I just purchased a 28 gallon nano cube. I am wanting to set it up as a reef tank. I am needing some suggestions on how to set it up, what kind of sand, how much live rock etc. All suggestions welcome,
Thank you
Thank you
new 28 gallon nano cube
- Thread starter curly01
- Start date
Are you a beginner? if so then you may want to stick with fish only for a while. This hobby costs a ton of $$$ so be ready to spend.
Ok a good rule is 1 lb live rock per 2-3 gallons of water. Or just get 20 lbs. I have a 30 gal SWFOT and it have 21 lbs live rock in it. As for sand, well you can go to home Depot and get sand there (like the stuff for sandboxes), or you can go to your LFS (local fish store) and get whatever they have. DO NOT GET LIVE SAND! Ive heard its a disaster, and if u get Live Rock then u will be fine.
You will want a protien skimmer, im not an expert (dont have one), but there are plenty of other people here on AC that can help u with that. I do know that corals are harder to take care of then fish, and some cant go near others (just like some fish cant live with other fish)
Here are some places to look for good beginner fish that can go in a reef tank.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/...122+22+28+32&s=ts&start=1&page_num=1&count=17
Here are some beginner corals for you, non aggressive:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/...2856&r=22+28&s=ts&start=1&page_num=1&count=23
You will want to take it SLOWLY, my tank has only fish and it took about 6 weeks to get all the fish. Coral should take even longer.
Here is a cleaner pack critters list
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/build_your_own_kit.cfm?id=1
Cleaner packs are well cleaner fish/inverts for a tank. Most of these should be reef safe.
Ok a good rule is 1 lb live rock per 2-3 gallons of water. Or just get 20 lbs. I have a 30 gal SWFOT and it have 21 lbs live rock in it. As for sand, well you can go to home Depot and get sand there (like the stuff for sandboxes), or you can go to your LFS (local fish store) and get whatever they have. DO NOT GET LIVE SAND! Ive heard its a disaster, and if u get Live Rock then u will be fine.
You will want a protien skimmer, im not an expert (dont have one), but there are plenty of other people here on AC that can help u with that. I do know that corals are harder to take care of then fish, and some cant go near others (just like some fish cant live with other fish)
Here are some places to look for good beginner fish that can go in a reef tank.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/...122+22+28+32&s=ts&start=1&page_num=1&count=17
Here are some beginner corals for you, non aggressive:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/...2856&r=22+28&s=ts&start=1&page_num=1&count=23
You will want to take it SLOWLY, my tank has only fish and it took about 6 weeks to get all the fish. Coral should take even longer.
Here is a cleaner pack critters list
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/build_your_own_kit.cfm?id=1
Cleaner packs are well cleaner fish/inverts for a tank. Most of these should be reef safe.
I'll throw out a few ideas but there are a number of "get me started" threads on this board that will help you get up and running. Just do a search and you will find tons of info.
Live rock - Don't skimp. Buy the best, well cured rock you can find/afford. General rule is 1 lb per gallon but don't cram your tank full of rock. I have 30 lbs in my 45 gallon and I am taking a little out this weekend. You can save a little $ by buying some dry rock which will be seeded by the LR you get.
Sand - I would advise against Home Depot play sand. It will vary from region to region but there is a better that average chance that sand will contain a high level of phosphates, silicates and other things which will fuel algae growth and diatom blooms. Buy aragonite based sands that you can get from almost any petstore. It does not have to be live. If you go with dry sand see if you can find someone or a LFS to ive you a cup or two of their established sand to seed yours. If not your LR will seed it.
Skimmer not necessary. WC's will take care of pollution through dilution but ONLY if you stick to them on a regular (recommend weekly) basis. Skimmer will help stabalize your tank though.
Flow - You want it! get powerheads if you don't have them. Wide flow patterns are best.
Agree with the go slow. Get a hydrometer or refractometer to check specific gravity and some good test kits for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. Once you get corals, get kist for calcium and alkalinity as well.
Can you give some specs on your lighting, flow rate from your pump, etc.
Live rock - Don't skimp. Buy the best, well cured rock you can find/afford. General rule is 1 lb per gallon but don't cram your tank full of rock. I have 30 lbs in my 45 gallon and I am taking a little out this weekend. You can save a little $ by buying some dry rock which will be seeded by the LR you get.
Sand - I would advise against Home Depot play sand. It will vary from region to region but there is a better that average chance that sand will contain a high level of phosphates, silicates and other things which will fuel algae growth and diatom blooms. Buy aragonite based sands that you can get from almost any petstore. It does not have to be live. If you go with dry sand see if you can find someone or a LFS to ive you a cup or two of their established sand to seed yours. If not your LR will seed it.
Skimmer not necessary. WC's will take care of pollution through dilution but ONLY if you stick to them on a regular (recommend weekly) basis. Skimmer will help stabalize your tank though.
Flow - You want it! get powerheads if you don't have them. Wide flow patterns are best.
Agree with the go slow. Get a hydrometer or refractometer to check specific gravity and some good test kits for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. Once you get corals, get kist for calcium and alkalinity as well.
Can you give some specs on your lighting, flow rate from your pump, etc.