mini reefs! ooo that's what I'm after!

[kathywithbirds]

OOOOOO!!!
I just looked at pics of mini (nano?) reefs here. That's what I'm after!!!
There's one in the store I got my stuff from, I just have a 5 gal Odysea running right now, just turned on the filter, there's nothing in it but salt water right now. I'm getting the specific gravity right, I got it darn close the first time!! (proud of myself... )
I plan to get some live rock (3 lbs I figure, smallish pieces) to cycle it with when the SG is right.
Question: It's such a little tank, I'm finding I don't need a heater (got one anyway JIC) and it's at 82 degrees right now. Is that too high? It's pretty steady, not fluctuating really, I think I'm going to just run water for a few days to see.
Also should the levels of all the other stuff be at certain points before I add live rock? I was thinking it doesn't matter b/c the live rock is the bio filter and starts the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate cycle.
Any help appreciated!!!
(Go nemo!!)

[mps9506]

The live rock will start of the cycle for you, especially if it's fresh live rock.
you might want to consider putting a fan nearby the tank to try and cool it off a bit. I personally think 82 is kinda warm long term. If you stick with the hardy stuff however (which is highly recommended for such small tanks) you might find it doesn't really matter.

[lcstorc]

82 is a bit warm but what is more important is temperature fluctuation. See if you can add a fan blowing across the water or lights. Over the water will increase evaporation and cool the tank. Across the lights will help move the heated air away.
You should probably consider a bit more live rock. The general rule is 1-2 lbs per gallon of water. You can add LR rubble to any chambers in the back that may have room in them. I am not sure how your tank is set up. Once you put the live rock in then put in a piece of shrimp from the grocery store to start your cycle. You will see amonia rise then nitrite and the nitrate. Once the nitrates start coming down you will start doing water changes to get them <10. Then you get to have fun picking out your fish. Be very very careful. That small of a tank can really only have one fish and that should be a small one. Again going with the general rule you want no more than one inch of fish for each 5 gallons of water. This is particularly important in small tanks since things can get out of balance very quickly.