LFS that rents par meters for free! Tested my par in my main tank and was not happy with the par in certain SPS spots (Rainbow Monti, Spongodes Monti x2, Neon and Green Birdnests)... so I did the sensible thing and stole the AI prime from the soon-to-be Nano and slapped it on. Added 60+ par to every area of concern. Looks like I am in the market for a new light. There is a 70% chance I just stick with what I know and get another AI Prime. Haven't done much scape work the last two days. I am letting it dry and trying to be very meticulous and purposeful on anything in attach now. I am also dragging my heals because I would love to start my tank the same day as my friend. He's the one who got me in the hobby. He is contracting a floating scape for a Biocube (or Nanocube? Not sure which) and will be a little bit of a wait. Starting at the same time would be exciting for me to share the journey with another nano reefer. We could compare our success and failures, etc. He currently cares for his 125g reef and his girlfriend's 90g FOWLR. Chicken scratches showing rough par measurements at each coral location in main. Left is 2, right is 3 Primes. Quote Link to comment
Andy7 Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 I just picked up an AI Prime from BRS and am waiting for it to be delivered, it's going on my 15gallon Fluval Flex (first reef tank, total noob) but eventually I think I'm gonna grab the waterbox you have and transfer everything over to that. Your post kinda sold me on that one for my kitchen. My GF loves having a tank in the kitchen and I think the Peninsula would be perfect for that application. Eventually I'll get a 20 Cube from them with their cabinet as a "display" tank for my living room 1 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted November 30, 2020 Author Share Posted November 30, 2020 Update! I stole the Prime off this build which slowed things down. Today, however, I purchased a Kessil AP9x for the main tank. Which means I now have 3 Primes to do what ever with. I will be transferring (at least) one back to this tank! OR! I can be creative and get a light that is a bit less common? No idea what that would be. I have looked at so many lights to try to find a unique set up... I love me some Primes, though. I think that and the Nero will keep my app usage to 1. So, maybe not. So, where am I at with this nano build? Rocks. Finished. Return pump installed. Starter Bacteria in fridge. Light soon to be moved over. Water / salt mixed and ready usually. What's holding me back? I am still waiting for my friend to get his scape finished for his 28g Nanocube. I would like to start at the same time so we can share the experience. Nerdy, I know. 🙂 Still to come? Nero 3 Powerhead for more flow. InTank media basket to replace the sock. Maybe a RFG. Maybe a lid for jumpers. Haven't decided livestock. Quote Link to comment
Andy7 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 I am in love with my prime on my waterbox Cube 10 it's really hard to beat and really makes me want to get a Nero 3 as well. I really look forward to seeing this all set up! 1 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 We are officially wet, as of 11/30/2020. Heater is temporary. The one I want is still OOS. Light should be moved over today or tomorrow, even though I won't need it for a bit. The adventure continues! Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted December 5, 2020 Author Share Posted December 5, 2020 Going nowhere fast. 🙂 Testing here and there. No rush. Lights off. Loving the soft sounds of this tank in the office. Happy already. Quote Link to comment
~LadyBug~ Posted December 29, 2020 Share Posted December 29, 2020 How is this coming? I'm planning a WB 15 for my desk area, so I'm excited to have found your thread and see what you're doing while I plan😁 Quote Link to comment
farkwar Posted December 29, 2020 Share Posted December 29, 2020 On 10/23/2020 at 5:43 AM, Hasted said: Waterbox Peninsula Mini 15! Gonna say Overstocked Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted January 4, 2021 Author Share Posted January 4, 2021 On 12/29/2020 at 4:36 PM, ~LadyBug~ said: How is this coming? I'm planning a WB 15 for my desk area, so I'm excited to have found your thread and see what you're doing while I plan😁 It has been cycling for 35 days with no change unfortunately. Just gonna let it do its thing. On 12/29/2020 at 6:01 PM, farkwar said: Gonna say Overstocked He's definitely too chunky!! 1 Quote Link to comment
thagrosh Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 having done a gsp bottom i would defiantly recommend a different aqua scape one where there's a lot of overhangs dividing the bottom from the rock work as the gsp will grow extremely quickly and prefers to grow towards the light. tho considering its cycling id just keep it on its own little island so you can trim it back easily 😄 1 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted January 12, 2021 Author Share Posted January 12, 2021 Good news! On day 40, we finally got some nitrates. Things are doing things! It took a long time, but I was in no rush. Just let it do its thing. 🙂 I will finally be updating this with progress. Stay tuned!! 3 Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted February 2, 2021 Author Share Posted February 2, 2021 Letting everything cook. Added a small temporary fish from a friend. Started my lights on a 35 day acclimation starting at 1%. Added two snails to start chomping the diatoms that are showing up from the slow light increase. If two doesn't cut it, I can pop in a couple more. Once I hit about 12 days in (35% lights at that point), I am going to add an easy coral of some sort. Not sure what yet. GSP back wall, some zoas, something... I have time to think still. Once I get to the full 35 days and everything seems to be going well, I will add in a coral here and there until it is jam packed. I currently have 75 unique corals in my main tank. I can be very selective. The only coral I am 99% sure I want is a 24k Lepto. I would like it to cover at least some of my bare bottom. Slow and steady. Not much to talk about with this specific tank. Quote Link to comment
Hasted Posted February 10, 2021 Author Share Posted February 10, 2021 Update. Passed the 12 day mark. Still gonna hold off a bit longer and let things do their thang. Hit some uglies so no reason to put the corals through that. Once you have a couple tanks, new ones feel like there is less of a need to rush to get things finished and do things. I definitely was not this patient before. I can sit in front of my main tank and be satisfied until this one is actually ready. 1 Quote Link to comment
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