How to set up a miniature nano reef aquarium
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by: ocreef
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Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 Time: 9:02 PM
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How to set up a miniature nano reef aquarium:
Setting up your own nano reef can be quite simple and is almost the same as a traditionally sized reef. This article will go over the basics of setting up a nano reef, as well as the equipment that is necessary. This article serves as a guide only, and not a full in depth step by step method.
For your main filtration, we recommend to use an all-natural method. Good quality live rock and live sand is the key to a successful system. You will want to use at least one pound of live rock per gallon, and about one-half pounds of live sand per gallon. For more information on live rock visit www.ocreef.com/curing_live_rock
When you look for a location to place your nano reef, you will want to keep a few things in mind. The tank should be placed on a level and sturdy surface that can support approximately 70-250 pounds depending on the size of the tank. For the beginner, it's recommended to place the tank in a high traffic area, so that it will be under constant supervision, especially in the beginning while the tank is still stabilizing.
When the time comes to fill the tank with water, you will need good de-chlorinated water; it's recommended to use reverse osmosis water, you can find R.O. water from most local pet fish stores. You will also need to have good quality synthetic reef salt and a specific gravity meter (hydrometers are more commonly used). Floating hydrometers can be purchased for under $10 and will provide a basic reading of the specific gravity (salt concentration in ppm's parts per millionth). A more expensive Refractometer is recommended for highly accurate readings, if money allows that is. Proceed to fill the tank with water and add salt, following the manufacturers directions for adding the salt. Keep adding salt until the specific gravity is 1.023. Place the Powerhead in immediately so it will help mix the salt.
Now is also the time to place in your heater and get the water temperature to 78 degrees. Once your specific gravity has reached it's proper level and the water has begun to stabilize, (this time will vary depending on your particular set up), you can add the live rock and live sand. Place the live rock in first, using an open pattern so the fish have room to swim through and hide in the rock. Be as creative as you want during this process and don't be afraid to go back and change it later. Once the rock is where you like it, you can pour the live sand around the rocks, keeping it at a fairly even thickness throughout the tank. Adding the live sand in will cloud the water, but don't worry it will eventually settle and the water will clear. Following continue to check your water for stabilization.
When your aquarium has fully completed cycling and your confident all water parameters look stable, you will be ready to add a fish and a coral. But don't rush this process; take your time to be rewarded in the saltwater hobby. A last reminder because we can't write a book on here, is to make sure to do your homework and research the species of fish and coral your thinking of keeping; (try to offer them foods they would get naturally from the ocean). This way you'll know how to care for them, when you get the little guys to their new home.
To learn more about maintaining your reef aquarium visit www.ocreef.com
About the Author
Orange County Aquarium Supplies www.ocreef.com - An online web store leader in supplying tropical fish, pond, marine, and reef aquarium supplies. We simply try to make as many people (including both our staff and our customers) as happy as possible. We've found that this can be accomplished by maintaining extremely great prices, providing friendly customer service, and simply loving what we do. The OCReef.com shopping experience is extremely user friendly, fun and informative, making the whole process pleasurable. We hope you'll become part of the OCReef family.
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