Stunning 5-Gallon Reef Tank – dapellegrini's TOTM | NanoReef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 5 Gallons / 20 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
14.2" ×
8.7" ×
10.2"
36.0cm ×
22.0cm ×
26.0cm
Equipment List
- Salt: None mentioned in the blog post
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lighting is used in the tank, and how does it benefit the corals?
The tank is equipped with an Aqua Medic 70 watt Metal Halide Pendant along with 2 IceCap 455nm LEDs. The Metal Halide provides intense light necessary for coral growth, while the LEDs supplement light spectrum, particularly beneficial in enhancing color and health of the corals.
How do I achieve proper circulation in a small tank?
This tank uses a Koralia NANO pump with a flow rate of 240gph, which ensures adequate water circulation throughout the tank without being overly turbulent. This balance is crucial for coral and fish health. For similar setups, ensure to choose a pump that fits your tank size and provides gentle yet effective water movement.
What materials did you use for the aquarium stand?
The stand was custom-built using 3/4' EMT pipe, which provides a sturdy structure, along with a side table from Target that fits the aesthetic. The construction involved spray paint for finishing, along with some basic hardware like eye bolts and rubber end pieces to secure everything.
What should I consider when selecting live rock?
It's important to choose high-quality live rock. The owner of this tank combined 10% Fiji Premium Live Rock with 90% premium tank-cured rock to ensure bio-diversity. When selecting live rock, look for pieces that will aesthetically fit your planned aquascape while also housing beneficial microorganisms.
How do I manage the introduction of new creatures into the tank?
Acclimation is key. Introduce new livestock gradually to avoid stressing the tank's existing ecosystem. Drip acclimation is a recommended method to equalize temperature and salinity effectively. Ensure that you monitor parameters like ammonia and nitrite levels closely after adding new inhabitants.
What is the recommended water change schedule for a high-maintenance reef tank?
For this tank, the owner suggests performing partial water changes 1-2 times a week, removing and replacing about 1 gallon of water. This helps to maintain water quality, especially since it relies on live rock rather than external filtration.
How do I maintain stable salinity in my reef tank?
Daily top-offs are performed to maintain a stable salinity of 1.026. It's critical to replace evaporated water with fresh water (RO/DI) to avoid concentrating salt and other chemicals in the remaining water.
What test kits should I use to monitor my water parameters?
While regular testing is not prioritized, having kits for alkalinity, calcium, pH, and nitrate is beneficial, especially when you notice changes in your tank's health. A refractometer or salinity meter can help track salinity accurately.
How often should I feed my corals and inverts?
The tank owner feeds 1-3 times a week with a diet including Cyclop-eeze and meaty sinking pellets. Feeding varies based on activity levels observed in the inhabitants. It's essential to provide a varied and balanced diet to promote health and growth.
What are the signs that my tank might need nutrient supplements?
If you notice rapid depletion of calcium or alkalinity levels, or if your corals show signs of bleaching or reduced growth, that indicates a need for supplementation. Regular monitoring of these parameters can help in making timely adjustments.