Nate's 9g nano

[nate_newton]

My entry will be my 21"x12"x9" 1/2" thick acrylic desktop nano. Last month I had a heater not shut off and cooked the whole tank, and lost all of the coral in the tank. So I'm restarting it and at the same time as the contest. I haven't decided what exactly will be inside, some kind of lps though and no fish. For the first time in about 2 years I'll be running a filter. Since I downgraded to the 24g, I haven't used a skimmer or filter. I looked over different filters and had a tight budget, I decided on the Fluval C2. It's still fairly new to the market and I'm intrigued to see how it performs in saltwater. For lighting I'll be using a Nova Extreme 2x24w (UVL 454 & UVL Indigo Sun).


http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_2966.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Very nice setup! Good luck.

[nate_newton]

Here's a few pieces in the tank. No aquascaping done yet, still constructing the rock formations.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_2997.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_3041-1.jpg

[nate_newton]

The rock work is done, I don't think it'll change much. I used mostly Pukani dry and some Jakarta. In the front or left part I cut the rock into small pieces to create the wall which has zoa frags attached. Still deciding on what corals will be in the tank. So far I think whats in there is staying. More detailed shots to come later.


http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_3155.jpg
The two inhabitants I have are two dwarf crabs seen here.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_3147.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_3129.jpg

[MizTanks]

Oh now I really love this little tank-wonderful Nate!

[phishcrazee]

Wow, your tank cycled fast! How'd you do it? Nice pieces too.......

[nate_newton]

Wow, your tank cycled fast! How'd you do it? Nice pieces too.......

Thanks, it's going through a small cycle, not as big as I expected from my previous cycles with MB7.

[nate_newton]

The Favia is starting to show it's sweeper tentacle length today, out atleast 3"

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_3298.jpg

[MizTanks]

Sweet Favia :) I love Favias!

[Heidi]

Tank is looking nice Nate! I am diggin' the little scape and coral choices. Best of luck to you neighbor ;) !!

Heidi

[nate_newton]

Small photo update as it's been two weeks.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_3314.jpg

[nate_newton]

The Grape Caulerpa is filling in the back right nicely. There's now about 20 Cerith snails and 6 Nassarius in the tank, along with the two crabs. Once I get the temperature probe for the Apex, I'll decide which corals are best for the tank. Also I'm thinking about pulling the filter out soon.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_3641.jpg

[nate_newton]

Finally have the temp probe in, just trying to get the email/txt alarm to work. I started out thinking a favia tank, but it's turning back to one my favorites, the chalice. The Grape Caulerpa will be running through the tank and rising up. Here's the new addition, I'm not sure if the eyes will stay the same current color or go back to pink.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i161/newtonn/IMG_3707.jpg

[MizTanks]

I love this lil tank Nate! Keep the chalice as a center piece an surround it with favia :) just an idea. I'm partial to favia lol

[nate_newton]

I love this lil tank Nate! Keep the chalice as a center piece an surround it with favia :) just an idea. I'm partial to favia lol

One problem I ran into is the length of the sweepers on what was the main favia piece. Not a huge deal but when the tank is only 13" wide it makes a difference I've found. Since running into acquiring a Goniastrea palauensis, I like them just a bit more because of no sweepers and in the right conditions they'll inflate and double in size.

[MizTanks]

Anyway to raise the chalice a bit above the Favias? Sort of tabling like?

[nate_newton]

Could but the chalices might get too much light, right now there 9" from the light.

[MizTanks]

Dang man! I hate to see you have to GIVE me those Favias just so you can have an awesome chalice tank :) LOL

[AJ :)]

Very cool corals to choose from. It will be interesting to see what you decide on.