New Nano Reef in Greece

RJPerri · 09-01-2003, 01:56 AM

Hi Guys,
I used to have a 20 gallon reef in the US, and now I am living in Greece with my wife who is dying to start a new nano reef tank. We had a fish only tank for a while here with just a damsel who ate every other fish we stuck in the tank but he finally died and we took the tank down and are starting from scratch for a new reef tank.

So far we have a 40 litre tank, powerhead, heater (which I don't think is needed too often), Jalli 12in - 13watt Strip Hood with bulb, and a glass top.

We want to start small maybe with some live rock and sand, but the stores here are very limited and I have yet to see one that offers live sand substrate.

First question, is it possible to find a very clean beach and use that sand? And if so, what should I do with it first? With a tank this size, I remember something like 3-4" of LS base? Is that correct? (please excuse me, most of my books are still in the US and should be shipped soon).

Second, how much live rock do you think is needed? Is it still 2lb per gallon for such a small tank?

And lastly, does anyone know any good stores that deliver in Europe? All the stores here are small, mom-and pops and everything has to be specially ordered which they love to boost the prices of course.

Thanks and sorry for all the questions,
Rob

ckreef · 09-01-2003, 09:03 AM

Welcome Rob

I'll tackle the sand question.

If it was me I would try and find a commercial play sand and use that over collected sand from a beach. The beach sand could have any unknoiwn substance in it (might be good --- might be toxic --- never know). Most of the commercial play sand has been washed and some has even been steralized (they try and clean it up for the kiddies). An argonite based sand of sugar sized grains would be the best but most people also feel that a silicon based sand is also inert and does just fine. Most are not recommending a 3-4" DSB anymore. I would go with approx 1". Just something to make the tank look like a natural environment.

Hope that helped a little. I'm sure other will chime in on your other questions.