Small Saltwater Tank

[DaShark]

Is it possible to set up a small saltwater tang, about 3 gallons. I have this tank and I'm not really using it, so do you think I could make it a saltwater tank that could hold a clownfish. Also, if I could what things would I need to start it.

[Aquarius0015]

I'm happy you asked this question, as I was about to ask it myself. I've heard a lot about these nano-reefs and they sound very interesting, but corals get very expensive. I'm looking into a 5/6/7 gallon set up (7 is my absolute limit!) and I'm being swayed by the argument that SW isn't that hard if you do your research... A single clown fish (or a goby or two or something), a pretty shrimp, and some live rock, is that overcrowded?

[mogurnda]

It is possible, but not easy. If you are going to keep corals, you are going to have to deal with light, which will mean a DIY project. If you are successful with corals, they will sting or crowd out one another in a very short period. A tank that small really won't work well for any fish. A small shrimp or two, and a few hermits and snails. So, you will be doing all the work for a saltwater tank, and not be able to keep much in it.

Based on the polls and threads I've been reading at nano-reef.com for the past year or so, most nanos in the 3-5 gallon range don't make it past their first 6 months. There are some experts who can make it work indefinitely, but that tiny volume means that a crash can happen very fast.

If you are serious about it, I would recommend having a look at the articles and threads at nano-reef.com. It may be for you. It may not.

[Gealcath]

A nano is basically any aquaruim no larger then 20gl. So even a 10, 15, and 20gl is con siderd a nano aquarium.