NanoCube's

[phreakkn0t]

I am planning on starting a saltwater tank in the (hopefully) near future. I am looking at getting a nanocube, probably the 12g. I only want to start with a FOWLR set up, and possibly later get another tank to set up as a reef. I have a general idea what I want as far as stocking. I would like:

1 Clown Goby
1 Other goby (watchmen or orange spotted)
1-2 Emerald Crabs
1 Porcelin Crab
1 Sally Lightfoot Crab (maybe)
1 Peppermint or Cleaner shrimp
10-20 hermits
5-10 snails
1 Featherduster
1 Conch
1 Chocolate Chip Starfish
Possibly 1 fish to use the upper tank space (firefish)

I also like Scooter Blennies, would one of those and a clown goby work?

I really like the inverts as you can see but I never saw much about how much space alot of them need, would a 12g nanocube work with mainly inverts and a couple gobies or would I require a bigger tank? Being FOWLR I am also considering getting something like a 20L with a basic hood as I wont have corals that need high lighting but a 20L would have more floor space which would benefit the inverts. I am just trying to get a head start on my planning and research so when I have the money I know what I want to get and look for. I like being prepared. Thank you in advance.

[journey0820]

Hi there, I don't have answers for you as I'm totally new but I do have a question...what made you decide on the NanoCube rather than a regular tank. I'm trying to make that decision myself.

[Reefscape]

I am planning on starting a saltwater tank in the (hopefully) near future. I am looking at getting a nanocube, probably the 12g. I only want to start with a FOWLR set up, and possibly later get another tank to set up as a reef. I have a general idea what I want as far as stocking. I would like:

1 Clown Goby <<Should work fine>>
1 Other goby (watchmen or orange spotted) <<Should work fine>>
1-2 Emerald Crabs <<Would not have these in a nano, personal preference of mine>>
1 Porcelin Crab <<Fine>>
1 Sally Lightfoot Crab (maybe) <<Not in a tank this size>>
1 Peppermint or Cleaner shrimp <<Fine>>
10-20 hermits <<10 would be ample, maybe even just 5>>
5-10 snails <<Fine>>
1 Featherduster <<Fine>>
1 Conch <<Not in a tank this size, personal preference>>
1 Chocolate Chip Starfish <<Not in a tank this size, avid predator and would require constant target feeding>>
Possibly 1 fish to use the upper tank space (firefish) <<Fine, keep a tight fitting lid>>

I also like Scooter Blennies, would one of those and a clown goby work?

<<Yes, them two fish would be fine together>>

I really like the inverts as you can see but I never saw much about how much space alot of them need, would a 12g nanocube work with mainly inverts and a couple gobies or would I require a bigger tank?
<<Yes, it would work fine, but choose inverts for compatibility, rather than appearance>>
Being FOWLR I am also considering getting something like a 20L with a basic hood as I wont have corals that need high lighting but a 20L would have more floor space which would benefit the inverts. I am just trying to get a head start on my planning and research so when I have the money I know what I want to get and look for. I like being prepared. Thank you in advance.


Added come comments above in red...hope they help...

On fish, your only looking at housing 2 small to med fish like goby's, firefish, clowns etc etc...that kind of size....

Niko

[phreakkn0t]

I havent totally decided on a nanocube vs a regular tank. I like the all in 1 lighting and filter of the nano and you can get a skimmer accessory.

Thank you for the quick reply. Can I ask why you do not put emerald crabs or conchs in nanos? What size would you suggest for them? I am kind of going by my stocking list and adjusting what I plan on eventually getting in regards to tank size.

My main reason for keeping it FOWLR instead of going reef is that I had wanted to get a chocolate chip starfish but knew that it would not be possible to have corals. What size tank would be needed for one of these? I am willing to do target feedings. If it is not possible though, are there any other types of starfish that would work in this setup without going after the hermits/snails?

[phreakkn0t]

Redesigned stocking list:

1 Clown Goby
1 Scooter Blenny or Goby (orange spotted or watchmen)
1-3 Porcelin Crabs (can they be kept in groups or do they fight others of the same species?)
1 Peppermint Shrimp
10 hermits - assorted
5-10 snails - assorted
1 Feather duster

15-20 # Live rock
15-20 # Live sand

If Porcelins can not be kept in groups, are there other small crabs that can get along with this stocking other than emeralds if they are not recommended for a nano.

[Grins]

I think your tank won't be able to sustain the amount of pods that the scooter will need, it is actually a dragonette and not a blenny. I also would avoid the orange spotted goby in a nano tank. Porcelain crabs can be kept in groups, you'll be fine. I'd add more than one peppermint because they are social and do much better in groups. If you only want one shrimp I'd go with the scarlett skunk instead, it will most likely be more enjoyable as well.

[journey0820]

Are you going to get the Deluxe 12 gallon? The one with the extra lighting on the top? My dad has the nano and likes it just fine. He complains about accessibility but not much else. I think he may have substituted some of the "all in one" bits and pieces like lights or filter. I'm still on the fence about the nano or a reg.

[phreakkn0t]

1 Clown Goby
1 Goby (Watchmen?)
2-3 Porcelin Crabs
1 Scarlet Cleaner or a small group of Peppermints
10 hermits - assorted
5-10 snails - assorted
1 Feather duster

15-20 # Live rock
15-20 # Live sand

If I decide that I want to try a few corals I will go for the deluxe model of nano cube. If I decide to do FOWLR I may buy a standard 20L kit with basic lighting (maybe a little bigger than 20L) and later upgrade that lighting if I want corals. But it is my understanding that FOWLR don't require the high lighting that reef tanks do so a standard kit might be better off in the long run. This is all down the road as I am a recent college grad that is still in the job hunting phase of things. I am just being prepared as I like to know what I am getting myself into ahead of time. Thank you to everyone that has replied so far and helped, I appreciate it.

[tranceFusion]

I have an all-in-one and love it because it is much more aesthetically pleasing than a standard tank IMO. However, realize most of the stuff that comes with it will just get thrown out or replaced.

I believe the main reasons to choose one over the other is:

Standard tank: Cost efficient + More versatile
All-in-one: Looks much better

[phreakkn0t]

Hmm, thank you for the first hand info. I do like the looks of the cubes but I didn't realized Id have to replace alot of the standard equipment. I would like to go for lower cost while still maintaining the proper environment for the fish/inverts to live and thrive. So that might mean that Ill go for the standard tank. Ill continue to research and adjust my plans accordingly. Thank you again :)

[tranceFusion]

Yeah I mean people use the all-in-ones for freshwater planted tanks too, so you are paying for a bunch of stuff that isn't necessary.. filter media, etc. Plus for a reef it is usually recommended to upgrade to a stronger, cooler pump and add a powerhead..

so basically when you are crunching numbers, think of the all-in-one as nothing more than lights and tank..

[phreakkn0t]

Good to know, thank you very much because you helped me make up my mind and go for a standard tank. Would a 24inch 65w compact flourescent light strip be able to support corals in a 20L? thats 3.25watts/gallon. If it can support corals, what kind?

These are the strips Im looking at:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+11418&pcatid=11418
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+9871&pcatid=9871

Also, does anyone know anything about this Filter/Skimmer:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+3641&pcatid=3641

[scootrnerd]

that lighting might work for some softies i wouldn't do lps or sps under it.

[phreakkn0t]

How about zoas and mushrooms? can those be kept? what is the watts/gallon for various types of corals?

[scootrnerd]

well i keep only soft corals in my 55 i did have only 200 watts of pc lighting wich is almost 4 watts per gallon. and they did fine i now have 400 watts of pc lighting and they do allot better! and it depends on the specific coral/light/tank there is no set parameters . most ppl say a good rule for softies is 4 watts per gallon. however just for instants its a 20 tall. if you had 80 watts of pc lighting it wouldn't reach to the bottom with that very affectively. but with a 20 long you could get by with 3.5-4 watts per gallon. i have a 20 long frag tank with only 64 watts t-5. but they are on racks an inch or so from the top of the tank.

[phreakkn0t]

Are Zoas and Mushrooms considered softies?

I think I might start with a FOWLR tank and a standard tank hood with a flourescent tube. LR does not require any sort of specific Watt/Gal to maintain bacteria levels do they? A FOWLR tank can thrive at very low lighting, such as 1 W/G correct?

If I decide to take the plunge into a reef tank down the road I will look into the 130W PC strip lights

Any comments on that Skimmer/Filter?

can 2 or 3 gobies and a clown or firefish live comfortably in a 20L or is that overstocked?

[scootrnerd]

yes zoanthids and mushrooms or softies depends on the gobies. i dont know about that filter haven't used one. no lr doesn't need a specific wpg ratio .