I originally set out to do a "natural" filter nano tank. It bombed. Then I began the process with my Fluval Evo 13.5 and I was frustrated by dirty water clarity, clogged pump, lots of various algae etc.
After changing whats in the compartment, upgrading pump, adding skimmer I 'thought ' I was there...not quite. It wasn't until I started using Prodibio Nano Reef Kit+Bacto Bio Balls + Poly Filter + a sm bag of Clear-Fx Pro that I've captured a pretty ideal low maintenance system.
Low to me means I can safely go 2 weeks without touching the tank.
So my pics show what it looks like at two weeks-I have a lil brown on the glass I brush off & I siphon the sand w/same that my snails are not getting. I could add more flow & that would help more but I am comfortable where its at.
In comparison:For the last 3-4 months I was having to wipe the glass 2x a week and had to vacuum every week otherwise the tank would look horrible. Now 30 minutes every 2 weeks and tank is clean and thanks to Prodibio-no more daily dosing-I dose every two weeks!
Am I a happy camper right now-totally! I can enjoy my lil replica of Gulf of Mexico dives more.
Fish shown: royal gramma & chalk bass.
Gorgonians shown: purple varieties from KP Aquatics
Corals: numerous in various stages of growth.
In jar: A ricordea I am grooming to attach itself to a small piece of coral.