12g JBJ Nanocube

[P-Daddy]

So I was just given a 12 gallon JBJ Nanocube deluxe for Christmas, it will be my first foray into the world of saltwater. I am fairly excited, but my only concern is the amount of lighting it offers. Will I be able to have a healthy nano-reef environment with 48watts of compact fluorescent lighting?? I may choose to be rude and return it for something with some more light output.

I'm not new to aquariums, or this forum, but I am certainly brand new to saltwater and reef-building, any advice you guys have is welcomed and appreciated!!!

[Rychek]

48 watts in a 12 gallon tank gives you ~4 watts/gallon, which isn't bad at all. Once you've got substrate and rock in there, the ratio will increase a bit more. You could potentially keep a fairly wide range of organisms with such lighting, generally speaking. I can't really give any specifics, so I'll leave that to those who know more about lighting.

[P-Daddy]

Right now my initial thoughts are 3-4 inches of live sand for substrate, and roughly 1.3 pounds of live rock (16 pounds total.) Since this setup has no protein skimmer, I will probably try the all-natural method.

Can anyone give me some hints about what I need? Most of the equipment is built-in to the cube, I understand I will need a quality salt-mix and hydrometer. I have test kits from my freshwater setup, any other ideas?

I've been shunning you saltwater folks for so long, I need to start making friends here!

[unclejed]

Welcome P-Daddy!! If the lights are; one (double) actinic and one (double) 10,000k that is plenty. I have a 14g oceanic bio cube with that set up and I have 3 colonies of button polyps and a "hairy" mushroom and a colt coral and all are doing great. As far as the test kit, I'm not sure if you can use a fresh water kit for salt. using pure water (ro or ro/di) is essential. I have added a small bag of phosphate remover product (name escapes me) to the middle chamber under the grate and on top of the bio balls for good measure. Other than that, do bi-weekly 35-40% water changes and you should be fine.

[Tbx]

It will work with out a protien skimmer but I pull a half cup of skimmate out of my tank almost daily so one would be benificial but not needed.

[Nereaga]

Hey P-Daddy,

Welcome to my world. Saltwater running through these vains. Man, thats sounds bad... lol

ANYWAYS, I like the idea of 3-4'' of sand and 16lbs of live rock(the more the better I would push for 20 lbs myself)

I use Coralife Salt mix, most people use Instant Ocean. I have heard good things about Marine Tropic salt aswell. Instead of a hydrometer, I would invest in a refractometer. They are expensive at around $45, but well worth the investment IMO. A hydrometer to me is VERY inaccurate and I learned my lesson with one. I had my salinity at 1.028 and didnt even know it.

Tests kits are needed just as FW. You will want to monitor Ammonia, pH, Nitrites, Nitrates, Alkalinity. For reefs include Calcium and phosphate test kits aswell.

Its nice to see someone else diving into SW and getting "HOOKED". I would suggest to you to read as much info as you can before getting started. The only thing that happens fast in SW, is FAILURE.... Someone quote.... lol

Brad

Originally Posted by P-Daddy

Right now my initial thoughts are 3-4 inches of live sand for substrate, and roughly 1.3 pounds of live rock (16 pounds total.) Since this setup has no protein skimmer, I will probably try the all-natural method.

Can anyone give me some hints about what I need? Most of the equipment is built-in to the cube, I understand I will need a quality salt-mix and hydrometer. I have test kits from my freshwater setup, any other ideas?

I've been shunning you saltwater folks for so long, I need to start making friends here!

[Abbey]

i don't have much advise but welcome to salt water and congradulations on such a great xmas gift!for xmas i got 50lbs of live rock and money from aunts and uncles to replenish my bank account from the first 50 lbs LR that i bought on my own.
good luck to you on your nano aquarium!!!