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Temperature:
Where should the temperature be kept at? The best temperature range for a reef tank is 76?79 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to have the temperature remain constant. This is probably the most difficult parameter to monitor in a nano-reef. This is why it is so easy to keep a nano-reef in an office, basement, or business. These places are usually air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.
Lighting:
The nano-reef package from Aquarium Illusions Inc. has been outfitted with enough lighting to keep almost all soft corals and some other varieties of hard corals. Usually lighting in a reef tank is one of the most expensive parts. However, the high output compact fluorescent lighting included is a great part of the package. The daylight spectrum simulates natural daylight for your corals to enjoy.
Salinity (or Specific Gravity):
What is salinity? The salinity is the salt content in the water. Just mix recommended salinity for a nano-reef in between 1.023-1.026. The important thing is that it remains constant. A sealed nano-reef allows for the evaporated water to be kept in the tank, therefore keeping the salinity constant.
Filtration:
The biological filtration takes place mainly in the live rock. The live rock contains beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that will maintain a healthy and beautiful ecosystem for your tank. The hang-on filter is your mechanical filter, taking particulate matter out of the tank.
Stocking:
It is important not to stock your tank too full of fish. Usually there are only 1 or 2 fish in a nano-reef, or even none at all. This eliminates much of the bio-load of the tank. However, the great thing about a nano-reef is that you can put as many selected corals as you want into it, as long as they aren't aggressive ones. You can also put in invertebrates that are unique and fun to watch. Stock your nano reef with a wide selection of Aquarium Illusions Coral Fragments. You can add a wide variety of coral species for a very low price.
Maintenance:
Is a nano-reef difficult to maintain? No. The most important part of keeping a nano-reef is the weekly water changes. Since there is no protein skimmer to remove the dissolved organic matter out of the water, this has to be accomplished through water changes. It is important that you remove 10-20% of the water weekly, replacing it with water at the same temperature and salinity. Feeding is also an important part of keeping fish (if you choose to include fish). Do not overfeed!!!! Feed only as much as your fish can consume in 20 seconds, once or twice per day. It is also recommended to rinse out the foam in your filter once per month in the tank?s old water when doing a water change.
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