Some basic Nano questions

[graemeh]

I kept a reef a number of years ago and have purchased a Nano Cube 12G deluxe tank to get my 10 year old son interested in keeping fish. He used to drop plastic fish toys in the last one - but he is excited about this new adventure.

I have a number of questions about these small setups....

I currently have Agralive sand (20lb) and saltwater in the system circulating and have 10lb of live rock (fiji branch) coming to get things started. Am planning 1 or 2 small fish (family really wants a clownfish - going through the Nemo thing with my 2 year old), a shrimp, polyps, mushroom, crabs etc.. Small but not fancy - and definitely hardy... Willing to take suggestions!

1. For those that have small reef systems in the Nano cubes - what do you recommend with the filtration system provided?

Ceramic rings and bio balls - take them out?
Three provided filter pads - pull them and replace with something other pad?
Carbon filter bag - leave in - which compartment?

2. Can the heater be placed in one of the back compartments to leave the tank more open - I assume that some of the media removal will leave room?

3. Circulation with provided pump seems minimal - suggestions for replacement?

4. Also saw some articles about surface protein issues with these systems and a recommendation for a "Nanoskim" to address this issue - any thoughts?

5. Are there any suggestions regarding supplement regimen that seems to work well for these systems?

6. Finally - anything I should consider on these systems?

Lots of questions - thanks in advance for advice!!!!

Regards - Graeme!!!

Will post a pic or two when I get things up and running - but would like to get the hardware right before I get to far along!

[Witfull]

Welcome to RS~

take the bioballs and ceramic rings out. your live rock will do much more and not create the nitrates.

as for circulation a small powerhead will work nicely. if you angle it towards the surface, it will help with surface protien slicks. small skimmers im not up on, but others will chime in,,,

2 clowns and some shrooms/polyps and such i think would be your max bioload for a small tank. keep ontop of evaporation and water quality. things happen faster in small tanks.

good luck and welcome to the lil reefer too~~