Stunning 20-Gallon Reef Tank – Sushi's TOTM | NanoReef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 20 Gallons / 75 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
17.0" ×
17.0" ×
16.0"
43.2cm ×
43.2cm ×
40.6cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Natural sea water
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I perform water changes in my reef tank?
It's recommended to perform water changes weekly, ideally replacing about 5-10% of the water volume. In this setup, a water change of 1-2 gallons every week effectively maintains water quality.
What do I need for top-off water in my tank?
The top-off water should ideally be mixed with a Kalkwasser slurry to help maintain calcium levels. A Tunze Osmolator 3155 is used to automatically handle this process in the featured tank.
How do I manage dosing for my corals?
In this system, manual dosing is performed weekly with Tropic Marin Pro Coral Elements A/K, Tropic Marin Bio-Calcium, Kent Tech M, and Source Naturals - Vitamin C. It's important to follow dosage instructions carefully to avoid overdosing.
What is the recommended cleaning schedule for the skimmer and filter sock?
The Tunze 9002 skimmer cup should be cleaned and rinsed bi-monthly, while the filter sock should be replaced also every two weeks to ensure good water quality.
What should I do to maintain the filtration system?
Replace Chemipure Elite every 2-3 months to maintain effective filtration. It's crucial to keep up with these replacements to ensure water quality.
How do I maintain stable water parameters?
Maintaining stable parameters includes regular testing of salinity, temperature, and pH levels. For this tank, the temperature is kept between 76-78°F in winter and 78-80°F in summer, specific gravity should be stable at 1.025-1.026, and pH should remain consistent around 8.2.
What is the photoperiod for my reef tank?
The lighting schedule is set for a total of 7 hours. The actinic LEDs are on for 7 hours, the mixed channel for 5 hours, and the whites for 1 hour. This helps cater to the needs of the corals while minimizing algae growth.
How should I adjust my lighting for different tank inhabitants?
Adjust the lighting by gradually increasing intensity and duration when introducing new corals, especially sensitive species. Start with shorter photoperiods and monitor for signs of stress or bleaching in the corals.
How do I design the aquascape in my nano reef tank?
Aquascaping in a cube tank requires careful planning; you should aim to leave open spaces for corals to grow. Consider using a minimal amount of rock to allow corals to be placed strategically to create depth.
What should I consider when choosing rock for my reef tank?
Use cured live rock to start, which provides beneficial bacteria and helps maintain stable water conditions. Choose pieces that create caves and crevices, giving your fish and invertebrates places to hide and corals room to grow.
What should I feed the inhabitants of my reef tank?
Daily feedings can include a mix of rotifers, cyclopeeze, baby brine, mini mysis shrimp, and plankton. A well-rounded diet for various species will encourage healthy growth and vibrant colors.
How can I ensure the corals receive adequate nutrition?
In addition to regular feeding, consider using coral food supplements or liquid foods specifically designed for LPS/SPS corals to ensure they receive essential nutrients.