mini reef (15 Gallon)

[schreff]

Is hard to set up a feef that small? I have a H.O.T. Mag. w/a bio wheel, 10 lbs of liverock, 20 lbs of crushed coral. 2 damsels. I also have the smallest whisper you can buy but it will be coming off. I plan on getting a protein skimmer, not sure what kind yet. Just trying to get it cycled right now. Thanx for your time.

 

[kelly]

It is better to set up a larger tank, but not impossible. You should check out <a href="http://nano-reef.com/cgi-bin/forums/index.cgi" target="_blank">http://nano-reef.com/cgi-bin/forums/index.cgi</a> a site dedicate to nano reefs.

 

[schreff]

I also have a 55w power compact smart light on it. Is this to much? I know it for mushrooms but anything else i have to worry about?

 

[ky]

A friend of mine has a 10 and a 25 gal. He uses only LR and CC for filters. He has no protein skimmers and no mechanical filtration of any kind. He keeps the kH and Ca levels optimal so that the LR filters at an optimal level. The LR was taken from his 120gal after is was covered with coraline algae. He changes water only once a month and his nitrate levels are near 0. The tanks are almost totally silent because they each have only one small powerhead in them.

 

[kelly]

schreff,
I just setup a 20 long, I guess it is about as big as you can get, and still be called a nano. Yesterday I put 2 55W Power Compacts on it, and WOW it is alot of light. It has not cycled yet, but it is not too much light. I have a 4" deep sand bed, and 2 power heads. The mushrooms should adjust to the lighting, if not, then stack some live rock, and give them a little shade.
I have a 7 gal bowfront tank that should finish it's cycle later on this week. It has a 32W PC on it and a 2" deep sand bed, I think that it should be ok too. I have read that several others have 32W PCs on theirs.
Lord of the Reef runs 2 55W PCs on his 20 long + atleast 1 actinic. I can't remember the exact specs at this time. Anyways, good luck with your new tank.

 

[schreff]

Cool thanx alot for all your reply's.