Volume: 22 Gallons / 83 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
24.0" ×
24.0" ×
9.0"
61.0cm ×
61.0cm ×
22.9cm
A combination of Metal Halide and T5 lights is often recommended for reef tanks as it offers a good balance of intensity and color. In this tank, a 150 watt MH in combination with 24 watt T5 bulbs was used to achieve optimal color and growth.
Routine maintenance for your sump should include cleaning the skimmer cup weekly, replacing filter floss and carbon, and ensuring that the algae turf scrubber and other filtration mechanisms are working efficiently. This helps to manage nutrients and keep tank water clean.
In a 22 gallon shallow nano reef tank, using two heaters like the Fluval M200 can provide temperature stability and act as a backup in case one fails. It's crucial to monitor water temperature regularly to keep it between 79-81°F.
For a healthy reef tank, aim for a specific gravity of 1.025, pH of 7.9-8.0, calcium levels between 450-470 ppm, alkalinity around 10-11 dKH, magnesium levels of 1350-1450 ppm, and maintain a temperature range of 79-81°F.
It is recommended to perform weekly water changes of about 5 gallons using RO/DI water and a quality salt mix to maintain water quality and replenish essential trace elements.
You should feed your tank daily, typically with a combination of 2 cubes of frozen food such as spirulina brine, mysis, and cyclop eeze along with varied offerings like flakes, pellets, and live foods throughout the week to ensure a balanced diet for diverse livestock.
To manage a cyanobacteria outbreak, vacuum the sandbed to remove as much of the slime as possible and consider dosing products like Zeobac and Coral Snow to help restore balance while also maintaining good water quality through proper filtration practices.
A mix of SPS, LPS, and soft corals can thrive in a nano reef if adequate lighting, water flow, and water quality are provided. Some examples of suitable corals include Acanthastrea, Green Digipora, and Zoanthids.
Before introducing new fish or corals, ensure they are acclimated properly to minimize stress. Use drip acclimation for fish and inspect corals for pests. It's also safer to quarantine new additions before introducing them to the main tank.