Fluval edge nano reef

[shiftline]

I finally got around to getting my little cube of a reef set up. It's filled with live sand and live rock from a 2.5 year old tank.

I checked the parameters yesterday and everything was fairly low so hopefully it's good to go later this week :)

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/20/5494f9b7e93fb0806b210f9b28ca6804.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/20/22aa1ae6d8251a5b0270c93c2997e661.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/20/19f02ee8ec86520be1414e93b7650db9.jpg
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http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/20/516be697566b141a11b7b0023a0fc856.jpg
Lots of caves for the critters and ledges for the corals :)

I'm debating either painting the aquaclear 20 intake black or finding a clear one

Also added a stainless strainer to the intake.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/20/b202616fb05fb7065d9c4b4933bcf177.jpg

[Sharkbait-huhaha]

love your rock work! going to be interesting to see your fish swim in and out of 'em!

[shiftline]

Thank you. It only took about 80 revisions!

I'm not quite sure if I'm happy with the arching rock for the center to the left so it may change if I find a more interesting one.. But aside from that I'm happy with it!

[spit.fire]

That stainless strainer will most likely rust in saltwater

[shiftline]

Good to know! I saw others a use a sponge prefillter.. Which requires frequent cleanings to avoid nitrates. I was hoping this would get around that. Rats!

[spit.fire]

The sponge prefilter is more of a freshwater thing so baa by fish and shrimp don't get sucked in

[shiftline]

Is there many small mArine things to get sucked up. Or not really an issue? I suppose the powerhead prob sucks more than the AQ

[spit.fire]

Not an issue

[shiftline]

Tested the water again today and things look to be cycled!!

[shiftline]

First two corals!!!

Alpha and omega zoas and purple bonsai sps.
Just starting to open back up after going for a drive

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/23/8d4bf0a48ed487374d27a756eb5dbcd4.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/23/2d6ab5fbdf1faba897d967465cd0626d.jpg

[shiftline]

Finally got a little life in the tank!
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/26/8e2331c3d76cc704bfdfbfa9458ac861.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/26/1b17c9c0e438c5a041073b72ead40199.jpg
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http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/26/dd74fc3e1001ebbaa62fc6ff289aa04c.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/26/47b55244ad0bf00ddb14557400d7c5fa.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/26/d10c1c6008c9c7a9e193c704e91dc84a.jpg

[Sharkbait-huhaha]

Looking great

Edit:
Is that a porcelain crab,

[shiftline]

Thank you
It sure is a porcelain crab. Very cool little guy.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/26/6f58f3ac79c7c5f8beb499c082b9397d.jpg

[shiftline]

A few new additions
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/03599f273006d0cdfbe27842c5b36318.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/304a95c4dd6eb913feb64b5fba3eb8df.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/a51f64b92f580f13101c3c5e16abb007.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/454026a1ce856665bd5edfd8295d60e9.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/48ce34bdefe1084e05bab544dc4b0001.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/97940c685dcbc6087ac0f118f030c194.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/992a84d70c92dd520581e72c897c8970.jpg

[shiftline]

Added 36w of leds modded In to the hood!! Much cleaner than my temporary hack job :)

3x 10000k-12000k LEDs
4x Royal blue LEDs
2x Blue Leds
2x violet
1x Ultra violet
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/29/505a4e298a4b135967fb06ec6555056e.jpg

Now I just need to figure out how to get my camera to handle the blues!

[shiftline]

I added a new little buddy yesterday and a trumpet coral!

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/30/9180b75e47f839a17b81640ba0411e8f.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/30/6903da598c05207d741569b03d9da58f.jpg
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What are some other bright softys to add more movement to the tank? So far I'm on the hunt for an Australian Duncan.

I'm also wondering if I will need to start dosing a thing or if weekly water changes will suffices replenishing nutrients

[albert_dao]

Pick up one a couple corky finger gorgs, the yellow fuzzy ones. That would look killer in the right position.

Also, if you do weekly water changes, you won't have to worry so much about the major elements, IME.

[shiftline]

I'll check them out.

Do you think 20% weekly water change is sufficient?

[albert_dao]

With tiny tanks, you might as well do huge water changes. I do 50-90% every 7-10 days. Zero element or nutrient management concerns.

[shiftline]

Sounds like a good plan. I'll just do a 5g bucket worth :)

[albert_dao]

Also, as the tank ages, consider swapping out your sandbed completely every once in a while. It's easier and more effective than cleaning it. I'd say a complete swap every six months or so is about right. Every tank is different though and you'll be able to gauge it based on how fast algae grows.

[shiftline]

Really? Does it store that much algae rich nutrients? I have never head of that being done before

[albert_dao]

That's cuz you don't hear a lot about long term success in nano tanks in general haha.

[shiftline]

It's m first nano/salt so lots to lean. Now is the justification because it hosts a the waste? Wouldn't the live bacteria break it down? On the flip side wouldn't removing to much at once put a hit on the good bacteria in the tank?(although love rock is prob 90% of it)

[shiftline]

What to add next...
Orange plate coral or Blastomussa
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/31/a713969be5e7723d62d1e56e5a295e50.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/31/95ffb5089ab8e1962a0465198ca8ae5b.jpg

[albert_dao]

It's m first nano/salt so lots to lean. Now is the justification because it hosts a the waste? Wouldn't the live bacteria break it down? On the flip side wouldn't removing to much at once put a hit on the good bacteria in the tank?(although love rock is prob 90% of it)



This is going to be a psot writtn under haevy, alcohol-induced duress. hoowver, information shoulld be accrurate. check this sht

sand sux. its porous. you can vacuum at it for hours and still pull crud out. it's like moving into ann ap[artment with carpet. and the previso tenants were a group of fifty 20-something hipsters. good luck ever getting rid of the smell of weed and bacon. sand is like that.

anyway, bacteria do'esnt breka all of it dowwn. Or fast enough. Bacteria are lazy like that. One sesson of vacuuming will remove more organicss than what a bunch of supine bacteria could do in two yearrss. Anyway,, your rock will have enough bacteria. you coudl also put ceramscis into your filter. tHat helps a lot.

Happy New Year. ♥

[shiftline]

I seem to suck some up every water change so I think this process will happen organically... I'll just have to re-add some every six months!
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/01/9fe623a7bd49a81348be98d3966ba9a4.jpg

[shiftline]

A few new additions today! Thanks Brent!
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/01/b9a520070073d1799b73477ceb8204e8.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/01/d41b4a6840eaf8e0f2882aba3271136a.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/01/5628524834de28a0374646d1d4f0c2e6.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/01/17a1d5476068e60b30ee95f890a7239e.jpg

[rishu_pepper]

Looks very good! Makes me want to start a Fluval at work or on the countertop. Love the aquascape.

This is going to be a psot writtn under haevy, alcohol-induced duress. hoowver, information shoulld be accrurate. check this sht

sand sux. its porous. you can vacuum at it for hours and still pull crud out. it's like moving into ann ap[artment with carpet. and the previso tenants were a group of fifty 20-something hipsters. good luck ever getting rid of the smell of weed and bacon. sand is like that.

anyway, bacteria do'esnt breka all of it dowwn. Or fast enough. Bacteria are lazy like that. One sesson of vacuuming will remove more organicss than what a bunch of supine bacteria could do in two yearrss. Anyway,, your rock will have enough bacteria. you coudl also put ceramscis into your filter. tHat helps a lot.

Happy New Year. ♥

This made me laugh more than I should have :lol::lol:

[shiftline]

Haha yep! Thank you :)

[mikellini]

Has anyone seen the larger edge? Supposed to be a reef version, but I've only seen the press release. Maybe not in Canada yet...

[shiftline]

Only for sale in Europe at the moment and fairly pricey

[Slyguy00]

This is going to be a psot writtn under haevy, alcohol-induced duress. hoowver, information shoulld be accrurate. check this sht

sand sux. its porous. you can vacuum at it for hours and still pull crud out. it's like moving into ann ap[artment with carpet. and the previso tenants were a group of fifty 20-something hipsters. good luck ever getting rid of the smell of weed and bacon. sand is like that.

anyway, bacteria do'esnt breka all of it dowwn. Or fast enough. Bacteria are lazy like that. One sesson of vacuuming will remove more organicss than what a bunch of supine bacteria could do in two yearrss. Anyway,, your rock will have enough bacteria. you coudl also put ceramscis into your filter. tHat helps a lot.

Happy New Year. ♥

Lmao Albert that has to be one of the best posts iv seen on this forum lol. :drinking:

[shiftline]

Hahaha damn lazy bacteria.


I decided to attempt to make a list of corals I have acquired to try and keep track of them.

Ricordea Florida mushroom
Green Mushroom (Rhodactis sp.)
Blue/green mushroom - unknow name
Purple/red ricordea?

Alpha omega zoa
WaterMellon zoa
green bay packers zoa
nuclear green zoa
Purple zoa - unknown name

Purple bonsai sps
Pavona
Montifusia
Montipora Capricornis?
Birds nest x3 differnt types?

Neon Green Glove Polyp, Clavularia sp
Hammer coral
Candy cane coral
Metallic green trumpet coral

Soon to have:
Australian Duncan
Candy apple red zoa
Panama blue zoa
True rasta zoa
God of war zoa

[shiftline]

Finally found out how to take a few pics that are not overs saturated with blue!
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/05/a4cd3b10319efce365de298a3dd1c60e.jpg
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[shiftline]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/05/26be11c18de60294098e02e0117d96f9.jpg
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[lastlight]

wow what an immediate improvement with the photos well done.

you've already got a ton of nice stuff stuffed into that little tank. it's going to be careful going once you need to start managing them as they grow.

love the shot of the porcelain in your candy cane.

[shiftline]

That little crab is one of my favourites!
I few more corals will be going I.n today then in cut off as I'm pretty much out of space!

[shiftline]

New corals? Why yes! Yes there is a few new additions.

Panama blue zoa
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/57ff64a5d0f31ffe444dd04316abd472.jpg

Candy Apple red ZOA
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/b630b66a8a233edb286fd1efe746652f.jpg

God of war zoa
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/d4c158e95dd0149339867a4e8ad6a57c.jpg

Australian Duncan
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/f7d4d620ae9f9a11518124ced3cb58fb.jpg

[shiftline]

I got my little buddy a friend
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/23/e7686926582271be7d8c759dae349718.jpg

[shiftline]

Always room for another frag right?

Well I think my poor little tank is getting closes to being. Maxed out...
I added a coco worm and about six different zoa's over the pas week!
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/31/7b558b52369ecae1fa1bebc3251d0576.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/31/45846c9cfa4ac6b660bd71100ef59ad2.jpg
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http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/31/1e3c53e6c4ba3cc51d88827ed1169cde.jpg

[albert_dao]

Naw, you got plenty of room left :D

[shiftline]

A few sparce chunks of rock. But most spots don't have direct light and are shadowed. I need low light corals now :)

[Ram3500]

"sand sux. its porous. you can vacuum at it for hours and still pull crud out. it's like moving into ann ap[artment with carpet. and the previso tenants were a group of fifty 20-something hipsters. good luck ever getting rid of the smell of weed and bacon. sand is like that. "

Thank you Albert this is the funniest thing I have ever read on can reef romal!!!

[shiftline]

Hey Albert. You mentioned putting ceramics in my filter. Are you talking fluval bioring type of media? I use what in all my fresh water tanks. Is it worth adding some to the reef tank as well?

[albert_dao]

Hey Albert. You mentioned putting ceramics in my filter. Are you talking fluval bioring type of media? I use what in all my fresh water tanks. Is it worth adding some to the reef tank as well?

No point with the amount of rock:livestock ratio you have. That should suffice for bio. If you decide to go the Albert route or stuffing your tank to the brim with fish and stuff, then yah :D

[shiftline]

Currently I do weekly water changes. I'm going away for 2 weeks near the end of then month. Do you think the tank would be fine with out a water change for 2-2.5 weeks?


I can get someone to do top offs and feed. (I'll have to make some tiny portions up). Should I get them to feed daily or switch to every second day ?

any tips for leaving your tank while on vacation?

Livestock: yellow clown goby, perc clown. Cleaner shrimp. Porcilin crab. 2 blue hermits. Bunch of snails and corals.

[albert_dao]

Currently I do weekly water changes. I'm going away for 2 weeks near the end of then month. Do you think the tank would be fine with out a water change for 2-2.5 weeks?

Only one way to find out eh? It varies tank to tank. Personally, I suspect you're going to come back to a bit of algae but nothing drastic. I wouldn't press my luck with this cycle if the tank isn't pristine after 2 weeks. Go right back to the 1/week routine.


I can get someone to do top offs and feed. (I'll have to make some tiny portions up). Should I get them to feed daily or switch to every second day ?

Every second day is fine. Hide any excess food. Even better, cover the tank with a panel and request that it only be moved once a day and for no longer than 1 minute at a time for quick inspection. Tell them that if the tank gets too much outside influence, it will blow up and leave your neighborhood a smoldering ruin. But no, seriously, don't let people who aren't fish people do anything but tank the briefest of inspections and the smallest of feedings. "Animals looked hungry" is no excuse for going against your instructions with feeding.

any tips for leaving your tank while on vacation?

Leave top off water in easy access and mark the water lines with a sharpie or grease pen. Write down a detailed checklist of things to do alongside a list of things NOT TO DO in even larger font.

Livestock: yellow clown goby, perc clown. Cleaner shrimp. Porcilin crab. 2 blue hermits. Bunch of snails and corals.

Seems reasonable. Should be fine with some preparation.

[shiftline]

Sounds good. I think I'll keep it simple. Top off and feed a small morsel every second day