CalmSeasQuest's 36" Nano Build

[CalmSeasQuest]

Lookin great man!

Arent pipefish really sensitive to coral stings?

Thanks Chris! Yes, unfortunately the more I read, the less suitable this tank becomes. I thought the low flow and rock work would have worked, but the mine field of stinging corals makes it a no-go.

I agree with Chris. All Sygnathids are very sensitive to stings. Or more so to bacterial infection. So it's very important to minimize anything that could cause a wound. Acans are typically regarded as risky but safe, however chalices are typically a no go due to the sweepers. Powerheads need to be protected as well to not accidentally cause any sort of wound.

Another thought with Sygnathids is temp. It's generally regarded as best to keep the temp at 74* or under to minimize the rate that bacteria grows. Bacteria grows exponentially faster as the temperature rises. Keeping the temp at say, 78*, greatly reduces the amount of time to be able to react to illness in the pipefish. It could mean the difference between being early enough to beat the infection, or not.

While pipefish are really awesome fish, they can be a very challenging fish. It's great to hear you're doing your research before embarking on them!

Thanks Erika, my homework yielded the same conclusion. The quest continues.

Strangely enough, I'm not even certain I'll add any fish. I'm finding I enjoy this tank immensely with just the corals. The only annoyance is answering the eternal question of "where are the fish" from everyone that enters my office.

[2pairs]

( The only annoyance is answering the eternal question of "where are the fish" from everyone that enters my office.)

Just tell everyone their out on a brake.

[jolson10450]

Thanks Chris! Yes, unfortunately the more I read, the less suitable this tank becomes. I thought the low flow and rock work would have worked, but the mine field of stinging corals makes it a no-go.



Thanks Erika, my homework yielded the same conclusion. The quest continues.

Strangely enough, I'm not even certain I'll add any fish. I'm finding I enjoy this tank immensely with just the corals. The only annoyance is answering the eternal question of "where are the fish" from everyone that enters my office.

i suggest no fish, although nice if you get some nice inverts it is just as enjoyable. get a nice large brittle star because everyone always thinks they are creepy and a cleaner shrimp because they are pretty flashy.

[CalmSeasQuest]

i suggest no fish, although nice if you get some nice inverts it is just as enjoyable. get a nice large brittle star because everyone always thinks they are creepy and a cleaner shrimp because they are pretty flashy.

A serpent is on the maybe list, I'll pass on the shrimp as they make target feeding this many corals a challenge.

The open top further restricts fish choices. If anything a couple nano fish such as cardinals or a pair of Picassos and an RBTA (added long after the tank matures.) I created a perfect environment for an Anemone in the center pillar, just not sure I'm willing to give up that much space and deal with the possibility of it going on a "road trip".

[jolson10450]

A serpent is on the maybe list, I'll pass on the shrimp as they make target feeding this many corals a challenge.

The open top further restricts fish choices. If anything a couple nano fish such as cardinals or a pair of Picassos and an RBTA (added long after the tank matures.) I created a perfect environment for an Anemone in the center pillar, just not sure I'm willing to give up that much space and deal with the possibility of it going on a "road trip".

even though the shrimp may eat the food it may be a better benefit in a small tank to have him than to not have one. i have a peppermint in my 2.5g nano because he eats all the food that does not land on my coral so they do not turn to nitrates. what i do first is find where he is at and i will shot a piece or 2 of shrimp at him to keep him occupied for 10-15 minutes while i feed the coral, then when he is hungry an hour or couple hours after he goes and eats what the coral didn't get. Just some food for thought!

[CalmSeasQuest]

As anticipated, the 156 Watts of T5s and 30 Watts of LEDs are proving to be more than enough PAR for this tank. I've raised the lights a bit and cut back the photo-period on the ReefBrite LEDS. I've loaned out my PAR meter, but will need to update PAR measurements once I get it back. In addition to the 50%/50% White/Royal Blue emitters, I'm currently running 3 ATI Blue+ and one KZ Fiji Purple. I ordered a KZ New Gen 14000K and 3 KZ Super Blues to play with to see what if any difference is noted.

The Acans and chalices in the lower levels are adjusting nicely. So far CA and Alk are holding steady at 420ppm/9.5dKH with just the daily water changes and Kalk dosing. I'm going to bump the temp up a bit to a range of 78~79 to increase evaporation and Kalk dosing with the hopes of delaying having to dose 2-part as long as possible.

I've ordered a micro ball valve to reduce the flow rate of ATO/Kalk from the Osmolator. This should "smooth out" the pH spikes and provide more stable water parameters.

[CalmSeasQuest]

I started removing Frag plugs and placing corals into place. It should look nice once things begin to grow in and color up a bit. I also added a surface skimmer to the AC20 to remove surface film.