mseepman's 16" starfire nano

[Myka]

Looks great!!!! Post some new pics when it clears up! Try using a fine net to catch the scum off the top. If that doesn't work use a cup and scoop it out. You can use water from your 70g to help get the bacteria going in the nano too.

[Okguy]

Why not use one of your filter socks?

[Marlin65]

X2 filter sock will clean it right up.

[mseepman]

That's what I was thinking...will give that a try. I need to make some filter socks to be used in the sump so detrius doesn't plug up the SCWD in the future.

[mseepman]

Well today I added my first little critters...two hermits.

I've been watching my parameters and here's where they sit right now.

Salinity: 1.025
Amonia: 0
Nitrite: .3 mg/L
Nitrate: 10 mg/L
Cal: 450
Mag: 1350

I've been watching at night with the old flashlight and sure enough I've now got some pods and some starfish showing up...very few though. There is some tiny bit of green algae showing up on the seeder liverock and so the new hermits should find it tasty.

[mseepman]

So I've been putting the T5's on for a little longer each day. My two hermits are doing fine...they gobbled up the little bit of algae that had started so hopefully they won't starve before more comes along.

Here's a pic of the tank now.



There is a slight browning of some of the Eco-rox facing upwards towards the light...I would imagine that it's diatoms or something of the sort. The seeder rock is also in on both bottom sides and has some starfish and feather dusters on it.

[Oscar]

Very nice job. I am going to tag along to see how this comes together, especially as you add SPS. Are you going to add fish as well?

[Gools]

Mark how do you find the starfire glass? Big difference? Looking good, have to make a trip over there one day
Later

[Oscar]

Originally Posted by mseepman

Hey Kevin, I have to say that I am nothing but happy with the RK2 considering it's price.

Why the RK2 and not the elite? Who did you get the RK2 from?

[mseepman]

Nigel, I love the starfire...and yes, I do see a difference. When I do the next big tank I will be doing all viewable sides in starfire if I can afford it. It's just so clear.

Oscar, I picked the RK2 for price...it's for my nano tank and not my main tank so I couldn't justify paying too much. It's awesome by the way...I still don't know how I could have done this without it.... I've got a PH probe now, and I need to fashion a holder out of Acrylic and then I will get it going. I plan to connect it to my PC tonight and flash it to the latest firmware so that it can e-mail me if there is any problems with the tank when I'm out. I purchased it directly from the manufacturer...shipping and duty were a little higher than I liked but still, all in I'm looking at under $350 including taxes.