12g Nano couple questions

[Happan]

This is my first try at a Nano tank, and I'm finding it rather enjoyable. Set it up about a week and a half ago and so far I have 10lbs of LR, 1 Emerald Crab, 1 skunk Doty (sp) and a Cleaner Shrimp.

What I'm wondering is if the lighting that came with the tank to bright, not bright enough, or just right for what I am doing in there. If this helps, this is the Nano Cube 12 gallon JBJ with the LED's.

When I set the tank up, I used the live sand (not sure what the name of it was, it was suggested from my local pet shop) along with water from my 55g Salt tank. All levels so far have been great and falling right where they need to be. The Calicum was a bit low, but have since fixed that. I did a small water change Friday, and everything was doing great until Sunday afternoon when I noticed a brown coating on part of the LR.

I used RO water, and only run the lights around 6-8 hours. Could this be caused by the lights, or the water? Also, would it be wise to use water from my 55 for a water change? I was able to blow alot of the brown rusty looking color off the rocks, but still had some that refused to let go, would it be safe for me to use a soft bristle brush to brush it off. or would that hurt the LR?

Again guys, sorry about the 101 questions, but I've been trying hard to read up on this as much as possible before asking silly questions. I really value any input that you guys, and gals can give. I was a bit apprehensive about doing this, but am having a great deal of fun.

Thanks Again,
Lou

[dobejazz]

You should be able to keep soft corals, mushrooms and zoa's with the light that came with it. I am able to keep these in my 24g with the lighting that came with it. The brown dust sounds like normal cycling to me but some one with more experience will jump in I'm sure
Kelli

[Happan]

Thanks Kelli, that's exactly the look I'm going after . Last night before bed, I turned on the old flashlight and kind of looked around the tank and noticed something I hadn't seen before. On top of one piece of LR was 5 little baby feather dusters!!

Of course I had to try and wake up my wife, which was my first mistake, she doesn't give much of a hoot about the reef tank. She told me that was nice, and If I ever wanted to be happy, I would be better off letting her get back to sleep.

I'm very excited about this tank, and like I said before, I want to make sure that I d everything as right as possible. Don't really have a great Digi-Cam, but will see what I can do as far as borrowing my friends cam to snap some photos for you all.

Lou

[Loverotties]

At night if you want to try.Use a red lens light to look in and they won't be spooked.

[JCox]

Welcome, Lou! Read through this forum, incredible info, great help and great people await you! I would venture to say that you seeing those feather dusters is just the tip of the iceburg as to what you are going to see down the road. I am still finding new things every single day coming from my rock. And watching those critters grow over time is also quite satisfying. It's a great adventure! Best of luck to you and your tank!

[Flounder]

Hey Guys, I just started my Nano. I have a 210, but I want something a little smaller upstairs, ok, well alot smaller. So I have this jbj 12g, and I am having a problem keeping the temp down with the lights that are provided... Is there a cheep way (other than a chiller) to lower the temp? Maybe move the tank? With out the heater on, it sits about 79-80.1 It gets about 83 with the lights on. I dont know what to do....
Flounder

[dobejazz]

I don't use a heater at all. It got warm a couple times this summer I had a fan draw from the A/C vent towards the tank and it seemed to help.