Stunning 1-Gallon Reef Tank – natalia_la_loca's TOTM | NanoReef
Tank Specifications
Volume: 1 Gallons / 6 Liters
Dimensions (L × W × H):
9.0" ×
9.0" ×
7.5"
22.9cm ×
22.9cm ×
19.1cm
Equipment List
- Salt: Reef Roids
- Salt: GonioPower
- Salt: Coral Frenzy
- Salt: Rods Food Coral Blend
- Salt: Phyto Feast
- Salt: Fauna Marin Ultra Ricordea & Zoanthus + Ultra Min D
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I feed the corals in my pico reef?
To feed the corals in your pico reef, mix a combination of high-quality foods such as Reef Roids, GonioPower, Coral Frenzy, Rod's Food Coral Blend, Phyto Feast, Fauna Marin Ultra Ricordea & Zoanthus, and Ultra Min D in roughly equal amounts. Use a turkey baster to target feed this mix directly to the corals, and turn off the airline for about 30 minutes to allow the corals to eat without disturbance.
What are the signs that my corals are underfed?
Signs that your corals may be underfed include sluggish growth, color fading, closing up during the day, and overall poor health. Additionally, if you notice that your corals are less responsive to light or other stimuli, this could indicate that they are not receiving enough nutrition. Regularly monitor your corals for these signs and adjust your feeding routine accordingly.
What is my maintenance routine for the pico reef?
Your maintenance routine should include weekly feeding followed by water changes every few days. Open the lid only for feeding and water changes to minimize evaporation and contaminant exposure. During water changes, agitate the rocks and substrate with a turkey baster to release detritus and siphon out about 85% of the water. Inspect the system for any issues like nuisance algae or invasive corals.
How can I effectively manage nuisance algae in my reef bowl?
To manage nuisance algae such as hair algae and bubble algae, incorporate manual removal with the application of food-grade hydrogen peroxide. For hard-to-remove algae, use a paintbrush or a soaked Q-tip with long forceps to apply peroxide directly. For coralline algae on glass, soak a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser in peroxide and wipe the glass carefully.
How often should I perform water changes, and how much should I change?
For maintaining water quality, perform water changes approximately every week or so, adjusting based on how busy you are. Aim to change out about 85% of the water during each change while inspecting the aquarium for any signs of distress among the coral and other inhabitants.
What is the best way to prepare new saltwater for water changes?
To prepare new saltwater for water changes, mix appropriate reef salt with good quality RO/DI water, ensuring that you achieve the correct salinity level matching your reef conditions. It's also important to pre-heat the new saltwater to match the temperature of the existing tank water before adding it.
What should I do if I notice bubble algae or aiptasia in my tank?
For bubble algae and aiptasia, manual removal is essential. For aiptasia, smother it with superglue to eliminate it from the system. For bubble algae that's hard to remove, apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the algae. Consistently monitor and manage these issues to prevent them from taking over the tank.
How can I keep my airline tubing clean?
To keep your airline tubing clean, inspect and clean it every few weeks, as salt creep can cause clogs. Ensure that it remains free-flowing, which is critical for maintaining good circulation in your pico reef.