This was my first reef tank

Builds & Showcase
1

I started the hobby when I’m in college, and my first tank was a Petco 5 gallon cube. I used the university provided laser cutter to cut an acrylic plate and turn it into an AIO.

I think it was a very pleasant start, and if there is anything wrong, I can just do a 100 percent water change​:sweat_smile:

I really think starting small is better than starting big. It is cheaper and easier to fix the mistake I made.

IMG_9963
IMG_99633024×4032 3.58 MB

1 Like
2

Very cool and indeed water change on a small system is highly sustainable. Can you share what salt you’re using and how you are handling top off?

3

I was using LFS pre mixed salt water, then I started using Fritz and mixing my own salt water, and now I’m using Red Sea Blue Bucket.

As for ATO, I was using a $3 bottle cap add on and a 1 L Coca-Cola bottle.

image
image3024×4032 1.74 MB

1 Like
4

Great job! How long has the tank been running?

How often do you test your water?

Since you talked about full water changes do you try and keep the numbers in line with the salt you’re using?

Do you do any other water changes?

Are you running any macro algae?

How many fish do you have?

I found it difficult to keep a smaller tank …I started with a 16gal AIO Biocube and within 6 months jumped to a 75gal display with a 40gal sump. I found it easier to manage the larger tank ….especially the water chemistry. Also due to the enclosed hood on the Biocubes temp regulation was a PITA.

2 Likes
5

This tank ran for 2 years. Then I graduated from university, so the tank was torn down, but I carried all the coral with me in a bucket.

No algae and no fish. I fed reefroids 4 times a week. I was new to this and was fascinated by coral eating food :joy:.

Back then, I only had the KH and Ca test kit. I only dosed KH, and I think that, due to the frequent large water changes (about 70% every 2 weeks), Ca was pretty stable.

I think the reason why it worked is 1. I did not have sensitive coral. 2. The tank water volume is small enough.

I think 16 gallons is in an awkward position: it’s too big to reset the water easily and is too small, which limits the types of equipment and livestock to help you maintain the tank.

1 Like