How to set up a Nano 16 Gallon Reef Tank #nuvo16

Step 1: Setting up the Tank
So we included a Nano 16 Gallon Nuvo Aquarium from Innovative Marine. The tank is a sleek design, easily sets up and comes with LED lights, overflow and filtration columns on the back. Place the aquarium on a sturdy table or countertop. Adding the rock is completely up to personal preference but try to stack the rock so that it is a few inches away from the top and sides of the tank. Pour in your sand and evenly spread it around the rock and bottom of the tank.

Step 2: Mixing Saltwater
You can use any container to mix your saltwater, at BRS we recommend a trash can or five gallon bucket. Initially, we started by pouring 15 gallons of water into the container. We've included Crystal Sea Marinemix in the kit. This is a high quality salt containing a de-chlorinator so that you don't need to worry about the chlorine in your tap water. Add the salt to the water and let dissolve. By using the refractometer you can easily see the salinity of your water - we are shooting for 35 parts per thousand or 1.026. Fifteen gallons of water should take around seven or so cups of salt.

Step 3: Get Familiar with the Back of the Tank
The area at the back of the tank in used to house pumps, filters and heaters. So at this point let's take the heater and mount it in the left or right chamber and place it fairly low so that it will always be submerged. Check all your tubing connections. Pour you saltwater and plug everything in. Be sure to use a GFI outlet or a powerstrip with a GFI built in and be safe by having a drip loop on your cords. Set your heater to 78 degrees.

Step 4: Install your Lights
The Nano 16 comes with two LED lights that easily attach. That's it.

Step 5: Cycle your Tank
Cycling your tank allows beneficial bacteria to multiply. We've included our Reef Saver rock in this kit, which is 100% free of nuisance algae and pest organisms, and greatly reduces the time it takes for your tank to cycle. Let the tank sit overnight and heat up. The next morning add the Bio-Spira, this will make your tank ready for your first fish. We recommend a hardy fish like a clownfish. Then give your tank a month stabilize with the lights off before adding anything new. Keeping the lights off will help reduce algae growth that are common with new tanks. As a general rule, it is wise to never more than double your fish load in a single month meaning next month add another fish and possibly two the month after.

Step 6: Choose your Tank Inhabitants
Choose fish that will help you be successful: clownfish, purple or red fire fish, shrimp and goby pairs, lawnmower or midas blennys or an orchid dotty back.

Once the tank is stabilized around your fish population,you can add snails, crabs and shrimp. Nassarious and astria snails are popular as well as small hermits, emerald crabs, cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp and pistol shrimp.

The LED lights that come with the aquarium are strong enough to keep some low light corals, as a beginner is also wise to select some that don't require much effort like soft or even some LPS corals. Zoanthids, mushrooms, ricordea, polyps, candy canes, duncan, torch and frog spawn.

Step 7: Tank Maintenance
It is wise to feed the fish only a small amount. Overfeeding can easily pollute the tank and cause algae growth. Due to evaporation, you will need to top off the tank with freshwater every couple of days. We recommend distilled or reverse osmosis water. Keeping the glass clean with a glass cleaner and performing a partial water change - say, 5 gallons every other week.

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Saltwater Aquarium

[stevemiller]

I have been debating a saltwater tank for years. Was going to try fish only, but this made me see that it may be possible to have reef tank without breaking the bank. Thanks

[juliancastineira]

Crazy how much the hobby changes in just 7 years. Incredible lol

[PianoUniverse]

What I love about BRS is that although they are a business, they always talk straight about reef keeping.

[ComicsPop]

I’m considering getting into the hobby as a beginner and have watched a ton of videos in advance, but I have to say, this is really well done and extremely helpful. Thanks!

[neurocadence]

I am hard of hearing. Your video is the most easy to hear, clearly articulated video I have found in hours of searching. I have subscribed. Thank you for really considering the audio portion of your presentation!

[Waynerock]

You tube just randomly brought me here. Oh how things have changed! Love the glamour shots corner of the desk pose. Still watching even today. BRS, Ryan you built an awesome dynasty. Love it keep on

[prfinest]

I remembered watching this 6 years ago.

[jeffreybourdeau]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to thank you all for making these great educational videos. I'm new to saltwater Aquarius (I've had freshwater tanks my whole life) about 6 months ago I finally bit the bullet and got a spec v and made a nano reef that I love and is doing awesome and now I will be setting up a 30 gal saltwater tank... Anyway I just wanted to say thank you. your videos have made this transition to saltwater extremely easy keep up the great work guys

[adamtonkin]

This video has finally convinced me to plunge into the Saltwater world! i've been debating it for a year and your simple ways and methods have helped a lot! Excellent video I look forward to watching the rest of your videos!

[pedramrayan]

this gentleman is so nice and speaks and teaches so confidently that I'm now 100% sure I can start my own 20 gallon office tank and instead of some goldfish, get my much desired clown fish. thank you

[nateh]

After watching a million videos this guy actually speaks my language 😅

[nickolasanastos]

 I've had a freshwater tank for years and now I'm looking to start a nano reef. This video is very helpful, thanks.

[nickmiller]

I don’t have a tank but I’ve still seen this video a ton of times. Something about it is so relaxing.

[Sly_Fi_SC]

Hey Ryan, It was this video that convinced me to order the Nano 16 starter kit and some other supplies.  Placed my order a few hours ago.  I'm looking forward to this exciting new hobby.

[MrLabYoshi]

Im a freshwater guy and know nothing about reef/coral/salt tank, but this video makes me want to get a salt aquarium, I can watch this over and over.

[genealameda]

Great video! Nice to see BRS showing a simple side to the reef keeping hobby.

[guiajoshoud.]

His voice gives us a good jazz feeling...cool vid by the way bro, it helps alot

[MidWesti]

very well spoken.. will for sure watch this video several times through since there is a lot of very useful information. thank you. the tank setup looks perfect for what i want

[blooduhz]

Wow this is the most easiest video to understand in how to set up saltwater tank for beginners! you guys do a good job. thanks :D

I always left the aqua shops puzzled with tons of equipments stacking on the shelves and the salespersons I've approached seem trying to sell me everything they got in the shop! haha.
I owned a freshwater tank. Now it's time to upgrade to saltwater:)

[joseCalderon]

I think that I just got a customer for you guys! My buddy at work saw some of my tank pictures and wants to get into the hobby, so I suggested your nuvo 16g startup kit!