[ChrisP]

just ordered this 5 gallon, CAD Lighting nanocube system. Take a look at it:

https://www.showeryourpets.com/p-10...d-lighting.aspx

My plan is keep mostly zoanthids and maybe a few mushrooms.

I'd love your opinions on this set-up - especially in regard to keeping zoa's happy and healthy!

Now a few questions:
1. Does a 2" sand bed make sense in this set-up? If so, I calculate this to be about 14 lbs.
2. Should about 10 lbs of live rock be enough?
3. After adding the sand and rock in a system of this size how long should I wait before adding anything else? What should I add next - snails maybe? How long should I expect it to take to be stable enough for zoas and maybe mushrooms? Would it be a good idea to avoid fish altogether?

Lots of questions! As always, I really appreciate your help!

Thanks!
Chris

[ChrisP]

OOPS! For some reason the web address I gave doesn't seem to work. If you want to see this set-up, go to showeryourpets.com
click on "Aquariums," the click on "5-10 Gallons." The 5g CAD Lighting set-up is on the top row, second from left. Just click on it.

[glampka]

In answer to your questions:
1. 3-4" is ideal. You could go 2" if you want.
2. 7.5-10 lbs of rock is what you want depending on density.
3. Put in rock, sand, salt water. Throw a piece of shrimp in there & sit back & wait. Get a test kit, after a week, start testing for ammonia. The ammonia will peak & then start going to 0. Once the ammonia peaks, start checking the nitrites. They will peak & start going to 0. Once the ammonia & nitrite get to 0 you can add CUC after doing a partial water change.