TheMerchant's 24g NanoCube Reef

[theMerchant]

Hello Reefers
Ive been a long time aquarium hobbyist and grew up with many freshwater tank setups. I always wanted a SW tank and one day my friend at the LFS gave me a deal I couldnt refuse.

My journey (addiction :wave began Nov 2015.

Here is the tank getting setup for a mini cycle





I immediately started ready the forums and trying to get myself caught up with all the correct practices but I also wanted to have something to look at. So after a week I was able to add some clean up crew and after 2 weeks added my first fish.

2 clowns and 1 tang ... I know that looks familiar :yes4:



I thought everything was going good then BAM fish started dying one by one.... I didnt know it at the time, but the tank was not finishing the mini cycle. So I cleaned up the crime scene and patiently waited a few more weeks before adding any more fish.

So I started reading more about refugiums and how I can modifiy my 2nd chamber to better filter my water. Cut out the back and added a LED plant light with chaeto. I later added some live rock rubble to the bottom



Also I had those sponges, bio balls and ceramic bag that came with the JBJ.
I yanked them all out and installed a in-tank media basket with Purigen and Chemipure Elite in the first chamber. Round out the 3rd chamber is the 300w Fugal Heater pump.

 

[theMerchant]

I added some soft corals and mushrooms while I waited to add fish



SO after a month passed and I was ready for fish. I added back 2 clown fish a cleaner shrimp.



I made changes to the rock scape and made small changes here and there and made a big rock 'smaller' using the chisel technique. I used the small rubble in the fug.

 

[theMerchant]

I proceeded to go on a coral shopping binge and bought several pieces of zoas and acans. I met a local reefer and bought his frags, which was really rewarding to see others share your passion.

 

[jesuses]

Nice little tank. I like the goniopora in the middle.

 

[theMerchant]

Next big project was the lights.

I originally[had the JBJ LED hood for the 24g which looked like this



I went with Mike at RAPIDLED and purchased the 24 LED nano kit. I opted for the solder version and it came out ok, im sure it could have been neater but it works.



Fan Controller (I hard wired the power, running 3 fans; 2 on side and one on top of heatsink)


I had some extra LED temp probes laying around so I tape one to the heat sink so I can monitor and adjust fans as needed.

 

[theMerchant]

Top Temp is LED heatsink; bottom temp is tank (fug)

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I modified my stand by adding some shelving and a pull out tray for all the electronics and power adapters. I didnt use any screws or nails, since I didnt want to disturb my inhabitants. Gorilla Glue FTW :thumb
Before

after

 

[theMerchant]

Running the Storm with temp probe and auto moon phase

 

[theMerchant]

Current tank layout

couple of frogspawn frags waiting for a trade on bottom left.
Rose BTA on left side chillin.
Just picked up a Royal Gramma, Yellow watchman Golby and pistol shrimp.
current tankmates: 2 Clowns, Red Scooter Dragonet, cleaner shrimp, 2 PJ Cardinals (thinking about bring them back to LFS), emeral crab and CUC. seems like alot I know but they are all small and Ill keep an eye on nitrates.

I currently do 5 gallon water changes every week or two.

My journey has taught me allot so far. I read countless thread and 2 Reef aquarium books. Learning so much form everyone here, thank you to the people who answer all the questions us newbs asks.