NEWBIE - Getting started questions

[bguile]

Hello all,

I am new to the hobby and want to start small (space restrictions at this time). I have purchased a 12g Nano Cube which fits my space perfectly. I have been doing some reading for the past 2 weeks on marine aquariums and am on information overload!

Here's what I want to do. I want a fish only aquarium (2 clownfish) and some nice attractions in the tank (corals, live rock, sand, if possible??). Seeing that the Nano is a "self contained" marine unit, im wondering what can I put in this tank without having to add a protein skimmer since it seems this is the only thing it doesn't come with...or even looks like it has room for (without modification). I've read that live rock helps keep nitrite levels low...read about live sand recommendations...talked to people at the local aquarium store..blah, blah, blah...and it all seems to run together and at some times contradict what the last person said! One guy told me that you can't run a saltwater aquarium without one...period!

Can someone help please and offer some recommendations?! Thanks.

[Reefland]

Hi bguile, Welcome to Reefland!

Well your going to get some conflicting information, that's for sure.

I would feel much more comfortable running a skimmer on any tank opposed to not running one. Without one, you are in serious need of a way to export nutrients; which typically means through pruning macro algae. This of course would mean you need to get a refugium hooked up to grow and export the macro algae.

Beyond that, I would say very frequent water changes would be the best bet in keeping nitrates low; but I hav enever had a nano so someone more experienced could probably direct you better.

Scott Z.

[bguile]

Thanks Scott for the welcome.

When you say frequent water changes are you talking once a week? twice a week? more? Is there a skimmer you or someone could recommend that would work with this setup? Would adding something like live rock or sand take the place of a skimmer seeing that I only want 2 fish?

[patsfan1130]

Thanks Scott for the welcome.

When you say frequent water changes are you talking once a week? twice a week? more? Is there a skimmer you or someone could recommend that would work with this setup? Would adding something like live rock or sand take the place of a skimmer seeing that I only want 2 fish?

A lot of people have different opinions on what works for a succesful nano. How big of a tank are we talking about here? With any nano,frequent water changes are at a premium. weekly anyway..some people do daily water changes. the idea is that more frequent water changes nullifies the need for nutrient exportation (protein skimmer). having a sump is probably a great idea as well as this will only add to your total water volume, hence making it much easier to maintain proper levels and keep nitrates,phosphates etc to a minimum.

I personally would go with a skimmer (CPR or AquaC if space allowed) if we are talking about a 15 or 20g tank. If your tank is smaller....maybe try going without the skimmer but be prepared to do water changes faithfully.

I am a huge fan of protein skimming and would run one on any tank I had but that is just me. Again..people on this board will tell you it is totally unecessary. Might I suggest you do a bit of reading on the subject (if you havnt already) so that you might be able to make a decision that you feel comfortable with.

**edit** I just saw that this is a 12g

Mark

[bguile]

Thanks for taking time to reply Patsfan. With all the reading and asking questions I've done, I've gotten so many different views and opinions it sent my head swirling. On yesterday, I was able to find a quite knowledgeable guy at my LFS (I learned that by reading this board!) that answered many of my questions and explained many of the different ideas. So with my new knowledge I have purchased some live rock and have begun to cycle my tank. I am excited about reading and learning more as I wait for the rock to cure so I can later add my marine friends!

oh btw...i've decided to go with live rock without the skimmer and doing weekly water changes.

Thanks again.