Not a day goes by at Appalachian Tails where a customer doesn’t walk past our saltwater display tanks and stare in awe. Most people are infatuated with the colors, movement, and great diversity of saltwater tanks but have the immediate impression of it being difficult and very expensive. If you’ve been into our store, you’ve likely seen our 14 gallon Bio Cube display tank. Though small in size it contains many pounds of colorful live rock, numerous different corals, beautiful fish, and active invertebrates including our infamous red and white cleaner shrimp who often hangs upside down outside of its cave.
The best part is…our display was set up in a matter of 35 minutes by myself, and two other employees (none of which has ever had a reef tank!). Setting up a nano reef tank is a very simple process, but more importantly, it allows one to enjoy a piece of the ocean right in their living room without the expense and commitment to a larger system.
The essential equipment needed in setting up a mini-reef includes: a tank, filter, heater, and a hood and lighting system.
At Appalachian Tails, we recommend nano reef tank kits which are perfect for smaller reef setups…and include all the correct equipment already!
The Bio Cubes offer a closed system where the system has a hinged hood with the lighting included, and space behind the tank to place the filter cartridge, heater, and any other tank equipment. These tanks can also be accompanied by a stand which conveniently displays the tank and hides any cords or power strips.
Once the kit is acquired, the rest of the setup should run smoothly. Live sand is added to the tank at roughly the amount of one pound per gallon. Live sand is filled with good bacteria that will help the tank start its nitrogen cycle immediately, and remove harmful wastes put into the water by fish. Similarly, live rock is essential to a healthy system. Like live sand, live rock is contains beneficial bacteria and other organisms found in established ocean reefs. This helps with the tank’s cycle and provides the microorganism biodiversity of a healthy ecosystem. We recommend that live rock be added at one pound per gallon, just like live sand. Picking out live rock is not only necessary; it is a lot of fun! Rock comes in an infinite amount of shapes and sizes, can be colored with beautiful pink and purple calcified algae, and many find aquascaping a tank is one of the best parts of setting up a mini-reef.
Once the live sand and live rock are in place, all that’s left to do is add saltwater and the heater to get the water up to a tropical temperature (between 76 and 82 degrees). Saltwater can either be made by buying synthetic salt and mixing it with water, or buying a premade saltwater mix. Once the water settles, and is up to the appropriate temperature, your first fish can be added. We have many fish that are colorful, active, and appropriate for a smaller system! Only one fish should be added until your tank is more established. Within a week or so, your first hardy coral can be added.
With us as your partner, and the advances in aquatic technology, setting up a nano reef tank has never been simpler. Stop into Appalachian Tails and talk with us about customizing your dream reef tank! We will tell you everything you need to be successful, and help you out every step of the way by providing the healthiest livestock available, free water tests, and our knowledge, encouragement, and advice. We are here to prove that anyone can enjoy this wonderful hobby! I look forward to talking to you, at Appalachian Tails.