STEP by STEP Nano Reef GUIDE
NanoAquatic Reef Guide
The smallest tank size we recommend is 10 gallons. The most popular type of fish for nano aquariums, such as gobies, require at least a minimum of 10. Anything below 10 should be kept as a coral and inverts only tank as most fish will experience stunted growth. This occurs not only due to the aquarium size but because of the lack of water quality that nano provides over bigger sized tanks. Below we will guide you with our very own 10 gallon tank. If you choose a different size, we'll adjust and add information accordingly as we go along. We've divided the guide into three sections, 1) Tank Setup, 2) Essentials and
3) Equipments. Those who are considering fish only, follow the numbers with the blue fish.
3 - CYCLING
Cycling Option 1: The Traditional Method
The brief science behind cycling a reef:
For a new setup it is essential to have bacterial colonies present in your new aquarium. Introduction of live rocks and live sand will bring in the necessary bacteria to start the cycling process. Dead matter on the rocks and sand will create Ammonia which certain bacteria will feed on. Then denitrifying bacteria take over to convert Nitrite to Nitrate, ending the process. Both Ammonia and Nitrite are lethal to fish, but Nitrate can be broken down by Algae and Plants. Use the testing kits to make sure Ammonia and Nitrite is at zero. During the cycling process you will see most of your Coralline algae recede to a minimum, but once the cycling is finished, they will spread and return.
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Aquascape your live rocks to your liking
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Pour the sand. We suggest having sand in the back higher than the front for an easier view
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Fill up the tank with RO/DI+Salt mixed water
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You can put a dead uncooked shrimp as an option to produce ammonia faster
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Do not do any water changes. Keep your lights on on normal timing(8-10 hrs). Let it cycle for a month.
Sometimes the cycling process may take less or longer depending on what kind of live rocks you use. Using pre-cured live rock will take less time to cycle. Using dry rock+liverock or uncured rock will take longer. Always test your Ammonia and Nitrite before ending your cycling process.
Cycling Option 2: Faster Method
To speed the cycling process you can add additives that contain beneficial bacteria. There are many brands out there that contain nitrifying bacteria or biological enhancers. The one in particular that we use with success is "Nutrafin Cycle Biological Filter Supplement." These additives usually state they will cycle the tank in three days, but caution should still be taken. After the third day we suggest adding some fish food or plants first to see how your tank reacts. We usually put fish after a week using Nutrafin Cycle, but one fish at a time. Since the saltwater hobby requires a lot of patience(and it's expensive), we suggest adding one fish per 2-3 week intervals. Again, always check your water quality, this is a must routine that's needed.
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Aquascape your live rocks to your liking
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Pour the sand. We suggest having sand in the back higher than the front for an easier view
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Fill up the tank with RO/DI+Salt mixed water
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Add your additive of beneficial bacteria in your tank as instructed
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Do not do any water changes. Keep your lights on on normal timing(8-10 hrs). Let it cycle for the length of time the bottle requires you to(add some extra days)
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Add some fish food and test the tank by adding a plant to see if Ammonia or Nitrite spikes again.
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Add fish when all is good to go.
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Take 2-3 week intervals to add another fish
Do not ever rush in this hobby!! Patience, patience, patience! As hard as it is, this hobby is not cheap and animal lives matter. Many of the times you will find certain things are a hit or miss, but always use caution.
You can also add Purple-Up(by Kent) to speed up the loss Coralline during the cycling process.
