I need big time help guys...

[DannyBoy17]

Ok, so I am really interested in Nano-Reef. Have been for a long time. My question is, what do I do?

Here's what I am thinking:

Tank Size?
-1 or 2 Clownfish
-A clean up crew
-A tiny bit of coral
-Home made miny sump

How much would I be investing in this?

What is a good size tank?

Thanks,

DB

 

[Navarre]

Hello and welcome to the Msrine forum of TFF.

I always suggest that the largest tank possible should be purchased. So if you want a nano then i would advise 20 gallons. The larger volume makes it more stable and more forgiving on beginners as water conditions can flucuate very fast in a nano.

2 Common clowns will certainly do well in a tank of this size, add them together and when very small and you can gaurentee a pair.
I strongly advise against Anemones though as they are very demanding creatures that will not do well in a small tank with varying conditions.. There are other types of soft corl that will host a clownfish though with ease.

If you want corals then this means your lights needs to be more specialised. There are others on this forum that can give you more info on the types of lights used on a tank this size as i have never tried keeping coral in tanks of this size )

Cleanup crew.. 1 per gallon, so 20 snails/hermits are needed for this size. It sounds alot i know but they are really needed and often overlooked.

A mini sump would definately be a bonus for the tank if you can add one then i recomend you use one.

 

[parker313]

I agree with Navarre. 20g is a good size to start with. My 10g has cost me probably a little over $400 (US) so far and with the extra 10g, you're going to need another 10 (at least) pounds of live rock. At $6 (US) a pound, that could be another $60+ dollars.

 

[Salt Freak]

I agree with both of them. I would definetaly advise staying away from anemoneis they can be thriving hour the next hour it can be dead and kill everything you had in the tank because of the ammonia they will produce. For lights I would reccomend power compacts. atinic blue and atinic white if you cant find atinic white then a daylight bulb will be equaly the same.

 

[parker313]

Oh, and make sure you get a 20 long, not a 20 tall if you're going to do this. The long tanks are shallower so you can use lower lighting and still reach the bottom of the tank for your corals.

 

[DannyBoy17]

Thanks guys! That's awesome advice, wansn't expecting such a great turnout.

Are there any other suggestions fish wize? I might end up going bigger, so that it is easier, just means I have to be a little more patient.

DB

 

[Opcn]

Maybe a shrimp gobie or a firefish.

ChkltCow keeps corrals in a 20 gallon doesn't he.

Also Just To straighten something out Anemonies are not coralls as navarme implied

There are other types of soft corl that will host a clownfish though with ease.

they are infact there own branch of cnidarians.

Also Don't skimp on sand, get argonite or dolomite or crushed corral (if you don't have burrowing fish) sand helps buffer the tank

 

[parker313]

Are there any other suggestions fish wize? I might end up going bigger, so that it is easier, just means I have to be a little more patient.

DB

Go to liveaquaria.com and check out their marine fish. They have a whole category now of acceptable nano-fish.

 

[superman]

I don't want to discourage you, but rather encourage you to go with at least a 40 gallon. The frustration of a smaller tank can really be tough on a beginner, and many times turns people away from the hobby. I definitely would go with a larger tank if you could, but I know that money is always an issue, along with space. Just my two cents.

 

[DannyBoy17]

Thanks all. Such a friendly forum, even Opcn gave some good advice, instead of a smartass comment (I love those by the way, especially about the crab not liking being eaten by the Oscar)!

Thanks all, Cheers.

DB