Is My Tropical Tank Suitable Size For A Nano Reef?

[em1979]

I've got two tropical tanks and I was thinking about going brackish with my smallest one but now I'm tempted to try a nano reef

so I was just wondering if anyone can tell me if my exisiting tank would be a suitable size to start a nano reef (I'm thinking I would like clown fish as they're not too big)

it's a 35 litre elite tank (50cm x 25cm x 30cm) and it's already got:
-power-glow fluorescent bulb - 14W
-Elite 10 Stingray filter
-Elite 50W heater

from the research I've done so far I think the tank size is just big enough but I'll need a more powerful heater
I've now realised that the living rock is the filter but I'm a bit coinfused about powerheads and sumps, I don't really want to start drilling into my tank to allow for a sump so what is best?

it seems like a lot to take in but I didn't have a clue when I started my tropical tanks and now I feel very confident!!

any pointers would be very useful!!

 

[cuticom]

You could do a marine tank in the 35l but you'd be severely limited as to fish, certainly not a clownfish they do much better in 75+ litres, however a small clown goby would suit. You don't need a sump you will however need powderheads your aiming to get 20x flow moving in your tank, use multiple powerheads so the flow is not too strong and one way. You also won't need a stronger geater the one you have is fine.

 

[Buddyboy67]

True..i run no sump on either of our marine tanks...nano doesn't even use a skimmer...just regular 10% water changes on a weekly basis and has ran successfully for almost 2 years now....Increased lighting will be required for most inverts but, although many soft corals do not require the strong lighting of the hard forms...zoas, mushrooms, rics, etc do best under lower levels of lighting..

 

[VictorMeldrew]

I do not run a sump with my 400l tank and it's doing ok, I have a cheap skimmer for sale that would be perfect in a tank that size if you are interested.

VM

 

[kj23502]

I don't have a sump on my 29 usg. IMO, you can have a clown in a 9 usg tank. Probably the only tankmate, but you could. I've seen loads of them and quite a few nano reefs have won tank of the month on RC with smaller clowns in them (ocellaris and percula). There was a tank with a 6 or 7 gallon display tank if I remembe right. It was quite beautiful.

Just have about 7lbs of live rock w/a small powerhead. I don't think you need a bigger heater unless you live in a really cold part of the world.

 

[nano_reef_ubergeek]

I have the same size tank (10 usg) and it is just starting as a reef tank. I am hoping to buy a Koralia Nano powerhead .... but am a little worried that it will be too strong ..... (240 gallons per hour) ....

I've thought a lot about what fish to add and I've found out that you need to add the more peaceful fish in the beginning and the more territorial fish later. The peaceful fish need a chance to establish themselves and feel comfortable.

I really want to add a Citron Clown Goby (because they are cute looking) ..... I like the idea of adding a six line wrasse because they are very peaceful and the sleep under the sand at night (so I've read) ...... they also will give the tank some activity because they are always exploring.

 

[nano_reef_ubergeek]

I did get the 240 gph Koralia Nano. It's not too strong and it's very quiet too. One guy at the aquarium even thought that 240 gph was not enough (that I needed 400 gph); but he argued with someone else who thought 100 gph was closer to what I needed. So what I have is something in between.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Korillia nano powerhead would be fine.

Personally I wouldn't recommend such a small tank as a first marine tank. I started off with a 58l tank and it was difficult (takes more work than my 100+g system to maintain). You have to make sure that you top up with RO on a daily basis and that you do weekly water changes.

With regards to fish I think really only small gobies should go in a tank this size. I did have a perc clown in my 58L who has been with me through 2 upgrades (now in the 100+g). In the nano she rarely swam around. In the 30g and 100g she swims around all over the place though she does mostly stick the the torch coral that hosts her. The smaller B&W clown however does go all over the 5ft tank and despite most people saying that clowns only stick to one spot in the tank I have had two which have proved this wrong (and as such I wouldn't recommend them in tanks without a decent amount of swimming space).

The heater would be fine.

Personally I would say get a bigger tank, it will be easier and you will have a lot more options.