Can I start a nano reef tank? Based on my situation?
I want to start a nano reef tank. Probably something in a 3Gallon tank that I can leave on my desk. A couple corals and maybe 1 or 2 tiny fish with some sand. But some things come into play as to whether or not I can start one.
1)I am complete NEWBY to saltwater setups. (I am willing to learn)
Can beginners maintain a nano reef tank? Are they more difficult to keep that bigger reef tanks?
2)I have a 150$ budget. That I cannot pass. Maybe I should buy a nano tank KIT.
Will i need expensive lighting(the light that comes with a kit is good enough?) and a water cooler for summer if I live in California?
3)I do not want to change the tank’s water every single week. (Every 2-3 weeks is fine)
Does a nano tank require more weekly maintenance than bigger tanks because of the smaller filter?
I know this is a lot to answer, but I would like to know these answers before I decide to spend my time doing research on saltwater setups.
I was thinking of getting something like this.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+9017+15493&pcatid=15493
Tagged with: amp • budget • corals • desk • doing research • lighting • nano reef tank • nano tank • newby • prod • reef tanks • saltwater setups • tank kit • tiny fish • water cooler
Filed under: Getting Started with A Reef Tank
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No the problem with nano and pico tanks are the smaller you go the harder it is.
I know it makes sense to try something small in case you fail it wont be as much, but again 97% of beginners want a small tank, 96% of them fail.
The problem with picos like you listed is no fish can live in there, also you need to be an expert for a reef tank and even more so for a nano tank because corals are so sensitive to water parameters.
Water parameters will change drastically in a small tank than larger which is why beginners need to start with at least 55 gallons.
It is hard for experts to keep a pico, let alone beginners who dont understand the basic water parameters and the more advanced water parameters such as calcium, magnesium, strontium, iodine, carbonate alkanlinty.
Generally you will need more money than that. A simple 10 gallon is 12 at the petstore, for saltwater it can easily be 400-500 dollars fully set up.
The problem with saltwater and nano/pico is again water is affected more in small volumes than in large volumes.
A 3 gallon 10 gallon, even 20 gallon will need daily maintance because the water will change on a daily bases.
For the 3 gallon you will need to check the levels twice aday, add more saltwater or freshwater depending on what it reads.
What im telling you is not to do it. You really need to do this right and start with at least 55 gallons. Im not kidding how soo many people fail because they rush into this which is why it is best to research. But nano and pico aquariums are not for beginners.
u cant keep any fish at all, Based on your situation
This is a very bad idea. especially since you dont want to put in the time for weekly maintenance.