Plans for 10 gallon nano

[tom91970]

I'm in the process of starting up my first saltwater tank. This will be a 10 gallon nano...unless I change my mind again and convert my 29g FW into SW.

I have about 20 pounds of aragonite and 6 pounds of live rock that I just bought from another MFT member. I want to buy about 12-15 more pounds of LR (which will be over a period of time). I will, however, need to buy a few pounds to seed what I have, since it is dead.

I intend to just have soft corals and eventually a pair of clown fish.

I plan on using a Current Satellite CF fixture (I have an 80w fixture on one of my planted FW tanks).

Should I go with a Double Satellite at 80w or should I just use a regular Satellite at 40w? I've read that I need to have between 3-5 wpg for soft corals and don't want to go over board with 8wpg, which I have read is too much.

On the other hand, I've seen tanks of the same size with the same 80w fixture that looks great. There's too much misinformation on the net, though, so I wanted to get some MFT member insight.

Here are some of the other hardware that I plan on buying:

* Koralia 1 powerhead
* 50w Stealth heater
* Marineland timer
* Instant Ocean hydrometer (until I upgrade to a refractometer)
* test kit


Regarding the test kit, I have an API masterkit for FW. I know that some solutions can be used for either salt or fresh, and some can not. My question is which solutions in my FW kit can I also use to test my saltwater tank?

[Cichlid-Man]

Hmm no replies yet? I guess i'll be the first. Welcome to the SW side.

That seems like a lot of rock for a 10gal, guess it depends on each pieces size and shape.

I'd go with the 80w personally. I think you'll like it in the long run, opening your choices of coral even if they are softies. Also more light can mean a difference of having to place the frags high on rock, or on the bottom of the tank. Just more flexibility.

As far as test kits, i know you can use the High Range pH test, not sure about the others. High range pH for sure.

[tom91970]

Matt,

Thanks for the reply. I knew the pH was ok, but not sure about the others (e.g., nitrate and nitrite). I'm pretty sure the ammonia is different. I already have a KH kit that tests for both.

I think I will like the 80w better, too; I'm just trying to figure out what is best according to what I have read. Will 8 wpg be way too much? Probably not, but I want to know for sure beforing making the purchase.

You might be right about the amount of LR. I'm shooting for somewhere around 15 pounds. I doubt 15 would be too much. What I have at the moment is one that is about 2 pounds and two that are a pound each.

Now if I can just find an awesome piece of cardboard for the outer decor and I'll be in business...

[Cichlid-Man]

[quote=tom91970;509796]I think I will like the 80w better, too; I'm just trying to figure out what is best according to what I have read. Will 8 wpg be way too much? Probably not, but I want to know for sure beforing making the purchase.QUOTE]

I'm definently the wrong person to ask there. I had a 250w MH over a 2.5gal and currently over a 10gal remember?

[jumpfreak26]

if its Aquarium Pharm. Test kits, im pretty sure you can use ammonia, nitite and nitrate for SW too, just different color cards. If you lost em i can give u a link to ahelpful site that has most to all of them (WOO! 800th post!)

[tom91970]

Originally Posted by jumpfreak26

if its Aquarium Pharm. Test kits, im pretty sure you can use ammonia, nitite and nitrate for SW too, just different color cards. If you lost em i can give u a link to ahelpful site that has most to all of them (WOO! 800th post!)

Yep, API....go ahead and send the link, por favor.

[Lotus]

I think this is the page: Downloads; Pump and filter Instructions, Test Kit and DIY aquarium and pond diagrams.

I believe it's only the nitrite and nitrate. I don't think the ammonia works, but it may depend on whether you have the one-bottle version or the two-bottle version. I think you can use the KH for alkalinity, but you'll need to get a calcium test (both of these are only really needed when you start adding corals).

[tom91970]

I might have to cancel my plans for this tank and instead convert my 29g freshwater. I called a buddy of mine last night and he said he would give me 50 pounds of live rock when he comes to visit in July.

I was getting tired of looking at those fake plants in there, anyway. After looking at the real ones in my 14g and 55g I just had a hard time looking at this tank.

So, we'll just have to wait and see...

[jumpfreak26]

thats it lotus! I think you will be happy with your choice. a 29 is a god tank cuz its not so big it runs your wallet empty, but not so small you lose interest or get angry cuz you cant keep certain corals. I think your downside is that the 29 is a taller tank, so u might end up having to get brighter lights, but its not too bad. Ive seen some awesome 29's, and i cant wait to see yours

[tom91970]

Here are few items I might be purchasing in the next few days for my 10g:

Satellite 20" 40w CF fixture--- $55.00 (might switch this out with the 20" 80w that I have on my FW tank).

Test kit- saltwater API ----- $18.00

Koralia Pump Nano ------ $26.00 (may consider buying a Koralia 1 or a Maxi-jet 600 @ $11.99)

Stealth heater 75w ---- $15.00

timer ---- $10.00

professional saltwater mixing kit ---- $90.00 (includes a refractometer, 200w Stealth heater, Maxi-Jet 1200, digital thermometer, H2O conditioner, etc.)

If I buy from Foster & Smith I will add a cleaning mat (getting tired of water spots on my wood floor and tired of using towels which never stay in one spot). With shipping I will be paying $267.41.

If I buy basically the same thing (minus the mat plus a Koralia 1 rathar than the Nano) from Big Al's I can get it for $246.11 (free shipping until August 1st).

Other than that all I need now is a stand.