Nano newbie

[Finess]

I just went to my LFS a purchased a 7.5 minobow aga. I'm planning to start a nano reef myself. I purchased a skilter, 9 lbs of aragonite (I plan to add some LS from my 60 gal sw) and some pieces of lr. I plan to go back to the LFS and purchas some more LR. Any suggestions??? I will be adding a heater this week. Do I have to have a powerhead in my nano??? Can I just cycle the tank this way with just LR? Then when should I start adding my corals, what should I start off with and then when should i start adding fishies (don't like damsels too hard to catch & they can be very aggressive) Any help is appreciated greatly!

[Charles Poole]

The factory lighting won't be all that good for growing corals on the 7.5 gal bow.

You might try a small fountain pump and use it as a power head. Anything else would likely be a bit much to work with.

With all the rock and LS, you will end up with something like 5- gallons of water. In my experience this leaves room for 1 maybe 2 1 inch long adult fish. Kinda narrows the options a bit. :)

[mjc]

Stocking and starting a nano is similar to starting and starting a FOWLR or a reef. The only drawback, IMO, about starting a nano without prior experience is having to constantly monitor and regulate your system. Having the knowledge and background of a fish and/or reef simplifies the process tremendously as you would be familiar with the process and the equipment (only on a smaller scale).

[Charles Poole]

I am often able to tell when a skimmer is dirty, or a pump has reduced its current providing capabilites, simply by looking at my tanks inhabitants. This of course comes from years with the same tank and inhabitants. The smaller the tank, the more rapid a change can occur. That is why I run both, one to look at, and one to "play" with.... :)

[clownman_1988]

good luck with it :)