Setting Up a Miniature Reef Tank

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Setting Up a Miniature Reef Tank
Buying Equipment and Stabilizing the Water in a Saltwater Aquarium

Mar 2, 2007 Douglas DuHamel

Salt water aquariums can be expensive but a small reef, known as a nano reef, is an economical way of observing ocean life

What is nano reef? It is a miniature salt water aquarium housed in any tank less than 20 gallons. It can contain elements of a salt water tank (fish and coral), but on a much smaller scale. All reef tanks basically contain live rock, coral sand and live sand. With lighting designed exclusively for salt water, intricate and delicate corals can be maintained.
Equipment For Saltwater Tanks

Here is how to set up a nano reef tank inexpensively and correctly. Prices for equipment are based on newspaper ads in my area and websites of local stores. Of course, prices can vary if you live closer to reef sources or if stores happen to put on a sale.

A used 20 gallon tank, fluorescent light, tank lid and stand may cost around $60.00. Sterilize the tank by washing it with a solution of vinegar and water. Set up the tank in location away from windows or drafts. On the Internet, a second hand 100 watt submergible heater may sell for $14.00 and a hanging filter for $20.00. Sterilize these items as well.

Adding Water and Salt To the Aquarium

Fill the tank with water and add sea salt that is purchased at an aquarium store. Don’t use salt other than aquarium ocean sea salt. Read the directions on the package as to how much salt to add per gallon of water. On the bottom of the tank, add coral sand (not to be confused with live sand). Sometimes used sand can cost as low as $.75 per pound. In a 20 gallon tank, a good base of 30 pounds of sand will total $22.50. Give the sand a light rinse with water but do not use any other type of washing solution. The sand contains good bacteria which is essential for a healthy reef tank. Install the heater and filter to the aquarium. Set the heater to 80F. This would be number 7 on the temperature dial.
Testing the Water Salinity

Test the salinity level of the waterusing a salinity meter. This is extremely important because the live rock and fish will die if the level goes too high or low. The correct level should be 1.021 to 1.026. It may take 24 hours for this to stabilize. Some of the older glass salinity meters may sell for $2.00. Newer meters are made of plastic and cost a bit more.

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