6 gallon nano build thread

GordoB · 09-29-2006, 01:32 PM

This is our new nano. We started it here in the office on 9/25/06. We are cycling right now, but everything seems to be going well. We've converted an older Aquaclear hang-on-back filter into a refugium, and have a regular 15 watt aquarium light over it. We've made sure to block all the light from it to the main tank since we leave the light on. We clipped the impeller about 1/8" all the way around to slow the flow. (It was too strong and was moving our sand quite a bit.) We used the hood that originally came with this little acrylic hexagon tank, and modified it it fit a retrofit power compact kit into it. There is a 32 watt 50/50 / actinic bulb in it. The light was heating up the tank a little, so we decided to hang it about 3" above the tank with a long bolt that attaches to the shelf above in the desk. We also had to get a 4" fan to get rid of some of the excess heat that was heating up the tank. It works great, and comes on when the lights come on by the timer. We have about 2 lbs of live rock, and 10-12 lbs of base rock.

The first pictures are in my gallery here: http://www.thereeftank.com/photopost...0&ppuser=16056

- Brad

darren24 · 09-29-2006, 01:53 PM

Very nice. Like the aquascaping.

Darren

GordoB · 09-29-2006, 01:57 PM

Thanks Darren!

showtime305 · 09-29-2006, 11:21 PM

The tanks looking nice Brad. Have you decided on the livestock and corals for this nano?

GordoB · 09-30-2006, 10:20 AM

Thanks AJ! We're still working on the stocking list. We know we want a Fire & Cleaner Shrimp, but not sure on everything else. Probably two fish.

Brad

GordoB · 10-02-2006, 07:34 AM

Well, we're definitely cycling now! We have brown diatom algae covering a good bit of the tank, so I'll be testing the water in a little while. I guess we're getting closer being able to add inhabitants now. Very exciting!

Brad

CGill311 · 10-02-2006, 11:49 AM

I think 2 fish plus 2 cleaner shrimp may be too much bioload on a 6 gallon tank. Maybe if the two fish were neon gobies or something tiny.

If that were the case, I could keep 8 fish in my 24 gallon nanocube. I think I'm pushing it now with 5.

Other than that, it looks cool. Good luck!

GordoB · 10-03-2006, 09:00 AM

Do you think the cleaner shrimp will add to the bioload? I understand the given waste that they add to it, but is it really that much? We're thinking about a Clown Goby and maybe a High Fin Red Banded Goby, or a Green Banded Goby, or a Rainford Goby.

Thanks for the input.

Brad

akortz · 10-03-2006, 01:32 PM

Tank is looking good Brad. Glad the light is working for you. The fan you added will definitely help keep the temp down.

I would probably just add one shrimp. Unless you went with sexy shrimp, which are my favorite. You could probably add 3 of those.

Keep us updated!

Andy

Loverotties · 10-03-2006, 01:53 PM

Looking good!

GordoB · 10-03-2006, 02:11 PM

Thanks Andy! Don't you have to feed those guys live starfish? Are they hard to keep?

akortz · 10-03-2006, 02:35 PM

Hey Brad,

You are thinking of Harlequin Shrimp. Those eat starfish. Sexy shrimp are just scavengers like other shrimp.

Here is a pic: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...fm?pCatId=1135

They are tiny and very cool. They cost a bit more in LFS than online though. Don't be suprised if you see them for $30 or so.

Andy

GordoB · 10-03-2006, 06:49 PM

Thanks Andy. Yeah, you nailed it. I just took a quick glance at them on liveaquaria earlier, and got the two mixed up. If you see any at a really good price, please let me know.

Brad

akortz · 10-03-2006, 08:52 PM

Hey Brad,

I stopped by Imagine Ocean on the way home today and they had some. I think they were $25 a piece.

Andy

GordoB · 10-04-2006, 07:08 AM

Thanks Andy! I may have to check them out when the tank stabilizes.

Brad