Picking up an established Nano Tank today...

rwilliams254

rwilliams254

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May 16, 2007
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Scottsdale, AZ
I've never had a saltwater tank, but I have lots of freshwater tanks. (I can only assume that this has been posted a lot).

I'm picking up a Nano Fish tank with black clown fish later this afternoon.

It's established, but from what I understand, it needs a little TLC.

Is there anything specific I should watch out for?

(I know I have a lot to learn)

Thanks

nano tank.JPG
 
Looks like it has a healthy amount of coraline algae in it. Needs some more rock without a doubt. When you pick it up give us a list of everything you see that it comes with both technical and stockwise and we can make suggestions then.
 
Of course!!!
 
1. Ok, picked up the tank. It's a 12 gallon tank. It has a black clown fish in it...cool. Nemo from the hood? (sorry, bad joke). I believe there are 3 anenomies (sp?) (the things that clown fish like)…but they’re flat like mushrooms…and blueish in color. I’ll get some better picts tonight.

2. There are also some worms with spines. I was told I should take those out…correct? They’re in the sand. I was thinking of just taking everything out, siphoning off the sand (and worms) and replaceing the sand with new/cleaner sand. The guy gave me the rest of what he has. Good idea?

3. I need to put some more live rock in there, I know, but is there a certain kind I should get?

4. Also, I was thinking about a cherry shrimp (or whatever the sw kind are called…the kind that clean).

Should I scrape the walls clean?


Thanks guys!!!
 
1. We'll need photos of anemones to identify them but it is a great sign that they aren't bleached.

2. Sounds like bristleworms. Unless they are large (over 6"+) I'd leave them be. There was a time when people thought they were bad but research has shown that the majority of them are beneficial and will eat deitrus from the sand bed. If you can get a shot of the worm we can identify it. What kind of sand is it? Is it in bad shape? Although many suggest replacing the sand when you have a used tank...if the tank is doing well and there is stock in it I'd leave it be for now.

3. Get cured live rock since you have a fish in there already. My favorite live rock is Marshall Island but some of the Premium Fiji pieces are really nice as well. Look for rock that is porous versus dense, has good color and is free of nusisance algae and glass anemones.

4. Cherry Shrimps are FW. I bet you're thinking of either a Skunk Cleaner Shrimp or a Fire Shrimp. Either would be a good choice. The Skunks are a little less in cost and some say they have better luck with them cleaning thatn the Fires. Personally I like they both and I'll adding a Fire to my tank which has a Skunk.

5. I'd leave the algae on the back wall and just clean the front and sides. Is it acrylic or glass? If acrylic you'll want to take precautions not to scratch it.

6. You might also want to take a look at this post:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118995
 
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