Stunning 20-Gallon Reef Tank – shaner014's TOTM | NanoReef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 20 Gallons / 75 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
20.0" ×
20.0" ×
20.0"
50.8cm ×
50.8cm ×
50.8cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Red Sea
- Salt: Red Sea
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the daily maintenance routine for a reef tank?
The daily routine includes feeding one whole frozen cube of mysis shrimp, inspecting the inhabitants and equipment for proper operation (usually done in less than 5 minutes), and dosing AquaVitro Fuel, approximately a capful every 3-4 days.
How often should I perform water changes in a nano reef tank?
For this nano reef tank, a 3-gallon water change is performed monthly. Before the water change, heavy feeding of ReefRoids is done the day before to provide nutrients to the corals.
What do you recommend for cleaning the tank?
It is recommended to scrape the front and side glass weekly and to replace the filter floss during the same cleaning session. Additionally, you should pull the wet side of the MP10 pump and the generic pump for cleaning as needed.
What is the feeding routine for the fish and corals?
Feed one whole cube of frozen mysis shrimp daily to the fish. For corals, a heavy dose of ReefRoids is given before the monthly water change, mixed with tank water to create a slurry.
What type of dosing regimen do you follow?
Dosing for this tank is primarily manual, with AquaVitro Fuel being dosed at a capful every 3-4 days. Heavy feeding also helps maintain the necessary nutrients.
How does the skimmer fit into the tank's maintenance?
A skimmer is essential for this setup as it helps remove excess nutrients and waste from the water. It should be emptied regularly, typically after each water change, and its operation should be inspected to ensure it is adjusted correctly.
What types of filtration are being used in the tank?
The tank utilizes an all-in-one filtration system that includes an inTank media basket, IM MiniMax desktop reactor, skimmer, and a heater. The use of ROX carbon is also included monthly to help polish the water.
How do you manage algae outbreaks in the tank?
When faced with algae outbreaks, the approach taken has included dosing with treatments such as Reef Flux to manage filamentous algae and Vibrant for bubble algae. Additionally, introducing an emerald crab has proven effective in eradicating bubble algae.
What adjustments would you make regarding overfeeding?
Initially during the first months, overfeeding was a challenge that led to an algae outbreak. It's important to adjust feeding amounts based on the bioload of the tank and to observe the tank condition regularly to avoid nutrient spikes.