New nano questions (setup)

[bitsO]

OK I have a 12G Aquapod on order, and should have it on Thursday. This is what else I plan on ordering:
-Test Kit
-Instant Ocean Sea Salt
-Instant Ocean Hydrometer
-Heater
-12lbs of live rock from SWF

Does this look about right? Should I also get live sand, or is regular sand suitable? I was also wondering if I have the setup right; water---> Salt--->sand? All w/o the filter running? Once it clears then add LR? Do I keep the bioballs or ditch them and use something else? I’ve been doing a good deal of reading but it’s all just very confusing and overwhelming. I just want to make sure I do things right. TIA.

[pballer]

i would go with live sand i waited several days before adding my LR to make sure all levels were proper so i didnt kill everything on LR. I ditched my bioballs and only use those carbon stick things. filter water->salt->sand is correct and once in have the filter going. You want to take your time with your nano because the water will be very delicate since its so small

[pballer]

o yea w/ your heater i would make sure its one that you set the temp and it shuts off once its at that temp b/c the water will get hot alot faster then in a bigger tank

[bitsO]

How much live sand would I need? Not questioning you, but what are the advantages of the LS versus regular? So I don't need to put LR in the bioballs place, just carbon? For water can I use the filtered drink water from a store?

[pballer]

Im not the most knowledgable out there but i know when i was setting up mine i had alot of the same questions. I know that the live sand comes with a lot of bacteria and will start the cycle right away. 12lbs LR is good for your tank i only ut in 10lbs b/c its already a low amount of water tank i wanted a bit more water in there. Im pretty sure that you dont need the bioballs i know i dont have them and my tank has been running really smothly(its been running about 6 weeks) and i just left the carbon sticks it came with in for the water i just used the tap and put the salt in but i have tested my tap already its pretty clean and i dont know about yours but i you are worried about yours then you can used the filtered water or just pick up a brita filter and use it and tap.

[stagger19]

Hi BitsO, I just picked up a 12 gal Aquapod tonight also, luckily the LFS had the last one in stock. So far I love this tank. I didnt set it up yet, as im still looking for the best place where I want it.

I plan on putting in about 12 LBS live rock, a few inches of sand, 50W heater. Prob use instant ocean salt as its ready avail in most stores. Im gonna ditch the bio balls, and sponge as this will be a nitrate trap. I will only use the pump to circulate water. Might have to add another power head for better movement if I go coral.

Other than the cleaner crew, Im not sure on fish stocking. I think I will keep it light and only go with 1 or 2 firefish or Clowns.
Not sure if we can squeeze more than 2 nano fish in a 12?

I see they make a very small protein skimmer for nano's, If we can fit that in the tank that will help keep the water clean in between weekly 10% water changes.

Are you planning on going coral, or sticking with a FOWLR?

I will post pics when I set it up within a few days, as well Id like to see how your tank progresses?

[abigtroutt]

Use distilled water not drinking water. Distilled water has been processed through an RO/DI system and is better to start with and to do your top off with. Unless you have an RO/DI system. The reason for the distilled is drinking water has more stuff in it that causes algie to grow in the long run.

[abigtroutt]

Test kits - Salifert's kits - PH, Ammo, Ca, Alk, Nitrites, Nitrates, Phosphate

Salt - IO (instant ocean) good salt but I would go with Reef Crystals made by IO but made for reef tanks.

Instant Ocean Hydrometer (good)

Heater like Pballer stated shuts off once its at that temp

Live sand I'd say go for it.. cuts down on cycle time.

Bio-Balls keep them out... Run the filter when you start up your tank to help clear up your tank.

Add the live rock

Good luck and welcome to TRT

[AquaNovice]

Originally Posted by bitsO

OK I have a 12G Aquapod on order, and should have it on Thursday. This is what else I plan on ordering:
-Test Kit
-Instant Ocean Sea Salt
-Instant Ocean Hydrometer
-Heater
-12lbs of live rock from SWF

Does this look about right? Should I also get live sand, or is regular sand suitable? I was also wondering if I have the setup right; water---> Salt--->sand? All w/o the filter running? Once it clears then add LR? Do I keep the bioballs or ditch them and use something else? I’ve been doing a good deal of reading but it’s all just very confusing and overwhelming. I just want to make sure I do things right. TIA.

Also if you have some extra money I'd go with a refractometer instead of hydrometer, more accurate way to measure the salinity.

[wharyat]

Welcome to TRT! Good advice so far.

[bitsO]

Originally Posted by abigtroutt

Bio-Balls keep them out... Run the filter when you start up your tank to help clear up your tank.

Add the live rock

Good luck and welcome to TRT

So I run the filter while the sand is still settling? And do I need anything in place of the bioballs?

[abigtroutt]

No need for bio balls your running the filter to rid of the small particals of dust in the water. Bio balls are for holding bacteria and that will be there when you add your live rock.

[bitsO]

OK got it trout thanks.

Is 20 lbs of LS going to be too much for a 12g Aquapod?

[pballafreak]

You really dont need to go all LS. if you wanted you could just do non-live sand and maybe a layer of ls on top if you wanted to. The live rock you add(and maybe little bit of LS) will turn the normal sand into "Live" sand. This will helo save money so you can have more for other things you need for the tank.

Please someone correct me if im wrong, this is just what i remeber hearing.

[stagger19]

I would go with about 2" of sand. weather you go with live sand from the fish store out of there tanks, or the bag kind, I persoanlly dont see any huge difference as long as the rock is already cured (Cycled). All sand will become live over time, just as any surface in the tank will, and allow beneficial bacteria to grow on it. The rock will host way more beneficial bacteria than the sand.

You want to make sure u get fully cured live rock, because that stuff will stink bad if you deceide to cure it home! Also try to limit the time its out of the tank. Most fish stores will wrap wet newspaper around it, and put it in a box to help keep it as wet as possible to avoid to much die off. If your local fish store is fairly close, and its only like a 1/2 hr drive, dont sweet it, it will be fine.