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theoldman
03-08-2009, 07:54 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/waynebagley/10%20gallon%20nano/IMG_1408.jpg

The stand had to be custom built but here it is!
The tank has been painted.

I have decided that I want this tank to be a bedroom tank so no sump as it has to be quiet.
I will be taking advantage of natural sunlight at this location.

Anyways.........I'm quite pleased at the way things look so far.

rayme07
03-08-2009, 09:23 PM
It looks great. :up:

CarmieJo
03-08-2009, 09:59 PM
A tank and accessories? It looks great so far!

theoldman
03-08-2009, 10:18 PM
thanks guys

I have most of the accessories but have yet to put them into the tank.
Still need a skimmer, live rock and (moonlights)

need to go pick up some RO/DI water and make some saltwater.


were getting there........

ryandlf
03-08-2009, 10:57 PM
Love the look of that tank. Very modern. What you gonna put in it?

theoldman
03-08-2009, 11:23 PM
Hopefully a mated pair of tank raised Ocellaris Clownfish and perhaps a Yellow Watchman Goby.

And some Zoanthoids.

theoldman
03-23-2009, 05:46 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/waynebagley/10%20gallon%20nano/DSC03531-2.jpg

Here it is up and running!

Skurvey Dog
03-23-2009, 07:00 PM
Well, look at you go! :D I know you are thrilled. Man, it's been an uphill battle for you the whole way. I truly wish it weren't so difficult for you to obtain some of the marine merchandise that we seem to be able to purchase so easily. It looks great!

rayme07
03-23-2009, 07:02 PM
Its looking awesome. Cant wait to follow along on your build.

theoldman
03-23-2009, 07:06 PM
Well, look at you go! :D I know you are thrilled. Man, it's been an uphill battle for you the whole way. I truly wish it weren't so difficult for you to obtain some of the marine merchandise that we seem to be able to purchase so easily. It looks great!

thanks - Day 2.
There is 9 pounds of live rock and roughly 11 pounds of live sand. The rock was taken from a mature tank. I hope that it is enough. I tried 3 pieces (14) pounds but I thought it was too much.

The salinity level is 1.024. I know it needs to come up. I have not tested the water yet.

Should I be doing weekly water changes? I am under the impression that this will cause mini cycles and prolong the cycle.

the wait begins.

Skurvey Dog
03-23-2009, 07:12 PM
You will have die off from the LR. If you'd like to jump start the cycle, you can sprinkle some fish food in or toss an uncooked shrimp in there for a few day and then pull it out. I would not do any water changes until the first initial cycle has completed it course. If you start your water tests, amonia, nitrite, nitrate, you will be able to see the nitrogen cycle taking place. :D

Missy
03-23-2009, 07:24 PM
Nice to see a fellow Canadian, Ontario even. Nice looking tank. It is difficult to find good merchandise here, let me know if you find any good suppliers.

theoldman
03-23-2009, 07:31 PM
Nice to see a fellow Canadian, Ontario even. Nice looking tank. It is difficult to find good merchandise here, let me know if you find any good suppliers.

I really like Your Canadian Discount Aquarium Supplies Specialists!! (http://www.mops.ca/)

I purchase mostly from them.

theoldman
04-01-2009, 12:59 PM
Day 10

I had a little ammonia spike when I first started the tank. Than die off on the live rock. Than the rock turned brown in places. An algae I assume but the colouring looks natural. Now the rock has stopped turning brown and green colouring is now beginning. The tank parameters are salinity 1.024 with a ph of 7.8. Temp remains constant at 79.2. The photoperiod is from 10am till 10pm.

The ammonia has remained at 0 for the last four to five days. Could it be possible that this tank is already cycled. (The live rock came from a mature tank directly into mine.)

I have yet to do a water change as I don't want to cause a spike. I plan on doing a 10% change on Friday.

I see green growth developing this morning. Green colouring on rock and something that looks like a fine tree.

Is it okey to add snails after this weeks water change or am I rushing things?

saltaddict
04-01-2009, 01:08 PM
Very nice looking tank. I would not do a water change nor would I add any livestock. Although you may have had a short cycle it may not be completely finished. One should always error on the side of caution and not rush. I would continue to test and wait.
A water change is in order when the tank is completely finished cycling.

theoldman
04-01-2009, 01:29 PM
Very nice looking tank. I would not do a water change nor would I add any livestock. Although you may have had a short cycle it may not be completely finished. One should always error on the side of caution and not rush. I would continue to test and wait.
A water change is in order when the tank is completely finished cycling.

I will wait. Thank you.

theoldman
04-05-2009, 11:29 PM
Day 14
Temperature:79.2 F, Salinity:1.024, Ammonia:0, Nitrite:0, Nitrate:0, P.H 7.8.

These levels have remained constant since day 5.
I have yet to do a water change.

I have kept a 12 hour photoperiod.

saltaddict
04-06-2009, 06:36 AM
Day 14
Temperature:79.2 F, Salinity:1.024, Ammonia:0, Nitrite:0, Nitrate:0, P.H 7.8.

These levels have remained constant since day 5.
I have yet to do a water change.

I have kept a 12 hour photoperiod.

I would give it until day 21 and if all still remains steady then do your water change and then test to see where you are.:up:
Is that PH taken lights out, just after lights come on or with the lights on for a while?

If the lights are on for a while when the PH reading is taken then I would raise the PH as 7.8 is on the low end of normal.

theoldman
04-06-2009, 07:11 AM
I would give it until day 21 and if all still remains steady then do your water change and then test to see where you are.:up:
Is that PH taken lights out, just after lights come on or with the lights on for a while?

If the lights are on for a while when the PH reading is taken then I would raise the PH as 7.8 is on the low end of normal.

Thank you saltaddict. You have been extremely helpful. I will do as you say.
What is the best way to raise PH? (I have much to learn - this is oh so different than freshwater)

Is the 12 hour photoperiod too much?

saltaddict
04-06-2009, 07:21 AM
You didn't say when you are measuring the PH. PH drops when lights go out and then raises when lights have been on for a while.
You may be able to raise and maintain with regular water changes when you start doing them. I would wait and see what everything is after your water change and if the PH is still on the low side of normal then I would see if I could order Oceans Blend 2 part from Dick.

I run my lighting 10hrs per day. I use to run mine for 12 hrs and started having an issue with algae so I cut them back.
For me it is about preference as well as watching my corals - I have a few that seem to get tired and start closing for rest when the lighting is still on. When I start noticing this happening I will cut back the cycle a little and they seem to like that.

Pat
04-06-2009, 07:49 AM
yea you should deff. wait till atleast day 21
i had something similar i had a few very small cycles that lasted 3 weeks

theoldman
04-11-2009, 06:49 PM
CUC

I have finally added stuff to the tank.
2 Turbo Snails
2 Cerith Snails
1 Cleaner Shrimp
1 Fire Shrimp

It is amazing how in the course of 2 hours the work they have done.

I am still deciding weather to add 2 RedLegged Hermit crabs and perhaps more snails.

Input would be appreciated.

CarmieJo
04-11-2009, 11:40 PM
I enjoy hermit crabs and have them in all my tanks but some people don't like them. I'd probably add some more snails. I have nassarius, ceriths, nerite, periwinkles, and limpets. I wouldn't add any more turbos as they come from cooler climes and don't do well in our tropical temperatures.

rayme07
04-11-2009, 11:48 PM
I love hermit crabs they would give your tank a lot of character. IMO

theoldman
04-12-2009, 12:24 AM
thanks guys

A few people have told me I have made a mistake with the Mexican turbo's.
I could always pull them out when I start stocking coral.

CarmieJo
04-12-2009, 12:46 AM
The turbos won't hurt the corals although they may knock them over. It is just that they tend to only live a few months at reef temps.

theoldman
04-12-2009, 01:31 AM
thanks Carmie

I did not know about their lifespan at reef temps.
I don't know when I plan on stocking coral. It will be dependant on water condition. I want to let the tank mature a little more.

CarmieJo
04-14-2009, 01:56 AM
There is actually a school of thought that stocks corals before fish. I am following that with the re-start of my nano.

theoldman
04-22-2009, 06:18 PM
I have removed the two Mexican turbos from my tank and replaced them with two Astraea snails.

My Cleanup Crew now consists of:
1 Fire (Blood) Shrimp
1 Cleaner Shrimp
4 Ceirth snails
4 Nassarius snails
2 Astraea snails

We should be good now except with the possible exception of two hermit crabs.
I am still giving this some thought.

CarmieJo
04-22-2009, 08:35 PM
Sounds good. They can't turn themselves right side up so you have to flip them if they get turned upside down.