Nano Reef Aquariums, as easy as 1, 2, 3! [Part 3]

04/22/2009

Nano Reef Aquariums, as easy as 1, 2, 3! [Part 3]

Part 3 of 3 of April's feature: Nano Reef Aquariums. If you haven't already, read part one and part two first!

Part 3: Water Quality

Water quality is an important issue in the nano reef aquarium. With such a small water volume, you're going to have to keep on top of your maintenance if you want to keep a healthy reef.

Large weekly water changes of at least 1/3rd of the volume of the tank (preferably 1/2 to all of it!) should be performed weekly (ensure the replacement water is the same temp/salinity). When I first started keeping nano aquariums, I was having a lot of trouble maintaining proper water quality. I was using various additives, which would cause my water chemistry to go out of whack because of the small water volume, which would lead to more water chemistry problems, causing a never ending cycle! I finally realized something so simple it should have occurred to me sooner: stop using additives, and just stick to water changes! Weekly water changes of 50-75% are highly recommended to remove wastes and replace trace elements and calcium. Chemical supplements/additives are both not recommended and not necessary in a nano reef.

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