Nano as a start??

**Coel03** · 08-04-2012, 12:03 AM

So let me start by saying I've never done a saltwater tank before but I am meticulous with my freshwater. I've been eggs in my tropical freshwater tank and bought a 2.5G to make into a fry tank to try and it got me thinking about making a nano saltwater for my desktop.

As an introduction into the hobby would a nano tank be a hard thing to do and does anyone foresee issues I may run into. I was thinking about going with a 5G using 1 or 2 stacked live rock with a crab or snail and 1 small fish maybe 2 if right sized.

Any advice?

Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

**the wizard** · 08-04-2012, 8:20 AM

personally, I would not recommend a 5 gal for you first venture into salt. It is common knowledge that more volume makes it easier to keep parameters in order.

Smaller tanks require more diligence to maintain a healthy environment.

**nerdyrcdriver** · 08-04-2012, 8:55 AM

The 29g biocube is a good start. It isnt cheap, but my neighbor has one and it is nice. I have maintained it before and I know very little about saltwater.

**greech** · 08-04-2012, 10:18 AM

5 gallon can be done if you stay on top of it and do your homework first. Unless you really want a pico size tank, I think you will be happier with a little larger tank (20+ gallons).

**nerdyrcdriver** · 08-04-2012, 10:23 AM

http://www.petco.com/product/117958/...t=OnSiteSearch

Is what my neighbor has. But you could probably get a normal. 29g tank and saltwater equipment for less.

**Ptrick125** · 08-05-2012, 12:41 AM

I've heard of people having small tanks as their first... I don't recommend it...

But if you had a whole bunch of live rock and a good filter I believe it can be done.

Sent from my iPod touch using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

**XanAvaloni** · 08-05-2012, 1:28 AM

well I started back in Feb. this year with a 10g because that's what I could afford, even with a pretty basic setup: aragonite sand, live (and dead) rock, test kits & equipment etc. Used a hob filter that was on it when it was freshwater, plus an airstone. Got a light for sw systems; it died in about 3 months so now another light.

It's running. Fighting a red slime infestation has been the biggest challenge, and probably could have avoided that, my lfs guy said rather sternly and deservedly so, if I had been more scrupulous with the water changes. 2 clowns, a cleaner shrimp, couple of big turbo snails and a few small ones, some blueleg hermits. Even some corals that did well at first, then faded, now are coming back as I learn more about proper coralkeeping.

and even I would say a 2.5g is too small. Which probably proves, if you want to do something, just go do it, don't ask anybody else's opinion.

**BucketFish** · 08-05-2012, 2:58 AM

Originally Posted by nerdyrcdriver

The 29g biocube is a good start. It isnt cheap, but my neighbor has one and it is nice. I have maintained it before and I know very little about saltwater.

I agree! I would recommend the HQi version though, the light is really flippin' sweet. About 100 bux more or so, but you get a skimmer in that package as well.

Sent from my SCH-I800 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

**Coel03** · 08-06-2012, 6:58 PM

The problem is I'm only allowed a desktop sized tank. In our apt I have a 55 tropical community, 38 goldfish and 2.5 egg/fry tank if my tropical lay again. So that's why I was leaning toward the 5g hex made by marineland

Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

**BucketFish** · 08-06-2012, 7:12 PM

Originally Posted by Coel03

The problem is I'm only allowed a desktop sized tank. In our apt I have a 55 tropical community, 38 goldfish and 2.5 egg/fry tank if my tropical lay again. So that's why I was leaning toward the 5g hex made by marineland

Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

JBJ just released a new series of nano tanks, I've got my eye on the 6 gallon right now for my desktop....might be something else to look into

Sent from my SCH-I800 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App