Questions about Nano Tank Setup

hope4peace

hope4peace

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Nov 14, 2007
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White Mountains of NH
Real Name
Amanda
I am interested in, sometime in the future, setting up a 10 gallon SW tank. I would have minimal live rock, I mostly want what I look at as "salt water plants" I now know they are actually invertebrates, but in any case, I love them. I would even still be interested in setting up sw if I didn't even have any fish. But, anyways, to the point.

My main reasons for not having yet set up saltwater after doing some research are this...

Cost.
would need to have an ro/di system, protein skimmers, special lighting, canister filter, power heads, etc...

Difficulty.
I know it is said that its not all that hard to keep sw but I know that especially in a smaller tank, it is. Theres so much extra that you need to test for and keep balanced than in a fresh water aquarium. And in smaller tanks, its alot harder to keep that balance. Also, I know salt water creatures are much more delicate and can be harmed more easily.

After looking around, I have found some cheap options that could possibly work, but I would like to know the opinions/advice of those who really know what they are doing before I bother to jump into it.


So, my questions are this. (talking about a 10 gallon tank)

Would this filter (Rapids Mini Canister Filter)
and
This powerhead (Maxi-Jet Powerhead/Pump)
be sufficient for my filtration/circulation? or would I also need to install a ufg?

What about this for a protein skimmer (Fission Nano Skimmer)


Would a used ro/di system be ok? If so, have any ideas other than ebay and cragslist of places I could find a decent one?

Also, does anyone know of any cheap, but sufficient lighting for a typical 10 gal tank (20in long x 10 1/4 in wide)


Also, are there any SW fish that would be ok in a 10 gallon? If so,.. what? I like clownfish, but I have read they need a min 30 gallons. I saw some sw gobys before that were said to be ok in a 10 gal, but I cant find that site again. Or, in your opinion, would I just need to stick with shrimp and crabs? What about those little mini star fish, I have seen some that are only like 1 inch. Would those be ok? Any ideas/suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks :)

 
So, my questions are this. (talking about a 10 gallon tank)
Would this filter (Rapids Mini Canister Filter)andThis powerhead (Maxi-Jet Powerhead/Pump)
be sufficient for my filtration/circulation? or would I also need to install a ufg?
If you have enough live rock you won't need the filter, just the powerhead. If you still want a mechanical filter I can't help with the one linked to, have never heard of it before. On the powerhead that isn't a bad powerhead but I'd recommend going with a Hydor Koralia Nano.


What about this for a protein skimmer (Fission Nano Skimmer)
I'd go without before using that particular skimmer.


Would a used ro/di system be ok? If so, have any ideas other than ebay and cragslist of places I could find a decent one?
Nothing wrong with used for many purchases. I'd check into a local reef club for the best deals on all sorts of equipment as well as great deals on coral frags, etc.

Also, does anyone know of any cheap, but sufficient lighting for a typical 10 gal tank (20in long x 10 1/4 in wide)
What kind of corals are you interested in?

Also, are there any SW fish that would be ok in a 10 gallon? If so,.. what? I like clownfish, but I have read they need a min 30 gallons. I saw some sw gobys before that were said to be ok in a 10 gal, but I cant find that site again. Or, in your opinion, would I just need to stick with shrimp and crabs? What about those little mini star fish, I have seen some that are only like 1 inch. Would those be ok? Any ideas/suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.
There are several fish that will work in a nano, including many gobies. This page doesn't give you all options but it will give you a few ideas. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=2124

 
Thanks for the reply!

I need the filter because I'm not sure I want the recommended 1lb per gallon of rock. I just want it more for visual purposes, the fact that it will be a good bio filter is a bonus. I understand that this could cause possible nitrate problems (or so I have been told) but I am willing to do necessary water changes.

I do not really want any corals. Just the rock, invertebrates, and possibly fish.

probably a stupid question, but, can mushrooms grow on rock or only coral? If they would grow on rock I would like a few of those.

I would also like some anemones, I know they are not really a beginner thing, but no hurt in trying.

I checked out that thread, I wouldn't feel comfortable putting a 3 inch fish in a 10 gallon so the firefish is out, though he looks cool, but I could do with the clown goby. I asked someone and they seemed to think that a small starfish would be fine. so I wonder...

would this be too much for a 10 gallon..
1 clown goby
1 small starfish (no more than 2 inches)
some crabs and shrimp.
And something else small (don't know yet since Ive not found it, but I'm sure I will find something that I absolutely love)


Is there a particular reason not to use the skimmer?


Thanks again for all your help.
 
hope4peace said:
Thanks for the reply!

I need the filter because I'm not sure I want the recommended 1lb per gallon of rock. I just want it more for visual purposes, the fact that it will be a good bio filter is a bonus. I understand that this could cause possible nitrate problems (or so I have been told) but I am willing to do necessary water changes.

I do not really want any corals. Just the rock, invertebrates, and possibly fish.

probably a stupid question, but, can mushrooms grow on rock or only coral? If they would grow on rock I would like a few of those.

I would also like some anemones, I know they are not really a beginner thing, but no hurt in trying.

I checked out that thread, I wouldn't feel comfortable putting a 3 inch fish in a 10 gallon so the firefish is out, though he looks cool, but I could do with the clown goby. I asked someone and they seemed to think that a small starfish would be fine. so I wonder...

would this be too much for a 10 gallon..
1 clown goby
1 small starfish (no more than 2 inches)
some crabs and shrimp.
And something else small (don't know yet since Ive not found it, but I'm sure I will find something that I absolutely love)


Is there a particular reason not to use the skimmer?


Thanks again for all your help.
Click to expand...


Filters are fine on marine aquaria as long as the time is taken to do the maintenance on them like cleaning or replacing media on a regular basis...

Yes, shroom do grow on live rock, they are also a minimal lighting requirement coral so no need for any super lighting fixture..

I would not do a nem in your tank size, but thats just my personal preference.

No problems with the choice of fish there, the clown goby, cool little fish. I would not put a star in your tank as it will most likely starve and die..

Niko
 
I had a 10 gallon for a filter I had a HOB cheap filter and a diy skimmer they worked most of the time. I had 2 36 watt PC's and I could grown any coral I wanted including SPS which normally requires MH. IF you want shrooms all you need is one PC and it should grow with no problems. The live rock is a filter in its self so the more the better. Good luck with the tank.
 
I would also like some anemones, I know they are not really a beginner thing, but no hurt in trying.

I checked out that thread, I wouldn't feel comfortable putting a 3 inch fish in a 10 gallon so the firefish is out, though he looks cool, but I could do with the clown goby
Click to expand...

I think you'll find that anemones don't belong in a 10g either. There really could be harm in trying. A large majority of the ones harvested die because of how they are collected and people with inappopriate systems trying to keep them. For it to be appropriate you'd want excellent lighting, pristine water, suitable sized tank for type of anemone, mature system (6 months-year at least). In the event the anemone dies it could quickly foul a 10g and you'd risk losing everything.

Yes, mushrooms will grow on the rock. They are thought of as coral anemones and are one of the most hardy of the soft corals.

Before you buy the filter shop for your rock. Weigh some locally and you might be suprised at what basic rock weighs. It is very possible to not have rock packed tank and still have the 1.5#s per gallon. Of course the more surface area the better but you may be surprised once you see it for yourself. If it turns out you're happy with the rock amount you'd not need the filter. Yes of course you can still use it though, just do regular maintenance on it as Niko said.

I also agree with Niko about not doing a star in a 10g. Look at some of the decorative crustaceans perhaps.

Oh and Fission skimmer...do a search online for it and you'll find many people regretting buying it and calling it a waste of money and perhaps their worst SW purchase ever.
 
EDIT: Just read the last post while posting this... what about a 15 gallon? I know not much bigger but could it work? Im not in any rush to get it set up, im just looking at options.

if it were only a 2 inch? perhaps just one of [THESE]?

What about a 2-4 inch sea urchin?

would a 15 still be too small for a star? I certainly dont want kill anything I get. I am limited in my space, but at the same time, I dont want a setup I wont even enjoy.

I was also looking at orange turbo snails, sexy shrimp and the blue leg dwarf hermit crab. do you think 1 crab, 1-2 snails and 2-3 shrimp maybe would be ok?

Also, I agree about the rock, its entirely possible I could be fine with the amount needed, but I just want to be safe in the event I find I dont want that much.

About the skimmer... are there any others that are cheap that would work as well?
 
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmjP_td2qCE
Check this out on how to set up a nano tank. As far as filtration, if you keep your bioload low and do regular water changes you can get away without a skimmer. If you just have corals in the tank with some small inverts water changes should take care of the waste buildup. As for ro/di water for a 10 gallon nano. Check your local pet store, also some grocery stores now sell ro water. May be able to just buy the water cheaper than perchasing a ro unit.
 
As for anemones, I would suggest some of the rock anemones as they tend to stay smaller. Anemones do require a stable system. They do not take well to ph or alk changes. As for the urchin in a nano, it can be done but would require spot feeding to supplement their diet. The rest of your list I don't see any problems with.
 
I have looked into buying ro water but over time, the cost wouldn't be worth it. it would be easier just to have my own supply.

could you explain the "spot feeding".


I am willing to work harder to keep my system healthy. I understand it might not be easy but depending on the needs. It might be worth it for me.


I did look at the rock anemone. Didn't really care for it. I want colorful.
 
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