Nano LR Quantity 12/6/07
Hi to anybody who might do me the favor of answering this lines...
<Hello David.>
I've read through your web site and some others, and everywhere I find I should stick as a guideline with 1-2 pounds of LR per gallon of water volume.
<General guiline.>
I’m setting up a custom 17 gal with a 10 gal sump.
I got 4 big pieces of LR at my LFS weighting 9 pounds total... I didn’t get more pieces because it just seemed too much for my little display, and indeed, when I got home and did the aquascaping it seemed to me it there was just the right open space left for the fish to swim and aesthetically. Of course I could stack some more rocks but I think it would look too rock-crowded in there.
Not even being one pound of rock per gallon, my concern is if this amount will be able to keep up with the biological filtration.
<Should be if you stock this sized tank appropriately.>
I'm using a Remora Pro with a Mag3 on this system.
<Nice skimmer.>
Thanks on regard...
David (from Mexico... woo hoo!)
<This is a fair amount, especially if you plan to add corals to this tank. They usually come on some amount of rock and quickly add to your total LR volume, especially in a tank this size. Good luck, Scott V.>
 

Finnex FI-MTG-2402  11/12/07 Bob, <Greg> Been awhile since I have been on the website and even longer since I have last maintained a tank but want to get back in. I am looking at the Finnex (FI-MTG-2402) 30 gallon aquarium and wanted to know if you are familiar with the product. <Am not... have seen on the Net: http://www.fishtankshop.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10120> I found a review that was talking about the plastic mount for the lights but have not found the same review since. According to the review, the mounts don't do the job. For $350, it has everything that one could want to get back in the hobby but if the mounts don't do the job it is a lot of money to spend. <The mounts are easy to modify, amend... Looks like an okay unit... though, with a bit of study, effort otherwise, you could put together a bit larger, more functional set-up. Bob Fenner> Any advice would be great. Thanks Greg Re: Finnex FI-MTG-2402  11/13/07 Bob, <Greg> Thanks for the advice. What are you referring to in terms of a better unit? Piece everything together individually? <Bingo> I am coming from a 90 gallon setup and really wanted to look at a Nano set up. Is 30 too large for a Nano set up? <Nope. RMF> Greg

Nano logistics question... adding a sump  – 08/17/07 Greetings Crew, I hope all is well with you today. First, a great big thanks for what must be a tremendous amount of work y'all put into this site daily. It's appreciated more than can be expressed. <Welcome> Here's my question. I have a JBJ 12 gallon nano set up in my office. It's been up and running for about 6 months now, and is doing pretty well. It's got about 1/2 inch of sand, about 10# of live rock, one true percula clown, two turbo snails, one peppermint shrimp, one blue legged hermit and an unknown number of Stomatella snails (they hitchhiked in on some rock I was keeping in the sump of my 120 at home). Corals consist of a few varieties of zoanthids, a couple of Ricordea and a branching frogspawn with about 6 heads. Circulation is provided by the stock pump (a Maxi Jet 600 I think). The only problem thus far has been some film algae on the glass. Everything appears to be thriving. I've been changing 5 gallons of water a week, and all my tests have been looking good. Zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrates <5, calcium is usually around 400, alkalinity "normal" (I need a better test kit for this), and phosphates hover between .5 and .25. While things are going well, I can't help but think things could always be a little better. Here's what I've been contemplating and need your guidance with. The rear section of the JBJ tank (where the "filtration chambers" are) is plastic. I would like to drill it and install 2 1/2" bulkheads <Make this a one inch for drain and whatever the pump diameter is for return> (in the back, not the bottom). Below my desk, I'd like to set up a 10 gallon tank to use as a sump/refugium. I'd like to go even larger, but this is all space will allow until I get promoted :-). I'd like it to house about 6" of sand, some macro algae, and maybe a hang on skimmer (a Remora maybe?). Here's where the logistics come in. The rear compartment is made up of three chambers. Should the bulkheads be in the same compartment? If so which one? <The "intake one" in the first filter chamber, the return in the last> I'm not planning on using the return for circulation, so I don't need to plumb it through to the display portion of the tank. If I drill the holes maybe a couple of inches below the water level, will it work to just hook vinyl tubing to the bulkheads and have the drain work properly? <Yes, should... if the flow-rate is not too great> Is this even possible? Would there be any real benefit? <Yes, yes> Would the tank evaporation show up as a lower level in the sump, or still in the 3rd chamber of the rear of the tank where it does now? <In the former> Any guidance, input or advice would be greatly appreciated. Eagerly awaiting your reply, Pearson <An interesting project for sure! Cheers, Bob Fenner> Re: Nano logistics question - 8/17/07 Thank you, Mr. Fenner, for your prompt reply and input. I'm a bit confused as to how this would work as you have described. I have attached a drawing (please excuse it's crude nature) of the current setup with the proposed locations of the bulkheads as I understand them. <I see this graphic> Since they are located in separate compartments, will there still be enough water going from the weir to the circulation pump? <Mmm, yes... if there is sufficient water in the system total... and once again, IF the pump/return isn't too great... that is you'll want to match/engineer the pump flow rate or control with a valve to not pump too much more than the drain, plumbing on the drain side of the system can accommodate... and make sure the sump is "topped off" to not too low, not too high... Does this make sense? It is possible in the configuration presented to overpower the drain line... drain the sump too low... and likewise, there is a danger of flooding should it the system/sump be too full and the power/pump fail> Is there the possibility of overflowing the sump, due to the fact there is no way to match the gravity drain into the sump with the return pump rate? <Mmm, there are ways... again... start all off full with the circulating pump turned off... turn it on and mark the lowest point the water is drawn down... with a glass marker... DO NOT fill the sump past this point with the pump turned on> Please forgive me if these questions sound ridiculous. I'm usually very good at visualizing things like this and reasoning them out, but I'm having some trouble with this one. Thank you again for any further clarity you can provide/allaying my apprehension. I'll be happy to let you and the crew know how it works once I get it underway. Thanks again, Pearson <Glad to co-conspire with you... Again, please read on WWM re drain/bulkhead size and placement. BobF>

Best Nano Tank?  7/29/07
Red Sea Max
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RED-ARE40110&Category_Code=Aquariums
Cadlights http://www.cadlights.com/product_info.php?products_id=116
M-Tank
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FI-MTG-2402Q2&Category_Code=Aquariums
JBJ Nano Cube http://jbjlighting.com/prod_28g_nano.html
Oceanic Bio Cube http://nanofishstore.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=1911
Aquapod http://nanofishstore.com/product_detail.asp?PartNumber=CUR-AP-7055
Would like some kind of rating, opinions, recommendations on which nano-tank is the best, or if it's something not on this list. If money were no object and you simply wanted the best one out of the bunch, which would it be, I think alot
<... no such word>
of people would be interested in the answer thx Nick
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/index.htm
Scroll down to Small Marine Systems... Bob Fenner>

Re: Best Nano Tank?   7/30/07
followed your suggestion,
<...>
didn't really see an answer to my question. Which >system is the best, if only technology wise out of these all-in-one aquariums?
<None of the above. Better by far for you to read/study... make your own... with an over-sized refugium, skimmer, better lighting... Please... don't waste your time, money, resources in general. Study, then purchase. BobF>

Nano lagoon project...  6/30/07
Hi Mr. Fenner,
<Dominique>
Hope you're having a great summer. My 2 years old 90 gal reef is doing great (me too, am on vacation...) and I would like to start a minimalistic nano tank as an aside.
<Ahh!>
The concept would be a micro lagoon: 20 x 10 x 6 inches high = 5 gal, 5mm sugar fine sand bed, 2 live rocks. The tip of one LR would be emersed with a very small red mangrove on it.
<Don't stay tiny...>
The only pieces of equipment would be a micro powerhead (5-6x/hour turnover), a small 7,5W heater (a pad placed under the sand), and a normal living room spot lamp with an incandescent 50W full spectrum plant growing spot bulb. I would do weekly water changes (as I do with my 90 gal).
Planned livestock: macro-algae (Ochtodes/blue ball + red Gracilaria), one red mangrove, a white pompom xenia frag, small mushroom corals, green star polyps, 1 pompom crab (L. tesselata), 1 blue stripe pipefish (Doryrhamphus excisus).
<Mmmm, really needs much more room... won't feel comfortable in these confines... Have you seen this fish, this genus... in the wild... Moves back from divers approaching...>
Does-it make any sense? Could you please give me some advices/inputs?
<Start slow... the simpler life first... Develop and adhere to your maintenance routine religiously>
I have been searching on the net and in my books but still one doesn't find as much about a lagoon concept and what would be its more typical fauna (Anthozoans and others) as for a reef and it's such a tiny set-up...
A few questions:
-Too small for a single 7cm pipefish?
<Yes, IMO; behaviorally>
-Is there any chance this lighting would be fine for the mangrove?
<Yes>
-Would a Fiddler crab or a Red Claw crab fit in there (adaptable to full salinity 1.025, danger for tankmates, escaping from open tank even if rocks are not touching tank walls...?)
<Yes>
-Or a Sally Lightfoot?
<Mmm, no... too predaceous, large, skittish>
-Is it healthy for the system to use under the sand heating in such a set-up?
<Yes... very worthwhile>
Sorry to send you such a long mail for a so tiny plan...
Many thanks!
Dominique
<Enjoy your holiday... Life! Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Nano Tank Critique - 6/25/07
Hello-
<Hi there! Scott F. here today!>
Thank you for providing all the help and (seemingly) endless supply of knowledge in regard to saltwater aquariums. I read about 1-2 hours (or more) per night of your site, and feel l will never be able to read everything. This is truly an addictive, and enjoyable hobby.
<I agree on both points!>
My tank is as follows:
-20gal high nano tank
-Aquaclear 30 filter
-standard florescent lighting
-Fission Nano Skimmer
-Maxi Jet 600 powerhead
-1inch very fine (sugar) grade sand bed
-about 7 lbs live rock with a ton of surface area (all small pieces) and also ornamental rock. I plan on adding about 1 lb live rock per week until I hit about 15 lbs
-ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, all zero
-ph is 8.3
-SG is 1.025
<Sounds good so far!>
For fish - I have 2 small (1 inch) false Percula Clowns
1 Bicolor Blenny (2 inches)
1 Firefish (2 inches)
-all are doing well and eating well.
<Good to hear...>
I also have a Scarlet Hermit Crab and 2 snails (about 1/2 in shells, +/-)The only live animals I plan on adding are some more inverts - more for the 'workload' than appearance (any suggestions??) and about 6 months or so down
the line, a small, hardy anemone.
<Oh...Well- I have to give my two cents on the anemone. Really, I'd avoid an anemone in any small system. My rational is twofold: First, water quality and environmental stability are so important to anemones, and the challenges of keeping such stability in a small volume of water are many. Second, you really need high intensity lighting (ie; metal halides) for overall anemone health, and such lighting can potentially overheat a small system.>
Questions:
Is there anything about the setup that is jumping out at you saying "what are you thinking?!"
<The anemone is the only thing that really stands out as a potential problem.>
-Is the bioload too much for this system?
<No, but I would not add any more fishes.>
-how do you feel about dry foods such as plankton/krill/etc. I normally feed frozen.
<I'm a big fan of frozen foods myself. I rarely, if ever feed dry foods. Nothing bad about most dried foods-I just like the "control" I get from thawing, cleaning and feeding frozen foods.>
-My skimmer has only been up and running for about 12 hours... How long should it take to start collecting the skimmate (I have been reading, but there's not a whole lot about Fission skimmers on the site)... That I could find.
<Give it a day or so. If you're not getting skimmate, further adjustment may be necessary to get production.>
Thank you very much for the help!
Eric
<My pleasure, Eric. Sounds like you're on the right track! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Old Tank-New Set-up, Sm. SW   6/20/07
I am semi new to salt water set-ups. I recently set up a 24g AquaPod, which is blooming now. I recently received a old salt tank from a friend (fish, "live-rock", and bio-wheel included). The previous owner was just able to make water changes. When I received the tank it was completely covered in hairy brown algae, including the live rock. The tank is somewhere between 15-20 gallons. I want to re-do the tank completely. I live in Korea, and quality equipment is hard to come by.
<Can it be mail-ordered? Sent by etailers in other countries? I take it this IS S. Korea... a very "first nation">
The tank lighting is set-up for a basic FW tank. The tank is also about 18' long, 15"deep, and 15" wide. I was planning on upgrading the lighting to Coralife 150w 20,000k HQI Metal Halide Pendant. Is that over-kill?
<Is not overkill, but you will need to pay attention to potential/real heat effects... temp. swings, increased evaporation/top offs...>
I plan on having coral with the 4-fish set up. I added a Korean protein skimmer with a 300 gph pump. Produces some foam not much, only till I can get a better set-up. Should I get rid of the bio-wheel and go with a box canister?
<Maybe in time...>
The only thing I am worried with is the flow rate for the corals with a bio-wheel. I plan on changing the substrate out to sand( its a crush coral/rock mix). Removing the "live-rock". Am I on the right track?
<One of them>
What filtration would be suited for a tank of this size and limited space? Thanks for your help. You have an amazing site! John U.S. Army-Korea
<Best to have you read re sumps, refugiums... Many nice alternatives here... Please start at the top:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marsetupindex2.htm
Bob Fenner>

Re: Old Tank-New Set-up, Sm. SW   6/21/07
Thanks for your reply. I have one more question for you. After reading more on your site I picked and purchased a skimmer for my re-do tank. I got the AQUAC REMORA WITH MJ1200. I also purchased the AQUALIGHT ADVANCED TANK-MOUNT - 1X150W 20000K HQI. I got a MJ400 for the HYDOR BIOFLO SMALL AEROBIC FILTER for good flow inside the tank. My question for you is: With the current old set-up (bio-wheel and cheap protein skimmer knock-off Korean version, hardly any foam build up), would it be better to start with new LR and sand after I get the new items or can I start cycling the LR with the current set-up, and then switch the equipment.
<This latter>
Also is the skimmer going to be enough filtration for the tank (10-15g), along with the LR and filter on the BIOFLO. Thanks again! You guys are amazing.
<We'll see... depends on the type of livestock, foods/feeding, maint.... Bob Fenner>

Opinion of the Red Sea Max Reef System, Sm. SW maint.    6/13/07
Crew:
<Sarah>
I am totally new to the saltwater world, but had successful freshwater systems in the past. I wanted to know your opinion(s) of the Red Sea Max "Plug and Play" Reef System for beginners. Knowing that you are all likely (and deservedly) to be purists, please remember that the key word is beginners.
<Understood... and for browsers, here's a fave desc. of this system: http://www.norbreck-aquatics.co.uk/max.shtml
Appears to be a good, serviceable unit all the way around>
I purchased a Max a month ago, and have, so far, knock on wood and saltwater, had a wonderful experience with it. I am interested to know if I am in the minority, majority, or all alone, in this opinion. My 34 gal aquarium cycled quickly (with 3-4" substrate and 30 lbs live rock) and I now have (and do not see any reason to add more any time soon) 3 fish (royal Gramma, pygmy angel, maroon clown),
<This last will likely prove to be trouble in time in this small volume... incompatibly territorial>
5 corals (2 polyps, a xenia, a torch and flowerpot),
<And these... should be investigated on WWM... the last will likely perish soon... perhaps causing trouble for your other livestock>
a fire shrimp (who just shed - freaked me out - I found the molted shell and thought he'd died! - he's fine, just taking a little time to come out from his rock cave as he's probably still a bit soft), a brittle star, buncha hermits, buncha snails. I just intro'd a gorgeous BTA 2 days ago,
<... misplaced here. I would NOT mix an anemone with Stony Corals in such a new, small volume...>
as I had a very unhappy little maroon clown, and the two were inseparable within 10 minutes. The BTA had settled in to a lovely rocky crevasse within 2 hours.
<... Do keep your eye on this...>
The ease and simplicity of this system has quickly addicted me to the saltwater world - watching my aquarium is now my favorite form of procrastination.
Is this a good thing?... I think so.
<I agree... though I do wish there was a requisite, concomitant "education" that went with such purchases (dream on... I live in this world...)... As it is too easy to "get into trouble" even with the most complete, simple set-ups in our interest. Here you have some real stocking issues...>
Are there any things to watch for to tip me off that something is not right?
<Mmm, yes. The best/foremost, your keen observation... Coupled with useful knowledge (again, please do read re the Systems, Compatibility... of the life you list... AND any that you intend to add going forward... AHEAD of its/their acquisition...>
Am I just freakishly lucky (reading some of your articles about WWMers who beat their heads on their tanks for 2 years to get a BTA to settle in, etc.),
or is the Max the reason all has gone well?
<Does appear to be a relatively complete, well-thought out product... And you are to be given credit (along with your stockist/LFS for careful screening of specimens, passion-enough to investigate, take care...>
I'm glad to have found your site, and look forward in the future to success
through research, rather than success through luck!
Sarah
<I too am hopeful for this... Keep a keen eye on your livestock... water quality testing... and regular maintenance/water changes... and we'll be chatting. Bob Fenner>

First Saltwater Tank 5/25/07
Hi! <Hello> I have just recently set up my first saltwater tank.   I've had freshwater for years but never before have I ventured into salt.  <Its fun.>  I've got a 40g Long tank, no live rock as of yet, no skimmer, Penguin Bio-Wheel Filter, salinity is 1.023, PH of 8.4, Ammonia and Nitrites are 0, Nitrate is 20. <If you are going to add live rock (which I highly recommend), do it soon, because it will cause havoc with your water parameters at first, causing another cycle.  Also, get a skimmer too, much better than a bio-wheel filter for marine applications.>  I feed New Life Spectrum pellet foods exclusively to my freshwater fish and after a discussion with Pablo (the developer of NLS) I intend to try my salties on the same diet. <Good stuff.>  I plan to use Thera-A in the .35mm and 1mm sizes.  I also will use the NLS Stable Wafers, primarily for my Lawnmower Blenny since algae is in rather short supply as yet. <Another reason to get the LR soon.>  My question is regarding compatibility.  I've got a list of fish/inverts decided on but I'd like to double check that they'll be compatible before leaping in with two feet.   The tank currently has the following:
1- Lawnmower Blenny
2- Yellow and Gold Chromis
I plan on adding the following fish/inverts eventually if they'll be compatible..
1- Flame Angel <Would skip, the tank is a little small for it and with the other livestock your probably pushing it a little too much.>
1- Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
1- Neon Goby
2- Banggai Cardinalfish (I plan to acquire a small group of these, allow them to pair and then return all but one pair. ) and possibly 1- Tiger Dragon Goby
Thanks for your time!
-Heather
<Seems ok, but with a little study you can tell the difference between male and female cardinals, so you won't need to go through all the extra purchasing.  Don't forget to QT everything.>
<Chris>

How to Set-Up a REALLY small nano-reef    5/7/07
Good morning Crew,
<Hello there Sara, I have commented on parts of your query but the link below will provide you with most of your answers.>
                  First of all I would like to say that you guys (and gals) are the Best of the Best.
<Why thanks!>
Anyway I have been keeping Freshwater tanks most of my life and currently have 4 tanks up and running and fully stocked.
<You are officially addicted.>
I have been thinking about starting my first Saltwater Reef tank because of the vibrant life and color that Freshwater does not offer.
<Better hide from those cichlid keepers!>
I would like to have some Soft Coral, maybe a fish or two, and would like to keep it small (real small like a 5.5 gallon or something similar)
<That is really small...a bit too small for even some veteran aquarists let alone a novice.>
since I have limited space in my fish room.
<That I do undertstand.>
   I thought I would ask a few questions before setting off on this journey and getting to lost.
<Okay.>
I have read that small Saltwater tanks are hard to maintain
<An understatement; yes...>
but I don't mind a challenge. I was wondering what kind of equipment you would recommend for a 5.5 gallon Reef.
<Hmmm, a small hang on power filter, mostly for water movement and to have a way of running carbon. In all honesty the filter in this tank would be you; and by that I mean bi-weekly water changes at the least.>
As far as the lighting goes - what wattage bulb should I use?
<A small powercompact fixture would probably be your only option here, that or incandescent lighting due to the small size of the tank.>
How bright should I go - 10K - 12K or higher?
<!0k is fine.>
  What kind of filtration would be best? Can I use a Bio-Wheel and what should the turnover rate be?
<Well I would use live-rock for biofiltration not bio-media, and I would want a turnover rate of at least 10X per hour.>
Stocking is another issue. I know I cant have to many fish or anything to big.
<Right, in all honesty this nano would be best off without fish.>
What kind of fish would you consider keeping to start or cycle the tank?
<Well read up on WWM re: establishing bio-filtration in marine aquaria. DO NOT use live animals in this process. Again I would prefer you not go with a set-up of this size and if you do I wouldn't like to see any fish in it. However is you MUST, a single clown goby or neon goby and even that is pushing it.>
Once it is cycled or when I think I can handle it what would you suggest to keep an eye out for?
<See the link below.>
To make it short and sweet - how would you Set-Up and Stock a Nano Reef???
<Hmmm actually I have an article on this subject; read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nanoreefsysart.htm .> Thanks for your time and keep up the good work.
<Thanks.>
Sara N.

Plumbing Return Line and Drain Line for Nano System – 5/4/07
Hello Crew!
<Mike.>
I hope this email finds you well.
<It does, thanks.>
I have a plumbing/planning question for you and your expertise.
<Lets here it...>
I have a 20gal glass aquarium (tall).  
<Neat looking but difficult to aquascape.>
My original plan was to run one 1” drain from the back of the tank to a 10gal sump, through a MAG 7, and back to my tank.  (1” plumbing throughout.)  With a 3’ head, this should put me at about 400gph…right at my 20x target turnover rate.
<Yes, however...while I do encourage aquarists to have ample amounts of water flow, I do not recommend pushing this much water through the sump; especially if you have a skimmer or refugium there. I usually aim for only a 7 to 10X turnover rate in the sump. For additional water flow to get you to that 20X plus goal, I sally supplement with closed loop manifolds.>
I then find out that a single 1” drain to the sump will neither handle 400gph,
<1" drains can handle up to 600gph at maximum but that's with no restrictions whatsoever.>
nor is it a good idea to use a single drain.
<Yes, well it's nice to have security...I'll put it that way.>
Okay, I’ve not sent the tank to be drilled yet so I will go ahead and put another 1” drain for safety/assurance that my tank will handle all that flow.  
<Okay.>
Today, what arrives at my doorstep?
<Hopefully not a child...>
Surprise! a MAG 9.5  Going back and doing some math, it seems that a MAG 9.5 will crank out almost 800gph @ a 3’ head. Ouch.
<To much flow through the sump you plan on using, could use this pump in a closed loop though, with multiple outlets.>
Now I’m curious if two 1” drains will handle all that flow.
<Should be able to...but again I don't recommend all that flow through this size sump.>
I’m also envisioning my poor tank inhabitants living in a dusty substrate storm because of a constant blast from the returns.
<Well bear-bottom is an option, or very shallow coarse media.>
So, would drilling yet another 1” hole in the back (3 total) compromise structural integrity and is a 40x turnover rate really desirable/sane?  
<Yes but not in the arrangement you have.>
Does it constitute more drilling/upsizing plumbing?
I’m thinking about using the ball-valve in the return line to simply throttle the pump down.  Though, I’ve heard mixed reviews as to if this is acceptable in regards to pump life/cost effectiveness.
<Yes, could put to much back-pressure on the pump..
I thought it was my lucky day when that 9.5 arrived by mistake… now I’m not so sure. :(
<Like I said I think you can find a place for it but not as a return pump on this size set-up. Search WWM Re: Anthony Calfo (Closed Loop System).>
I appreciate any and all advice.  Thank you!
<Welcome.>
Mike.
<Adam J.>

35 Gallon Reef, Equipment Choices  4/26/07
Hello from Australia,
<Hi.>
I am in the process of setting up a small 24"x18"x21" reef tank.
<Neat.>
It will hold approx: 35 US gallons which converts to about 125 litres. I will only be putting in 2 x percula clowns, 1 blue damsel and maybe a goby for algae control.
<Sounds modest, this is good for a smaller tank.>
Live rock will be added and if everything is fine a few months down the track I might go for a few very basic corals. I have purchased a 3 x 24w tube T5 light, a vortex style protein skimmer suitable up to 180 gallon tank, 2 x 400 litre/p/h power heads and a 500litre/h hang on filter for any floating detritus. Would you recommend the use of a UV sterilizer ?
<There are pros/cons to using them. (posted on WWM) However I personally think it would be a bit much on an aquarium of this size.>
Do you see any problems with the equipment chosen??
<No.>
Any advise would be appreciated. I seem to get mixed feed back here in Oz. My major problem will be heat in Summer. My current tropical tanks can reach up to 32 Celsius.
<Do see WWM regarding temperature control as well, usually a few temperature controlled fans can do the trick in a tank of this size.>
Thanks
Randall    
<Adam J.>

Preparations for Semi-nano Reef; FOWLR to Reef  4/17/04
Hello WWM,
<Hi.>
I was planning on turning my FOWLR 36 gallon tank,  into a reef aquarium.
<Beware of the dark-side young Skywalker...>
I do not plan on infesting the tank with corals,
<Infesting...interesting way to word it.>
but with  maybe about 5 different ones, however, I need to make sure I can provide  conditions that are suitable for each one.
<Right.>
The tank set up is like this
45 pounds of live rock
---SEIO 620 power head
---Bak Pak 2R protein Skimmer
---Flame Angelfish
<I wouldn't go with a Centropyge in this size tank long-term.>
---Citrinus Clown Goby
---Established for 4.5 months. I  was planning on adding another fish, such as a firefish, but wasn't sure whether  to add one or not since I am close to fully stocked, and my tank will become  reef.
<If you drop the angel it would be a good addition.>
I need suggestions on lighting for the specific corals I would look to  keep, these would Include, Ricordea Mushrooms, Brain Coral, Zooanthids, Polyp corals, Sun Coral, and some other possible soft corals. I was thinking of one of  these lighting fixtures
_http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3796&N=2004+113174_
(http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3796&N=2004+113174)  .  I do not know whether to get the 36, or 24 inch fixture since my tank is 30" in  length. Could this work, or do you have a better suggestion?'
<I only got the second link to work for me, which directed me to a VHO fixture. This could surely work, and I would much prefer it over a PC fixture. Having said that, have you looked into T-5 HO fixtures? If not, I would encourage reading up on them.>
I was looking for  4-5 watt fixture without lunar lights.
What bulbs should I use, an actinic and  which bulb?
<If your going to have one of the bulb be actinic (20,000k range) the other needs to be 6,500k to 10,000k range.>
Also, I have one power head the SEIO 620, which is pretty strong, but I was considering adding another to increase flow and remove dead spots.
<Yes, more flow wouldn't hurt.>
I can normally keep my nitrates below 10, and can be lowered more with an extra water change a month and added macro algaes.
<True, and by reducing your livestock load.>
My calcium is maintained at 400+ all the time.
Do you have any suggestions I should do before I convert to reef?
<I'll put it this way, you can't be to patient and you can't research and read to much.>
P. S, - I do ask a lot of questions, do I form a problem?
<Not yet my friend.>
Thanks again,   
Joe
<Adam J.>

Quick question ... Nano re-do   2/22/07
Hi guys!  I have a 16 gallon bowfront tank.  For the past five years, I have had a Skilter, regular CoraLife bulbs, live sand, and two pieces of live rock.  I kept a small, regal tang
<Way too little room for this species>
and a false clown.  Several months ago, the tang attacked the clown - he died a few days later.  The tang lived on for another year (total of 5 yrs).
<Bonsaied>
  Now that I do not have any livestock - I'd like to do things right.  I emptied the live sand and went with just a clear bottom.  The one piece of rock is browning ... I am assuming it is dying off.  The other piece has a bit of coralline algae on it.  My questions:
I'd like to get something other than the Skilter ... is the Aqua C Nano Remora the way to go for protein skimming?
<Much better, yes>
I'd like to do something with the lighting to increase the growth of the rock/future inverts ... is the USA 24" 2x65W Power Compact Orbit Fixture overkill for my tank?
<Is not... a very nice unit>
I don't want to overdo it ... but I want something good.
Last of all - do I get rid of the dying rock ... or hope that I can save what is left of it?  
<I would save it... can either "re-grow", or be of use as base rock, substrate with a bit of new placed near-by>
Thank you so much ...
Liz
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Marine Set-Up 2/20/07
Hello Bob :-)
<James for Bob today.>
I love your book, and articles on Salt Water aquarium & fish!
<Bob thanks you for this.>
I have a quick question I hope you can give me your incite on. I'm thinking of starting a "Fish Only" 20 gallon saltwater tank with a few clown fish.
Kind of a starter into the world of marine fish keeping. How do you all feel about this? Would this equipment work well in this 20 gallon tank:
Twin-Tube Fluorescent Strip Light 30", Stealth UL Heater 100 Watt, Rena FilStar XP1 Canister Filter,
<A nice filter, easy to maintain.>
CoraLife super skimmer, Instant Ocean Hydrometer, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Liquid Master Test Kit,
<I like Aquarium Systems and Salifert kits myself.>
Oceanic (TM) Natural Sea Salt Mix?
<Instant Ocean is my choice of salt.>
I was going to do a brackish tank with mangroves & a mudskipper (I have the tank setup with crushed coral as a substrate & mangroves now, but can eliminate them easily), but I don't know if I will ever be able to purchase a mudskipper around here, the pet store people tell me it could be months, or maybe never. Well I have always wanted to have a few tank raised clown fish, so I was wondering what I have setup is alright, and what else I need to be successful as a beginner with saltwater fish.
<Tom, a good place to start would be sending you to this link.  Do read linked files above also.  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marineSetUp.htm
This should answer most, if not all of your start-up questions.>
Thanks.
<You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>

Re: Marine Set-Up 2/20/07
Hello Bob :-) A Quick Question On A 20 Gallon Setup
Hello Bob :-)
<Tom>
I love your book, and articles on Salt Water aquarium & fish! I have a quick question I hope you can give me your incite
<Heee! Insight>
on. I'm thinking of starting a "Fish Only" 20 gallon saltwater tank with a few clown fish.
<Two>
Kind of a starter into the world of marine fish keeping. How do you all feel about this?
<Can be done... tank-bred...>
Would this equipment work well in this 20 gallon tank:
Twin-Tube Fluorescent Strip Light 30", Stealth UL Heater 100 Watt, Rena FilStar xP1 Canister Filter, CoraLife super skimmer, Instant Ocean Hydrometer, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Liquid Master Test Kit, Oceanic (TM) Natural Sea Salt Mix?
<Yes>
I was going to do a brackish tank with mangroves & a mudskipper (I have the tank setup with crushed coral as a substrate & mangroves now, but can eliminate them easily), but I don't know if I will ever be able to purchase a mudskipper around here,
<Maybe mail-order... etailers>
the pet store people tell me it could be months, or maybe never. Well I have always wanted to have a few tank raised clown fish, so I was wondering what I have setup is alright, and what else I need to be successful as a beginner with saltwater fish. Thanks.
<I say... you go Tom! Bob Fenner>

Is this temperature ok? (Bob F., if available). & Nano stkg...  2/16/07
Hi,
Great site as usual!
    I am setting up an Oceanic Bio Cube 14, as a nano  reef. I had a company by the name of nano-tuners.com
<Neat name>
do a mod to my hood that  increased the lighting from 48 watts to 72 watts of PC lighting. I am running 1-  10k bulb, one actinic, and one 50/50) As expected with a light increase,  there was a heat increase. I have freshwater in there now, and am testing all of  my equipment. I am getting temps in the 80- 83 degree range consistently with  out the use of a heater.
<Mmm, temp. and range will likely be okay... I would use/place a/the heater... just set at the lower temp.>
I will employ the use of a 50 watt heater when I  get it set up, but will these temperatures be ok for the following?
15 Lbs of Live Rock
<From tropical clime, yes>
3 Lbs of rubble as a bio filter
20 Lbs of Live Sand
<Ditto>
212 model  zoo-med power sweep power head + stock pump, yielding a turn over of 20x
2  True Percula clowns (a pair if I can manage it)
<Start with just two small tank-bred ones... they'll become a pair in time>
1 Fire fish
<Mmm... really needs two square feet of space per individual, and most species available are best kept in pairs... Highly stressed otherwise>
Various  softies (xenia, mushrooms, Ricordea, etc)
<A Pacific Ricordea species would be better than a Floridian>
Some hard corals
Other various frags
An anemone (Bubble tip??)
<Mmmm... this tank is really too small>
A clam (can you recommend a specific species?)
<Ditto>
2 cleaner shrimp (Am I  better off with a mated pair of golden coral banded
shrimp, or two  skunks?)
<Better with Peppermints... again... this volume is too small>
2-4 hermits (2 blue, 2 scarlet)
5-10 snails  (Suggestions?)
<I'd avoid here>
Top off every other day with pure R/O water
10% w/c once a week
<Make that twenty>
I will be exclusively using Nutri sea water for this setup.
Filter floss cleaned at every top off under tap, and squeezed dry.
Chemical filtration: Pura pad.
Does this set up look good to you? Any  other recommendations are gladly
welcomed.
Thanks,
Anthony
<Appears you've been doing your "homework"... again, go slow... small colonies of those Cnidarians... Bob Fenner>

New Tank 2/12/07 , SW, anem. sel./sys., subst.,
First and foremost let me start off by saying your online resource is enjoyable to read and I appreciate the time you all put into answering questions. <Thanks>
Now I have a 29 gal tank with an Emperor 400 with Bio-Wheels, a 3 inch crushed coral substrate, a maxi-jet 900 and 17 pounds of various types of live rock. <No skimmer?> My tank has only been running for about one week.  My questions is with the current set up that I have is it possible to have an anemone and two clown fish set-up (once the tank is cycled of course)? <Too small/unstable for an anemone, fine for a clownfish pair.> I plan on adding more live rock however I just need some direction.  Should I ditch the crushed coral for some type of sand?  <Could, would help with water quality.>  I have read various responses on your website as well as in numerous books and I just wanted to ask a direct question about my specific set up.  Thank you for any and all help that you can provide.
<Welcome>
<Chris>
-Andre F. Ousley

Small Marine Systems... Adam!  2/11/07
Hi
<Hello.>
my name's Jenn, and I'm planning on turning my freshwater aquarium into a reef aquarium (my boyfriend is taking me freshwater fish) and i had some basic questions.
the main thing i wanted to purchase was an anemone, i was considering a Haitian pink tip anemone, or a condolactic anemone, i only have a 10 gallon tank, so i was only planning on getting a clown fish, and a scarlet hermit crab, because i don't want to crowd the tank.
my first question is:
is it possible to have an anemone in a 10 gallon tank if i dont buy many other fish or anyhting.
my second question is:
>My question is why did Adam not send this back to you to correct your English? WHY do you want to appear ignorant, or have us appear so? WHY do people think I have nothing better to do with my time? WHY do you not follow instructions if you want our help? RMF<
which anemone would be better for a small tank?
my third question: what watt of metal halide bulb should i purchase?
my last question:
what clownfish would go best with the anemone you suggest?
I've had many different pets throughout my life, and I know the worst thing you can do is buy a pet without reading up on it first
<Very Good!>
, it's a good way to kill it and that is the last thing i want. So any tips you have I would really appreciate.
<Hey Jen try this article first, see if it helps out, if you need clarification respond and I will be more than happy to do so: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nanoreefsysart.htm.>
thank you so much for your time!
-Jennifer
<Adam J.>

New 32 Gallon Reef Tank Setup 1/30/07
Hi,
<Hello>
Let me start out by saying thanks for helping me out last week - I had my whole tank destroyed by a brother-in-law who dumped a whole bottle of pellet food into my tank.  Because of some of the tips and emails I received I have so far have managed to keep my remaining 2 Ocellaris clownfish, Javanese damsel and brown clown goby, tiger pistol shrimp plus a handful of Nerite snails and some tiny hermit crabs alive in a small uncycled tank (been changing 25% of the water every 2 days).
<Good to hear, keep up the good work.>
So rather than re-setup by old glass tank that was filthy and in need of a good cleaning from the food mishap, I have purchased a 32 gallon M-tank by Finnex. <Ok>
The version of M-tank I have has a rear sump, but is not setup for any kind of wet/dry or bio media.  This version is a custom version... It has a skimmer, and refugium with compact fluorescent lighting instead of a wet/dry or filter tray.  <Nice, although I usually am skeptical on the efficiency of the skimmers that come with these types of setups.  Make sure you are able to get it to work.>
My plan for the tank is this:
1) refugium with either a DSB or Mud with Chaetomorpha and possible mangroves (I have 2 mangroves left over from my old tank setup).  I have read all that there is on both the DSB and Mud approaches.  I plan on having a 3 - 4 inch sand bed in the main tank and I plan on keeping the skimmer on at all times - do I go with Mud or go with a DSB in the fuge?  <I would go with a DSB, although a mud system could be worked out too.>
2) I am going to add 30 - 40 pounds of LR - Is it ok to use un-cured since this is a new setup?
<Yes, even preferable in my opinion.>
3) 3 - 4 inch sand bed with aragonite fine sand bed in the  display.  (do I use any store bought live sand or just go with straight aragonite)  <Just go with the aragonite, the LR will seed the sand.>
4) Protein skimmer in the rear sump running 24/7.
<Make sure it produces well or be ready to replace.>
5) Light fixture in compact fluorescent 3 X 55w (165 W total) - each bulb is a different spectrum.
<Ok>
I plan this Wednesday on adding the sand, then the LR and then adding the water (RO water using red sea coral pro salt).  I will also use bio-Spira as this seems to me the preferred method to speed up cycling.  <Will help, make sure it is refrigerated, otherwise it is useless.>
In a few weeks after cycling has completed I plan on adding the 2 clownfish, goby, damsel, pistol shrimp, snails and hermits.
<Slowly if possible, over the course of a few weeks ideally.>
A few more weeks or maybe a month after that I wanted to start introducing some corals to the reef.
<The longer the better, let the system settle a bit.>
As far as non-corals the most I will add a few months down the road are more snails and hermits and maybe a starfish like a serpent star or something. <Careful with the stars, many that are not appropriate for aquariums, and many that are very good.  Both seem to be available equally.>  
Down the road maybe another "nano" fish that grows to only a very small size because I t