Coral Cycled 15 Gallon AIO Innovative Marine

[ChrisPchef]

Trying something a bit unique this time around. Many individuals believe that a tank must be cycled before introducing corals. I've decided to set up a 15-gallon Innovative Marine cube where I will be cycling the tank solely with corals. Instead of using fish, which can be harmed by ammonia, corals are my chosen method for cycling as they do not have blood like fish and do not react the same way to ammonia. Here is the equipment I am using:

- Light: Aqua Illuminations 16HD
- Heater: EHEIM 50-watt heater
- Wave Maker: Nero 3
- 10lbs of Caribsea dry rock
- 10lbs Caribsea live reef sand
- Instant Ocean salt
- Tap water

I placed an order for the Innovative Marine 15-gallon tank on Thursday, March 14th. The same day, I measured the dimensions of the tank on a cardboard box and purchased 16 lbs of Caribsea dry rock from a local fish store. Upon returning home, I used a hammer to break some of the rock and created various aquascapes on the cardboard box to decide on a final design. I used cement to solidify the aquascape I preferred.

While waiting for the tank to arrive, I filled two 5-gallon buckets with dry rock and tap water. I added 2 1/2 cups of Instant Ocean salt to each bucket, letting them mix. With only one extra heater, I kept one bucket warm and mixing, while the other was at room temperature and mixed using an additional pump. I added a frozen raw shrimp to the bucket with the heater, dry rock, and powerhead to allow the decomposition process to begin from March 14th until the tank arrived on the 19th.

Once the tank arrived, it was a simple assembly with the aquascape chosen and water prepared. I lined the bottom of the tank with live sand before adding the rock from the buckets. I added the heater and powerhead, filling the tank with a total of 10 gallons. As the water warmed up and mixed, I buried the remaining decomposing shrimp into the live sand.

I proceeded to mix an additional 5 gallons of saltwater and performed a water change on my 32-gallon biocube. I used the removed 5 gallons to top off the 15-gallon tank. After the tank reached the desired temperature, I confirmed the salinity and added corals from my 32-gallon tank.

The corals I added include:
- 1 green montipora
- 2 green nepthea
- 2 Og bounce mushrooms
- 1 green toadstool
- 1 frag with 5 polyps of pink diamond zoanthids
- 1 Favia
- 1 unknown blue coral
- 1 NY Knicks torch

Within a day, everything settled in nicely, the water was clear, the sand had settled, and all the corals were thriving. I will be documenting the process with pictures over time. My plan is to wait about 2 weeks before introducing a clownfish and more corals. Stay tuned for updates!

 

[thrillreefer]

Cycling your tank with OG bounce and a torch is next level! Excited to see how it goes

 

[ChrisPchef]

Cycling your tank with OG bounce and a torch is next level! Excited to see how it goes

Giving it a shot! I was inspired by the late great Jake Adam’s 5 part series

Here’s the link

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[ChrisPchef]

Today marks a week since the dry rock has been soaking in water. Glad to see some algae beginning to appear. Corals looking great all opened up and happy.

 

[ChrisPchef]

Good morning everyone, happy Easter!

Today marks the 12th day since starting up the 15 gallon IM nano. I figured I’d give a little update. Since my last post I have made a few minor changes. On March 26th, a week after the tank had been set up, I relocated my small clownfish over to its new home. It’s been loving life, with the whole aquarium to himself.

With the exception of the NY knicks torch all the corals seem to be out and about doing well. The torch began to recede on me, at this point and time I’m attributing it to either flow or temperature. As my light schedule is identical to the 32. Both using lights powered by Aqua Illumination making it a breeze to drag and drop the same light schedule. I have transferred the torch back to my 32 gallon biocube where it quickly opened back up.

In terms of new corals I have gone ahead and added a newly fragged piece of exosphere Zoanthids that I recently cut. I also added in a devils hand leather from a fellow BRS member. After having moved the torch back to the 32 and selling one of the OG bounce I went ahead and added in two pieces of OG bounce. I also added a small piece of Sunkist bounce mushroom. I briefly noticed a small diatom bloom (I believe) which seems to have gone away on its own.

As for now I have only fed the tank VERY lightly, using a few squirts from a small pipette when feeding my 32 gallon system. To keep my clownfish happy I have fed him twice. One time using about 5 sinking pellets which he gobbled right up. The second time I fed him just a few prime reef flakes. As for maintenance a daily top off of about a quart of tap water, as well as cleaning the glass. No water changes quite yet. Very happy with how things are turning out!

 

[ChrisPchef]

A few more pictures from March 31st

 

[Chris A.]

This has been done for a long time even with sps. A Brazilian does this all the time and it works good but you have to see the level of reefer that’s doing it. If you don’t know what to do in certain situations it could end horribly for everything. As long as you are on top of testing for ammonia you should be ok. Corals take up ammonia better than nitrate but can still die if the the ammonia gets out of control. Also you have to check once the nutrients get depleted and correct it.

 

[Tankful]

I’d be too nervous to put high end corals in right away

 

[ChrisPchef]

This has been done for a long time even with sps. A Brazilian does this all the time and it works good but you have to see the level of reefer that’s doing it. If you don’t know what to do in certain situations it could end horribly for everything. As long as you are on top of testing for ammonia you should be ok. Corals take up ammonia better than nitrate but can still die if the the ammonia gets out of control. Also you have to check once the nutrients get depleted and correct it.

You’re right I couldn’t agree more. I’ve heard the same thing said about this “strategy” like when Jake Adam’s started his 20 gallon in 1 day. Cool to give it a shot myself though! Does the Brazilian reefer have forum posts/yt or anything? I’d be interested to read more about his tanks.

In order to battle a huge ammonia spike I’ve been seldom feeding the tank. As you know it is very easy to over feed lol. Also I’m realizing more and more that not too many feed corals besides lighting and fish waste.

I’m also happy to share my experience as I think reef keeping has become over complicated with unnecessary gadgets. I have not tested the water in my 32 gallon in over three years at this point and everything is thriving. I do not plan on testing anything in the 15 either aside from salinity. We’ll see how this simple and sweet start up goes, I’ll keep everyone posted!

 

[ChrisPchef]

I’d be too nervous to put high end corals in right away

I’ve had these OG bounces since August 7th 2020. In my experience they’re very hardy! Im very comfortable with their needs in terms of flow and lighting. Im still very new to SPS I don’t think I would feel comfortable throwing in an expensive frag of SPS quite yet haha.

 

[ChrisPchef]

The uglies are begging to hit and I am very happy to see it! I have yet to give the tank a water change and all is well. I will let the tank run about another week before taking any action. My only plan as of now is to get my hands on some Nassarius to help stir the sand bed.

 

[ChrisPchef]

Today marks one month since the no cycle 15 gallon has begun, I figured I’d provide an update as a few things have changed. In order to help keep the tank clean without my assistance I went ahead and added two nassarius snails and two Trochus snails as well as some bristle worms and Asterina starfish.

After noticing some diatoms on the sand I added the Nassarius to aid in stirring the sand bed. Also having noticed some hair algae beginning to grow I added the two Trochus snails. Bringing the total clean up crew up to 1 Astrea, 2 Trochus, 2 Nassarius and one blue legged hermit. Being a fan of free CUC I also added some Asterina starfish from my 32 to the 15.

I know there is a debate whether or not Asterina eat corals, however there are 15 or more species of Asterina. After 4 years of keeping these Asterina I am confident the species I have does not eat coral. I also went ahead and took some bristle worms out of the 32 and added them to the 15 gallon.

In terms of corals I went ahead and added in another frag of green Kenya tree. I also added in a frag of golden gonzo mushroom as well as a purple/green tipped hammer. I am new to fragging Zoa’s and I think I did a poor job with the exospheres. The two head frag I put into the 15 has melted away.

I removed one of the bigger bubbled OG bounce mushrooms and replaced it with a smaller frag. The reason being is my clownfish has hosted the OG bounce, he is not too gentle and had shredded some bubbles right off the mushroom. I also decided to glue down some of the frags to the rock work as the CUC was moving them too and fro.

The corals currently in the tank are as follows.
2 neon green toadstools
3 green Kenya tree
1 devils hand leather
4 OG bounce
1 Sunkist bounce
1 golden gonzo mushroom
2 types of Zoa’s ( AOI/pink diamond)
1 Favia
1 green/purple tipped hammer
1 green monti cap
1 unknown coral

So far maintenance has consisted of a daily glass cleaning using a mag float. One daily manual top off using good ole fashioned tap water. One daily basting of the rock to stir up detritus. I’ve mentioned before I do not test my parameters avoiding chasing numbers. I keep an eye on the coral and inhabitants to let me know when to do a water change.

This past week I gave the tank its first water change. I realized the neon green toadstools hadn’t opened for a few days and decided it was time to do a water change. I did not make fresh salt water. I used 5 gallons from the 32 gallon to replace the removed 5 gallons of water. I used a tooth brush to scrub some hair algae off the rock when siphoning the water out.

I figure the 32 gallon isn’t necessarily dirty when I give it its weekly water change so I decided to go this route. Taking this idea from TSA. There has been zero testing of any parameters done thus far and everything is doing great.

 

[salty_dog]

Update?

Also was inspired by Jake Adams tank in a day.
Adding my photo of 2.5g fishless tank. Livestock are hermits, snails, and a peppermint. I added corals once nitrogen cycle was complete.
Corals at one month. Running for about 6 mts. This is my first salt tank. So I feel very lucky or I am actually doing something right. I only change water and feed freshwater fish food/algae pellets/and freshwater bladder snails.

 

[ChrisPchef]

Update?

Also was inspired by Jake Adams tank in a day.
Adding my photo of 2.5g fishless tank. Livestock are hermits, snails, and a peppermint. I added corals once nitrogen cycle was complete.
Corals at one month. Running for about 6 mts. This is my first salt tank. So I feel very lucky or I am actually doing something right. I only change water and feed freshwater fish food/algae pellets/and freshwater bladder snails. View attachment 207775

Looking good man! Just be careful with that Xenia, if not kept separated it can over grow your entire tank.

My 15s been doing really well. I need to clean the glass off, I’ve been letting everything grow and have only done the one water change. Besides that only daily water top offs.

As of now for corals I have 2 OG’s, 3 powerball, 1 Frankenstein, 1 Godzilla, 1 Sunkist, 1 golden gonzo, 3 jokers and one unnamed mushroom. I also have two types of Zoa’s, (AOI & Pink Diamond) two neon green toadstools, a devils finger leather, 1 favia, a green & purple hammer and an unknown stony coral. The only coral loss I experienced was the green montipora. I sold some of the OG’s and gave away some of the green neptheas. (This has more or less been a grow out tank for my frags)

I have three clownfish, one nassarius snail, one blue legged hermit and two trochus snails. I’m letting the small pair of clowns grow a bit before moving them over to my other tank.

I’m glad to see a healthy population of copepods around the rocks. Also noticed some baby stomatella snails on the glass which I’m happy to see. On top of that I see lots of bristle worms and I’ve added some Asterina stars. The “ugly phase” never really hit and with the clean up crew, they managed to keep everything under control. I attribute the lack of “ugly phase” to a healthy amount of flow and light feedings.

The only thing I’m really currently struggling with is how close my rocks come to the glass. I’m able to clean the glass as best as possible with a small mag float. However the thick algae on the glass has been tough to remove. There is not enough space for me to stick my hand in and clean the glass with a razor blade. I will eventually have to get an extension so I can reach those hard to scrape spots.

Here’s a picture from yesterday and today. I will have to update some better pics of the corals and tank once I clean off the glass to keep you updated.

To respond to what Chris A mentioned, this has been “set it and forget it” I’ve yet to test any parameters aside from salinity. This hobby is very easy when you don’t over complicate things with unnecessary equipment or test kits. (No rodi unit, no doser, ato, calcium reactor etc along with no cycle) that stuff only over complicates this hobby and makes the barrier to entry even harder for new reefers. I’m in this hobby for keeping corals, not spending hours learning how to program equipment.

 

[salty_dog]

Looking good man! Just be careful with that Xenia, if not kept separated it can over grow your entire tank.

My 15s been doing really well. I need to clean the glass off, I’ve been letting everything grow and have only done the one water change. Besides that only daily water top offs.

As of now for corals I have 2 OG’s, 3 powerball, 1 Frankenstein, 1 Godzilla, 1 Sunkist, 1 golden gonzo, 3 jokers and one unnamed mushroom. I also have two types of Zoa’s, (AOI & Pink Diamond) two neon green toadstools, a devils finger leather, 1 favia, a green & purple hammer and an unknown stony coral. The only coral loss I experienced was the green montipora. I sold some of the OG’s and gave away some of the green neptheas. (This has more or less been a grow out tank for my frags)

I have three clownfish, one nassarius snail, one blue legged hermit and two trochus snails. I’m letting the small pair of clowns grow a bit before moving them over to my other tank.

I’m glad to see a healthy population of copepods around the rocks. Also noticed some baby stomatella snails on the glass which I’m happy to see. On top of that I see lots of bristle worms and I’ve added some Asterina stars. The “ugly phase” never really hit and with the clean up crew, they managed to keep everything under control. I attribute the lack of “ugly phase” to a healthy amount of flow and light feedings.

The only thing I’m really currently struggling with is how close my rocks come to the glass. I’m able to clean the glass as best as possible with a small mag float. However the thick algae on the glass has been tough to remove. There is not enough space for me to stick my hand in and clean the glass with a razor blade. I will eventually have to get an extension so I can reach those hard to scrape spots.

Here’s a picture from yesterday and today. I will have to update some better pics of the corals and tank once I clean off the glass to keep you updated.

To respond to what Chris A mentioned, this has been “set it and forget it” I’ve yet to test any parameters aside from salinity. This hobby is very easy when you don’t over complicate things with unnecessary equipment or test kits. (No rodi unit, no doser, ato, calcium reactor etc along with no cycle) that stuff only over complicates this hobby and makes the barrier to entry even harder for new reefers. I’m in this hobby for keeping corals, not spending hours learning how to program equipment.

Looks awesome! I've yet to dabble in the zoa and mushroom realm. They really look nice and seem to fill the space well.
I have kids, and was under the impression that zoas can have palytoxin. They like to reach their hands in and have the peppermint shrimp jump on their fingers, so haven't wanted to risk it.
I hear you on the glass scraping. I have to move the arch side to side to get in there. Just got the Tunze nano scraper with plastic blade. It's great, super strong magnet, and can handle the curved glass (mine is a 10 dollar Facebook market place glofish tank) The xenia has moved up, it seems like the xenia and GSP love nitrates, as the more lax I am with water changes the better they grow. Using only API, and it never shows more than a slight color change, so 5 or so. I understand that's not a great test for nitrates but coral seems unaffected by much other than salinity swings so not feeling need to spring for a better test until I get a larger tank with fish. . The hair algae blossoms if I'm due for a water change or was too generous with feedings. Hey I like to watch the corals and animals eat, even if it means the tank grows a nice lawn.

I'm a bit concerned about a 4 day vacation and evaporation. As I plan to keep running the fan on the aquarium. Has a lid, but not covering completely. No ATO. Maybe a waterbottle top off? Air stone incase of pump clog? Not sure if you or anyone has experience with that.

Regarding the barrier to entry, most everyone told me I'd be a fool to start off with a pico without RODI. I used well water until recently. They said wait months to add coral.. don't turn the lights on too early. Well I added it at 4 weeks and have blasted the lights since day one. Took months to see any algae.
Instead of Dr Tims.. I seeded with some of the changed water from my freshwater tank, lots of ghost feeding, freshwater tank cycled sponges/ceramic media. Mostly feeding freshwater micro pellets which corals loved.

 

[ChrisPchef]

Looks awesome! I've yet to dabble in the zoa and mushroom realm. They really look nice and seem to fill the space well.
I have kids, and was under the impression that zoas can have palytoxin. They like to reach their hands in and have the peppermint shrimp jump on their fingers, so haven't wanted to risk it.
I hear you on the glass scraping. I have to move the arch side to side to get in there. Just got the Tunze nano scraper with plastic blade. It's great, super strong magnet, and can handle the curved glass (mine is a 10 dollar Facebook market place glofish tank) The xenia has moved up, it seems like the xenia and GSP love nitrates, as the more lax I am with water changes the better they grow. Using only API, and it never shows more than a slight color change, so 5 or so. I understand that's not a great test for nitrates but coral seems unaffected by much other than salinity swings so not feeling need to spring for a better test until I get a larger tank with fish. . The hair algae blossoms if I'm due for a water change or was too generous with feedings. Hey I like to watch the corals and animals eat, even if it means the tank grows a nice lawn.

I'm a bit concerned about a 4 day vacation and evaporation. As I plan to keep running the fan on the aquarium. Has a lid, but not covering completely. No ATO. Maybe a waterbottle top off? Air stone incase of pump clog? Not sure if you or anyone has experience with that.

Regarding the barrier to entry, most everyone told me I'd be a fool to start off with a pico without RODI. I used well water until recently. They said wait months to add coral.. don't turn the lights on too early. Well I added it at 4 weeks and have blasted the lights since day one. Took months to see any algae.
Instead of Dr Tims.. I seeded with some of the changed water from my freshwater tank, lots of ghost feeding, freshwater tank cycled sponges/ceramic media. Mostly feeding freshwater micro pellets which corals loved.

Glad to hear it’s been going well for you! Unfortunately this hobby is inundated with misinformation. It seems the loud majority of people providing information don’t have tanks which is pretty ironic. Or they’re new and have watched a few YouTube videos which of course makes them an experienced reefer! In Jake Adam’s words “I’d recommend a person entering the hobby to stay OFF the internet”
With my 32 gallon I focus on weekly water changes and keeping the water at the same level. It’s been a few years since I’ve tested any levels and I have everything growing in there no problem (sticks, euphylia, softies)

As you mentioned focus on stable salinity and the rest is a breeze. I’ve been told it depends on your tap water however after reefing in 3 different states, and 8 different towns I’m not convinced a RODI system is necessary. I’ve used both well and city water without issue. I think if it was an issue I would have run into problems over the course of my 12 years.

As for your 4 day vacation, maybe you could try adding a little bit more water to your system before leaving? How much evaporation are you currently experiencing?
I know with my 32 it’s about half a gallon a day and with the 15 is only about a quart (1/4 gallon) I don’t have any experience with an ATO so I don’t really want to comment on that. Unless you’d like an ATO for the future I wouldn’t spend the money to cover a four day period of time.

What type of light are you using for your tank?Also how long does your light stay on a day? A few years ago I had some issues with algae however a simple reduction of the red/white/green spectrum seemed to clear it up in no time. If you have a programmable light maybe worth a shot. I cleaned the glass last night and took some pictures just now of the frags.

 

[salty_dog]

Sorry for the delay. The coral in the first image, maybe devils' finger? that looks good.
I'm using the Fluval nano sea (60 on amazon) at full strength except low reds and 75% whites. Full power for 8 hrs and long ramp up and down so I can enjoy the tank all day. I got better growth with raising the whites up. Algae for me seems totally related to how often I'll water change (or miss water changes). I'm not checking anything besides salinity. I got a bottle holder top off and am going to use that on vacation for my tanks. I am going to try to start a build thread as I put together more tanks. One as a holding tank for live rock in preps for a new larger set up. And also a tide pool tank with a crab and some stripped killifish and periwinkles I found at the beach. I'll eventually return them to the water, but it's been fun to watch them grow.
A few weeks ago I got 4 astrea snails for my reef tank they chewed up about 90% of my hair algae. What I have left is probably bryopsis, as it's fern like and much tougher. I'm just going to leave it as it's not spread and I really want to be as hands off besides glass scraping, feeding and water changes. All seems happy in the tank. I still feed a few x a week, including a treat of freshwater bladder snail which is a favorite for the peppermint shrimp and hermits. Not ready to put a fish in, though maybe in the future a clown goby.

 

[salty_dog]

For my tide pool set up, I found a rock which I thought had dead oysters on it, I guess their alive as they started opening and closing at feeding or water change time. It's no joke how fast they clear the water.

 

[ChrisPchef]

For my tide pool set up, I found a rock which I thought had dead oysters on it, I guess their alive as they started opening and closing at feeding or water change time. It's no joke how fast they clear the water.

The tide pool set up is a cool idea! The devils finger leather is the grayish leather in the third photo. It’s been doing well and all settled in. I also have the neon green toadstool. Also a green Kenya tree. If you like them I’d be willing to cut you a frag and give it to you for free. They’re both fast growing corals and very hardy in my experience.
I’d be willing to bet if you turn the whites down a bit it would help on the algae growth. I’m glad you were able to figure out a top off for vacation. Astrea snails are a great clean up crew member, just keep in mind they can not right themselves up. So if you see one flipped on its back give it some assurance and turn it right side up. It would be cool to see you post a build thread, I’d definitely follow along.