Double check my plan please!

[dewilde2]

Hello all, I am starting a 5 gallon nano (or pico?) sw tank. Don't worry- no fish anytime soon, or maybe never. I am only doing the 5 gallon until I have the time and not-moving aroundness for a larger aquarium. I know starting with a small one is generally a bad idea, but I like a challenge. So I'm making an online order and also hitting the LFS this week.

Here's my plan:
-5 gallon tank
-Live sand
-3-4 lbs live rock
-hygrometer
-testing kit
-Compact Mini 50/50 light
-I was going to get a palm azoo filter but I have one of the small whisper in-tank power filter and am wondering if this will work for a little extra filtration and some circulation
-small heater (still looking for one)

So do I add the saltwater (i'm hoping to buy pre-mixed water to start off with), sand and rock all at the same time?

After cycling, I'm thinking about adding some sexy shrimp, some tiny hermits and some frags of some sort, and would appreciate some suggestions on what may be appropriate.

Thanks!

[Max]

I'd add the rock then the live sand and then put a bowl in the tank and pour your water into it to limit your sand storm . I'd also probably buy fully cured live rock as it's such a small set up. It would also be in your best intrest to have everything ready to go to limit your live rocks exposure to air.
I don't think that I'd add a fish or if I did I limit it to one of the smaller blennies/gobies etc. As far as frags go softies are a lot easier than hard corals so that's probably what I'd start with. You should also really consider buying or building an auto top of system this tank will fail quickly with out pretty much constant vigalance otherwise. I know the nano's are really neat but, I'd probably start out with something bigger like a 20 so that you have at least a little room for error. Don't let me discourage you thoug just giving you an honest opinion.
Please do keep us posted !
Max

[dewilde2]

Ok great, thanks. Yea I am thinking no fish at all, and if I change my mind perhaps one clown or neon goby.

Any advice on the filter? Can I use the whisper and if so do I use the carbon cartridges just like for freshwater?

Thanks!