new 5g nano

[lyderhorn]

Hey,
I've just set ut a new 5 gallon nano tank. I'm just wondering what I should get as far as lifestock.
I already have 6.5 lbs of live rock and will at some point add some livestock.
Do I need anymore equipment than a standard filter? I don't remember any specific info about the type of filter, but it is external and sits at the top on the back of the aquarium. I have a light bulb (no specs here either) recommended by the pet store guy for sufficient lightning for soft corals.
I plan to make this aquarium invertebrate only, but I need some advice as to a good combination of animals that will require as little maintainance as possible. I am interested in any of the following:
Snail(s)
Crustacean(s)
Leather coral(s)
Mushroom coral(s)
Feather duster(s)
possibly a small nudibranch
Also, are there any cacluim additives, trace elements, plankton food, etc. it is paramount that I get based on the animals I wish to add?
Thank you.

 

[nemo lover]

let be the first to welcome you to saltwaterfish.com
First thing I would like to recomend is research and , read, read, read.
second Make sure to cycle your tank completly before adding any livestock.
third Find out exactly what type of lighting and filtration you have.
can't help to much on corals with out knowing your lighting and filtration.
imo good beginner corals are mushrooms, zoanthids, and rics.
featherdusters are easy too.
imo Nubranches are a lost cause in tanks.
maybe a couple reef safe shrimps?
You do need a good clean up crew check out swf.com invert packages.
test you water often, and don't rush beauty takes time.
don't use tap water

 

[lyderhorn]

I've kept a bigger reef tank before, but this seems like a bigger challenge, since there is no protein skimmer, metal halide lamps, automatic water replenisher, etc.
What I hoped to fit in there are:
Star polyps
Some mushrooms
Some small snails (how many?)
Some small hermits (how many?)
A small shrimp
A featherduster
Would this be safe for a 5g? In what order should I add these once the tank is cycled, and with what intervals?

 

[lyderhorn]

Oh and,
Is "The Simple Guide To Mini-Reef Aquariums" by Jeffrey Kurtz worth picking up?

 

[xan]

feather duster and shrimp would be fine.
get about 10 narcissus (sp?) snails, I have a 10 and I have about 20 0_o.
and hermits, just ge the kind that will not kill your snails for their shells, I'm not positive which kind so you'll have to find that out, sorry ^_^!

 

[nemo lover]

Conscientious Marine Aquarist is a great book to read!
Don't always trust what the lfs tells you(some give good advice most are just trying to sell products). Did you find out the wattage of your light?
If you already have your l/r and l/s
I would go a head and get your clean up crew and add them.
then I would wait for the tank to finish cycling.
when all your tests read good.
Then you could add your corals (if your lighting is sufficaint).
I agree nanos are a bit more difficult.
There are auto top offs for nanos, and alot of people use 70 watt mh for their nanos.