Hi, I am pretty new to marine fish keeping(and by new, I mean I havent owned one yet). I am highly interested however, in keeping a nano tank. The reason for this is the space saved, because, as much as I would love to keep a nice 120g tank as my first setup, I do not have the room. I have kept FW in the past, and have returned to it for over a year now, but have become interested in a small SW tank to fit my size restrictions.
I am also trying to keep this cheap, so I was hoping that I could get some suggestions given what I already have and then possibly some ideas for cheap parts.
My tank options:
5 gallon rectangular tank
5 gallon hex (eclipse brand)
2.5 gallon hex (currently running a DIY CO2 rig and full of plants)
I have also considered getting a JBJ nanocube, but I would prefere something a little more custom, and preferable, something with a higher wattage light, as I would like to dream that months down the road from here I could get some of the hardier coral breeds.
I have heard that the eclipse is crap for SW by many people, so I was thinking of tearing the hood apart, buying a new light and turning the filter into a tiny refugium with LR rubble in it.
My thoughts so far have been
5g rectangular
some form of high color temperature lighting, probably around 30w to give me 6w/g
some form of filter(dunno a good brand/cheap brand)
I have a water jet I can use from a past project
LR 7lbs (1 uncured,3 cured, 3 base)
LS xlbs (whatever you guys think is best)
And I am hoping to get away without a skimmer by performing frequent water changes.
I have also considered tearing apart my FW20g and turning it into a SW tank, but I havent even begun to think of the cost on that part.
I understand that I will not beable to keep many fish in such a tank, which is fine by me, as I enjoy cleanup crews, I was thinking maybe 1 fish.
One other option I have loved and am seriously considering, though I know the challenge involved, is the Tom Deco 3g pico tank setup. I know its a lot more work, but it would be a pretty simple matter for me to get that cycling. I just dont know where I can find a small heater to fit it.
Anyway, I know this is a lot to read, but I have read a lot, and am probably forgetting a lot of what I have read.
Anyway, looking forward to your opinions/suggestions.
I am also trying to keep this cheap, so I was hoping that I could get some suggestions given what I already have and then possibly some ideas for cheap parts.
My tank options:
5 gallon rectangular tank
5 gallon hex (eclipse brand)
2.5 gallon hex (currently running a DIY CO2 rig and full of plants)
I have also considered getting a JBJ nanocube, but I would prefere something a little more custom, and preferable, something with a higher wattage light, as I would like to dream that months down the road from here I could get some of the hardier coral breeds.
I have heard that the eclipse is crap for SW by many people, so I was thinking of tearing the hood apart, buying a new light and turning the filter into a tiny refugium with LR rubble in it.
My thoughts so far have been
5g rectangular
some form of high color temperature lighting, probably around 30w to give me 6w/g
some form of filter(dunno a good brand/cheap brand)
I have a water jet I can use from a past project
LR 7lbs (1 uncured,3 cured, 3 base)
LS xlbs (whatever you guys think is best)
And I am hoping to get away without a skimmer by performing frequent water changes.
I have also considered tearing apart my FW20g and turning it into a SW tank, but I havent even begun to think of the cost on that part.
I understand that I will not beable to keep many fish in such a tank, which is fine by me, as I enjoy cleanup crews, I was thinking maybe 1 fish.
One other option I have loved and am seriously considering, though I know the challenge involved, is the Tom Deco 3g pico tank setup. I know its a lot more work, but it would be a pretty simple matter for me to get that cycling. I just dont know where I can find a small heater to fit it.
Anyway, I know this is a lot to read, but I have read a lot, and am probably forgetting a lot of what I have read.
Anyway, looking forward to your opinions/suggestions.
