12 gallon Zoa only tank buildl

[tjherman]

Since I decided to go a bit Zoa crazy, I'm going to let them have their own tank. Really I noticed that when I fragged the zoas, some of the nearby corals looked irritated upon their return. So I'd prefer not to sacrifice my other corals for the zoas, even if they are my favorites. I know I won't get to have a large tank set up for some time, guess it works out.

Ideally this tank would hold all my zoas and have enough room for frags.

Aquapod 12 gallon tank with stock lights and pump! May change out pump because it's a tad noisy (for me).

alt="" />

Stock lights are 27w, but I could either replace with 32w lamps OR opt for a clip-on MH.

After filling up with SW and LR...

alt="" />

I had about 25lb of rock waiting in a 10 gallon. That rock probably isn't going to work because it's so big. Bummer, because those are cool pieces of rock. Guess it could actually just have lots of frag racks in it though.

The back chambers are filled with about 5-7 lb. of rubble. I think it will be bare bottom... maybe.

Trying to figure out what other stock I could add to the tank as well. With the potential of this tank being all-out chemical warfare, it could be rough on other critters. I'd love a sixline and a few shrimp if doable.

 

[weaglereefer]

I'd opt for the MH if you can swing it. Shouldn't be any problems with a six line and some shrimp, but you're going to want some of that clear 1/4" netting to keep the wrasse in the tank.

 

[sailfish]

Looks like fun, tagging along.

Joe

 

[codsack]

Looks really good Tamara :yay:

 

[smoothie]

That will be sweet. Gonna add some rubble on the bottom for frag madness later on?

 

[hackman72]

I've been pitching around the idea of doing that with me 30g. Maybe watchig this will help me finally decide to do it.

 

[tjherman]

au01st, good point about the mesh top. I figured if I go MH it'd be a Viper 70w clamp-on. Would that be enough or would the 150w Viper be better?

Joe, thanks. It's going to be a fun one.

CodSack, thanks!

Smoothie, awesome idea, man! I've still got a bunch of rubble that could be smashed up and put in the bottom. The other idea is to go with black sand, which could look pretty interesting with zoas all over it.

Hackman72, why not go for it? :thumbs:

 

[cr500_af]

Nice. Sandie is going pretty much all zoas in her 30 cube... just a few mushrooms, a gorgonian and a leather otherwise. I have been instructed on which of my zoas I have to frag for her...

 

[weaglereefer]

I can't remember who it was, but someone here said the Viper fixtures were pretty much junk. You could probably use a 20" 150w Sunpod (don't know if they make 70w Sunpods) since there are more bulb choices for 150 than 70.

 

[tjherman]

It'll take me a while to save up for a Sunpod. :sad:

Sandie's tank must be looking good by now. Barry, if you have anything interesting when I get this zoa tank up...

 

[cr500_af]

Got some cool stuff, just waiting on some new growth... once they start to multiply we'll frag you some for sure.

 

[tjherman]

Cool, Barry!

I did testing today to see how the tank's cycling is coming along...

SG 1.028
pH 8.0
Alk 3
nitrite <.1
nitrate 10-15
ammonia 6

It has a way to go still!

 

[phil47952]

au01st;404302 wrote: I'd opt for the MH if you can swing it. Shouldn't be any problems with a six line and some shrimp, but you're going to want some of that clear 1/4" netting to keep the wrasse in the tank.

Tamara, if you decide something on the netting, see "Acroholic" He's a member of ARC He has the 1/4" clear stuff for a great price.


Phil :up:

 

[jcusmarine]

Looks great! I really like the concept and was contemplating a zoa only nano at one point. Now I can live vicariously thorugh your build...tagging along.

 

[tjherman]

jcusmarine, thanks! It's getting there, slowly. I've been battling cyano in my 14g, so it's good to have a project that isn't bumming me out.

Added some zoas over the past couple weeks. I used a Koralia 2 while I looked for a new pump.

Today I found a used MJ1200 at Optimum and stuck that in the tank. It's a massive amount of flow! :up: Now I'll look for a Koralia Nano instead of using the K2 again.

alt="" />
Some of the zoa frags I have in there. Once I get the tank in its final location, more of the zoas will go in.

alt="" />
The first non-coral inhabitant who hitchhiked in on a rock.

alt="" />
Got this little guy to keep bubble algae in check. Instead, he ate a bunch of pellets and then part of a sponge.

If he continues to misbehave, he'll have to go play with the pistol shrimp...

alt="" />
Also added 2 peppermints. We'll see how long these guys last. My 14g has been through about 5 peppermints...

I'll probably add a cleaner shrimp (or 2! I love these guys!) and a sixline wrasse in a month or so. Or whenever I see Tim next... whichever comes first!

In the meantime, I'm working on the frag rack that's going to replace most of the rock.

 

[smoothie]

Tasty tasty.
Only negative I can think of are any zoas or palys you may want to spot feed to increase growth. Those shrimp will harass them clean of food

 

[tjherman]

Thanks, Smoothie. Those little boogers are predictable though. If I drop some pellets in one corner, I'll have plenty of time to spot feed.

 

[dakota9]

Hey Tamara,

I think your stock lighting will be fine for all Zoas, just change the bulbs regularly.

Looking great, I often thought about an all Zoa tank before, but know within weeks, I'd havenother stuff in there too, s never bothered..

Enjoy your build

 

[tjherman]

Dakota, will do on the bulbs. I'll stick with stock lighting for now.

A zebra hermit crab is going in the zoa tank tonight because it attacked a margarita snail for his shell. Blasted thing. I pretty much just threw him in and let him ricochet off the glass. :lol2:

alt="" />
The in-progress frag rack for the tank. Needs to be adjusted for depth.

alt="" />
New addition to the tank... "Macaroni" the shrimp! Mac for short. Nephew named him. I'm enjoying him in the tank so far because he stays out, unlike those peppermints that hide!

Doing coral dips on some zoa frags because they're looking a little puny. They're not going to be put into the zoa tank unless they're opening up all the way. :sad:

 

[rolo65]

if you want to do black sand i have 20 lbs in my hex right now....itll be available as soon as i transfer all the LR and Stock....been in there for 3 yrs now....just might need to be cleaned up a bit....ill try to do that as im removing it if you want it......freeeeeeee