Suggestions/help for 10g nano?

[BlueAbyss]

Sounds like you are on the right track... that's some low pH! No wonder you had die-off!

Going skimmerless is fine, just make sure you don't skip those water changes. I can almost guarantee that your filter was the main problem here, as it sounds like it was pumping all kinds of bad DOCs into your tank. If you are using ANY sort of filter media, make sure you replace it weekly and keep the canister spotless.

As far as trace elements go, I wouldn't bother. What sort of trace elements did you buy? 'Cause anything that would be depleted that can actually be considered a trace element (ie: NOT calcium, magnesium, or alkalinity) will be replaced with your water changes, and you could easily run into problems dosing 'trace' elements in a small tank, depending on what your salt contains for these. Elements such as strontium, molybdenum, and the like are strongly debated... a few years ago these were considered a 'must', now with better research it is known that the most important are calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity (and a lack of DOCs or generally 'pure' saltwater without a lot of 'junk' in it). I personally would put the bottle of trace elements away and forget I bought it... or give it away.

Sounds like things are looking up! How about starting a build thread or tank journal?

[matthewpunger]

Hey Blueabyss,
Thanks for all the suggestions. I guess I had my terminology not entirely correct. The supplement I got was Kent's nano-reef 2 part ion buffer system - for mostly calcium, magnesium and alkilinity. It seemed to be what some nano-reefers without skimmers use.

One night last week, after the filter media addition and cleaning, almost all my cyanobacteria completely disappeared. I'm still changing the water now once every couple of days, trying to blow off the rocks since the snails are devouring the hair algae like candy and leaving their mess all abouts. A lot of my zoos and mushrooms are opening up and filling out again very nicely.

I recieved the new light, but am not too happy about the colour. I think its bright enough and the corals are liking it, but its pretty yellow compared to my old one and they are both supposed to be 14K. Any suggestions as to what brand and where I can get a good 70W MH?

I may start a tank journal, thought I'd have to borrow a decent digital camera since mine is pretty terrible for such pictures.

Best,
Matt

[Snaz]

I concur with above. Don't add mineral supplements like cal, mag etc. Because you are skimmerless you will be doing weekly 10% water changes and the fresh salt will give your tank everything it needs.