bukitimah

Yeah, I think LR is very important and they are hardy too Shrimps and crabs can help to eat up whatever the fishes missed. They are also hardy aren't they? Frankly I am quite happy to have just the LR (seeing them grow) and the 3 damsels. Of course if I can have 2 more fishes would be better. I believe I can hold till my LR are more matured while I shop for shrimps. Any recommendation where got cheap and good ones?

Hey bros, thank you for the advice, I have shifted the rocks! In fact I added another 2 kg. Will take a picture of it and post it another day. Yes I am learning every mins! I intend to stay with this hobby for at least a while more. I know it is surviving but improvements are the challenges. No, I just going for very basic even with 3 damsels will do. I planned to set up another 1.5 ft tank and will then transfer the damsel over. this tank will then have clowns and more striking colour fishes. Not many about 4 - 5 max. I will get some shrimps, I think they should do well since the crab and damsels are OK. BTW, where to get reasonable shrimps? Pasir Ris quoting at least $3 to $6 each!

I intend to have just life rock and fish only at this moment. As promised, this is my tank after removal of the undergravel filter and that red crab.

Okie, I started a new posting liow

Which canister would you recommend? Budget type OK?

1) How did you cycle the tank and how much time did u give for the cycle? I was told 3 weeks but I short cut and added damsel within the 2nd week. I died the other one survive till today. Tried clowns after the 2nd week but both died. 2) Did you test your water parameters before adding LS? (Ammonia, Nitrite, Nirate, KH and pH.) Sorry, didn't test. I observed the live rock is growing well and algae forming on the surface of my tank. These are signs the water is cured? 3) What are the filter elements you put in your overhead filter? Whilte fiber stuff bought from the marine stall in Pasir Ris. $3.50 for 3? I have since add a crab and 2 more damsels. They are there for the last 1 week. Will take a photo by this weekend.

Alamak, too small now. Next one will be just OK I hope. Yes, I put in the skimmer (weipro 2012) and ataman pump 2000 l/hr. However, not much foam leh. I was advised that the undergravel filter is a 'time bomb'! I decided to take it out and remove the over head filter suction pipe from the undergravel filter. The over head filter now draws water from the tank base. Yet to take any picture but will post it soon. This is to illustrate how frustrating for newbies like me when we didn't get the things right the first time.

Sorry! I should resize my picture! 1st time doing this. I was then told protein skimmer is important. Although some say just change water more regularly. So many types of skimmer therefore very confusing just to understand if this is necessary piece of equipment. Decided that I should still try out since so many experts say so. This is how my 3rd wk tank look like.

Hi, I was advised to start this new post because this is the only way experts can help. I started with a 2L x 1 H x 1 W tank. The tank comes with over head filter and external pump 800 l/hr flow rate. It also has a light fitting 20 watts flr tube (bule). Next thing I on advise by a marine shop owner was to buy undergravel filter (I was told this is a mistake later). I also got hold of 4 kg of live rock. A package or coral salt mix. Some filter elements and #3 crushed coral ( 5 kg) I was told I am ready to set up my tank and wait for 3 weeks to cycle. Unable to wait that long, I added 2 damsel and a shrimp. Only the damsel survive. Let me share how the tank looks like.

You are already very advance as far as I am concerned. No skimmer and yet so great! What do you feed the coral?

I envy you. How I wish I can do something like that. Hmmmm I will try it. What is the brand and model of your filter and pump?

Mabe blow air through a tube every 10 mins? Yeah, better get a battery operated air pump on standby.

Alamak, seems to be going round without much success. I have started with another 2 ft tank but I just thought I could have done better if I have known certain things before that. I am now going to start another 1.5 ft tank. This time, I am not going to rush since I have one back home to enjoy. OK, maybe this can help would be starter? Generally, most would consider fish and live rock only tank. Understand coral is another level up. Equipment wise please go for basic and if need to, do advise how much water change per week. If no need to change better lah, Don't recommend sump, CO2, etc hor. If writing is not easy, simply show pictures and tell us where to source that equipment. Why do all these? People will be encouraged to take up this hobby knowing it can work. Give an estimated budget for a simple tank. I know pro are setting up a nano tank of 1ft with skimmer for $200+ Surely we can do it less than that and experience all the fun that come along?

Hi, that was a great tank you got there. I just wish I have one like that. I am about to start one of similar size so it would be good if you could share a bit more on your set up, where you got your equipment and cost.

Yes I do know we need to read, but I am looking for a jump start since we have so many successful bros out here. That is what this site is meant for right? As did mentioned in other site before, it is important to share successful stories so that people are keen to join and be interested not discouraging words that drive would be members away! One day, marine tank hobby is as simple as ABC and not the common perception now that it is very difficult and very expensive.

Me too using the 2012 model and I am using a 2000l/hr pump. According to the spec, 400 gal/hr can already. So technically 2000 l/hr is about there right? I think it is the space or volume in the cylinder that affect the skimming? If we compress the water in the cylinder, I think it would be better? Someone suggest to use a needle wheel pump but not sure can or not. Another way is to raise the distance between pump and the collection cup. I was told the chuisui site has alot of discussion on weipro but didn't find any. As a matter of fact, it is only me writing there!

Friend, next time call me.

I am looking for budget too. I just took a 1.5 ft nano tank from a bros here. The tank comes with sand - Grade 1 and Argonite Subsrate. Don't really know what that mean but I took them out to clean the tank and the sand to dry. Notice they have undergravel filter and 2 layers of fine nets. If you were me, what do you propose to buy or do to have a simple nano tank? Cheap, cheap one hor. If required, can always buy from 'Sell off/Pasar Malam Shop'. I am sure I am not alone here. Cheers

Hi Kenny, tested for the last 3 days, confirmed no leak. Thank you and I must say I am very impressed with your tanks. My next step is to source for the rest of the 'equipment' for my nano tank. No hurry, I have one running at home. This one is for the office.

Saturday can? Likely I need 2 to 3 kg

Hi, what would one consider as 'nano'? from 1 ft cube to 3 ft? I noticed some even hase sump! I think there are many newbies out there like me who are very interested to own a nano but may not be able to match the expert's nano shown here. I saw some nano with their back partitioned up as sump, whilst others have undergravel filters which is strongly discouraged by marine experts. For the sake of all nano lovers and to promote this hobby and keep it alive. Would some kind hearted guy do a step by step guide on how to step up a typical 1 to 2 ft tank? Best if he can attach photo and also advise the equipment, where to source and estimated cost. As a newbie, I can then follow step by step and enjoy my tank.

Any picture and cost?

Hi, I was trying very hard to follow but still get lost midway. DIY is not easy if you aren't good with your hands. If you could do the same explanation for a simple nano tank using off the shelves parts would be very much appreciated. Work on budget where possible. Thanks

I have seen many nano tank as small as 1 ft doing well with 3-4 fishes. Only thing I don't know if they are changing water every week I believe monthly is possible if you don't over stock the tank? Hope you get on and start it. we have a new member!!

Alamak, even you have a part guy to top up water, he/she may not know what to do if something goes wrong. Best to reduce LS, I am willing to accept them . The rest are easier to manage.