Finally got the 2.5 gallon started!

Hey Tanster, neat looking tank. Looking to start one my self just haven’t decided on size yet. What kind of SPS are you planning. I have some small frags I could donate I’d you're interested. LMK
 
Ive seeded the back chamber with ceramic bio media from my display, and I’ve also got a piece of live rock in my display getting nice and seeded with bacteria. I’ll hopefully toss it in there this week, wait for the mini cycle, and then begin placing coral!
 
It's cycling! I have a diatom bloom, so we're getting there. I originally thought the ceramic bio media would seed it with very little cycle but I was wrong. I also ordered a silicate test kit just to make sure I don't have extra silicates in my water. Lights are off for now and we should be ready to rock and roll soon!
 
If we timed this better we could have started a thread titled “the race to cycle”!

Curious if you used any bottled bacteria like bio spira?
 
No, I wasn't in any particular rush with this little project. The light I ordered is back ordered, and I've yet to decide how I'm going to add flow to the tank. So while I decide all of this I'm letting it cycle :)
 
Any updates?
Unfortunately. I left town for a week and the system took a bad swing. I’m putting the project on hold for now. I did learn a few things though. A small tank has a pretty quick rate of evaporation without a lid, and it’ll really cause your params to go whack.

to be continued!
 
Sorry to hear that. Yes..small tanks need to be topped off daily or a tight lid. I have had salt tanks as small as 3 gallon that were successful. But I have never done acros in one. ...but have a friend that has many reef vases that need regular water changes and tight lids. Pray you get it up and running! Will be great!
 
I’m going to start it back up with a larger tank, probably 10 gallons or so. SPS in something so small is really difficult. I appreciate your kind words.
 
10 gallons stay very stable for me. I have had many 10s over the years. Cheap and easy to set up. Nice and shallow to light too. 20 longs are my favorite size though. What ever you chose will be great! Will watch out for it!
 
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