HelifaxNZ
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Posts posted by HelifaxNZ
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From the boat ramp. You do have to pick your days and time. Never had any issues and never had any fish die. A lot of marine people do this and have no issues. Saves a lot of Moolas!
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I am fairly new to Fishtanks, jumped in the deep end and brought a 60L tank.
Its been up and running for about 3months now and all params are pretty steady.
Im using no filtration system besides the live rock and do frequent water changes 1-2 times per week.
From memory it has about 25-30KG of Rock in it plus 10KG of sand, I have 2 true perc clowns and a sandsifter goby as well as a hermit.
I kick started the tank using the "dead prawn" technique which put the tank through its cycle within about a week.
Currently my Params are:
1.024 Salt
Nitrate 0
Ph around 8
Phoshate 0
The tank was a "Brillux" brand kit you find at the shops, recently i did a retrofit in the canopy though and stripped out the single T5 and replaced it with a Panaroma Pro LED strip from ecoxotic.
After the retrofit I have added a small cluster of Zoas and a Ric Mushroom - Both of which seem very very happy.
Cost.... Well I am now over the 2k mark, some of that is from bad advice from shops which meant I brought stuff I didn't need etc - but all part of learning i guess.
That also includes purchasing a ro/di unit and also importing the LEDs etc
All in all I find the tank fairly simple to look after, but it does need constant care as far as water changes go. For this i now have a 55L tub set up with its own heater and pump to mix water in, that way I always have a decent supply on hand incase any params do swing quickly.
Where in NZ are you from? Up in Auckland I collect Saltwater from Takapuna when the tide is rising. Maybe you can do the same which will save you salt costs. Takapuna water salinity is around 1.026 so I have to add a little RODI water to dilute it down.
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I'm trailing the lights. If it is a goer which I think it will be, I'll import some in and sell them. Will be around the $180 mark which includes the stand.
If you decide to start a nano. I might consider loaning or selling you the other light I have so you can test them out. I've taken some video footage of the Zoos I have. Once I have collated them I'll be posting it up.
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Did you get HFF to import the setup for you? Yeah I have got the impression from reviews that lighting and skimming on the ready to go systems is often inadequate.
Well water chemistry is likely to swing much faster etc in smaller setups; do you use any supplements on the tank?
Where do you get auto top off tech? I haven't seen any for sale here. Have you used a refractometer at all?
Is the skimmer doing a good job? That was one of the ones I was looking at.
Also are you running a sump/refugium?
Thanks
HFF already have stock. I know they were selling like hotcakes!
I have not used any supplements yet. Waiting a little longer before I start. Might use Zeovit Starter. Still thinking about it.
I definitely use a refractometer to make sure salinity is right. Usually betweek 1023-1025, but with an auto top off it's pretty stable. Made it myself as buying one just costs too much. Easy to make using a battery powered air pump. Check on Youtube for DIY. You will have to import the floating switch though as I haven't seen any small ones in NZ.
Skimmer is still breaking in. Did change the airstone (wooden one that came with the skimmer) to a Redsea and 100% better. Smaller bubbles which is what you need.
No sump and no refugium.
Here's a link to my tank...
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I've just setup about a month ago a nano tank. Dymax IQ5 with a Dymax 30w heater and a Dymax Venturi Protein Skimmer. I got a lid made as HFF did not have any stock of the Dymax lid.
I've imported a couple of Cree PAR38 lights. One is 6x6 - 6 white and 6 blue. The other is 8x4.
The 8x4 is brighter and would be good for Acros. The other is a nice balance.
The tank comes with lights but is not strong enough for Marines.
Hard to say which I prefer as both are just as nice.
I've just this week added some Zoos. They seem to be enjoying the light.
I'm working out an auto top off as evaporation is faster on a nano, but has reduced since I put the lid on.
Definitely cheaper to run than bigger tanks, BUT you need to be more meticulous with maintenance.
I personally think top up water is the most important as the salinity will fluctuate greatly if a lot of water had evaporated.
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What size tank are you going to have?
Deltec is a good product, but is very very expensive and there are alternative brands out there if you cannot afford a Deltec.
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Great to have someone who works at the Antarctic on this forum. Creepy critters!
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They look soo cool. Well done.
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Don't be too put off. Check out http://www.nano-reef.com for more beginner information.
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Cost me $75NZ (shipped to door) from USA. So you also need a transformer which will covert 240v to 110v. Made by TAAM has had good reviews for such a small skimmer.
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You would only do a cup at a time. I will see how things go. Maybe every 2nd day.
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I'm setting up a new Nano Tank. Approx. 27 litre. So far for the tank, 55w heater and a Rio Nano Skimmer it has cost me $199.00.
Tank is curve front, 60cm (l) x 20cm (h) x 23cm (w).
Will put up a new thread when I start setting it up which hopefully be soon.
You can get a smaller version of this tank at Pupuke Aquariums.
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Do you know how to use the power meter? I got myself a couple of them but can't understand the manual, nor do I know what exactly I'm looking at/for.
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Hey dwalker,
Did you use one of those plugin power monitors?
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This looks really good Rocker.
I suggest getting the Hydor Koralia Nano streams. Unfortunately they are hard to find for 240v. I got a couple of them on Ebay 120v and I'm extremely happy with them. They have a very small footprint and will be great for your nano.
I bought a wave maker Ocean Pulse with it so it will switch on/off the streams.
Here's a photo. The only one I can find which shows one on the left front, but I do have one on the right front, and a tunze 6025 at the back left. You can see it in the photo. The tunze is pointing more up. This gives me good flow in the upper section of the tank and makes it less turbulant on the bottom so the softies don't get too blown around.
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Mine definately eats them. I have snail shells littering the bottom of my tank! He don't seem to touch the Astri's thank god!
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Woo hooo :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
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In our tropical tank we have a shipwreck, and if I'm to convert this to Saltwater, my wife wants me to keep the ship
:-? yeah right :roll: -
That's a good point Wasp.
Just remember Reef, we are not targeting these conversations at you. Just voicing our opinion on this matter.
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"the point is that there is a risk and MAF are looking closely at the hobby and even told me that are looking to maybe closing it down due to the risk of introducing a new organism, not necessary from collection sea water but the risk from getting the fish/corals in. "
Isn't the whole point of quarantine to stop the nasty organisms being introduced?
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This is looking really good. Can you explain a bit more on the overflow system you have. I've never seen it done like this before. Looks interesting and innovative
If it works really well, I may consider this on my next upgrade.
Cheers
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Hi Reef, I'm sure someone has already asked you this, but what camera and lens are you using to take these shots?
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Hi Guys, yes I am still around although this time is very busy for my online business (plug... www.thelittletoyshop.co.nz).
I have replied to jolli...
I still have my nano tank and is coming along. Have those annoying Aiptasia's which I will have to blast away again.
I'm usually on the other forum so you won't hear from me too much here.
After the new year I'll get back on these forums again.
In the meantime you all have a great Christmas and New Year.
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WOW that would be a tidy little sum of a mortgage to set that beast up!
Nano tank attempt experience.
in Saltwater
Posted
Also recommend waiting a couple of days or three after rain before collecting.