classroom nano

[mjean20]

Hi. I need some quick advice. I have two established tanks at home so I am familiar with keeping a saltwater tank but am setting up a nano and want to make sure i am doing everything right. I will be setting it up in a high school science classroom so i do not have a lot of money for extensive lighting or filtration. Is it alright to use the lighting and filtration that came with the tank? It is a 12 gallon and I plan on putting in some live rock, one fish and various curstaceans or snails, etc. Also, live sand over coral??

 

[hagfish]

I assume you have a hang on back (HOB) filter and a normal output (NO) flourecent light. I think as long as you have sufficient live rock (1 lb/gallon or more) this is fine. You didn't mention keeping corals or any photosynthetic creatures so NO lighting is fine. As for the substrate, just use sand, not sand over crushed coral. The crushed coral may cause higher nitrates down the line if not kept clean by vacuuming. But it can be done IMO. But go with one or the other, not both.

 

[clarkiiclo]

I agree live sand is way better than the CC. The CC will just cause you a big headache.
You can have fish and inverts no problem. I also agree with the over 1lb per gallon on the rock.

 

[jimmy234]

crushed coral can scratch some fish and inverts. sand is ur best guess