Thinking Of Going Nano

[Nikkig85]

Hello,

My bofriend and i have been keeping tropical fish for a short time and really like the idea of starting a nano marine tank. we have been looking at this deal to start with: [URL="http/www.tropicalfish4u.co.uk/acatalog/c...ve_Cubo_30.html"]http/www.tropicalfish4u.co.uk/acatalog/c...ve_Cubo_30.html[/URL]

Some questions tho. so any help and advise will be appriecated.

1. is this a good deal or just sounds like a good thing?
2. if you wanted to put one or 2 coral in there would it be ok or would you have to buy extra kit?
3. thinking ahead what sort of fish can you keep in nano tanks. all the info i've seen marine fish seem to be huge.

i'm sure as we start looking more, more questions will come up.

Thanks in advance

 

[Trod]

This is an extremely small tank and you would be very limited in what you could put in there.
You would only be able to have one small fish, a goby probably would be your only choice.
Corals again would be very limited due to light and space.

What do you want out of the tank?

I know we always seem to say this but have a look at the orca 450 or 550, they are both bigger tanks, slightly more expensive but well worth it. You would have many more options.

 

[Nikkig85]

we want an interesting and colourful tank. in an ideal world we would get a large tank and get it going so we could put a lion fish in at but due to space issues can't do.
Just had a look at the Orca TL-450 and it looks nice. what sort of choice of fish would i be able to get in there?

i really like clown fish... or is that ambisious.

sorry if these questions have been asked before

 

[Truck]

we want an interesting and colourful tank. in an ideal world we would get a large tank and get it going so we could put a lion fish in at but due to space issues can't do.
Just had a look at the Orca TL-450 and it looks nice. what sort of choice of fish would i be able to get in there?

i really like clown fish... or is that ambisious.

sorry if these questions have been asked before

its to small for clowns, unfortunately, however the orca's bigger brother will be big enough for clowns a pair that is.and then you could have 3 other small fish such as:
gobies
dottybacks
firefish
cardinals
mandarins (with care and attention)
blennies (as above)

a bigger tank is way better for a beginner tbh, and 30 gallons is a good starting point,

 

[Trod]

we want an interesting and colourful tank. in an ideal world we would get a large tank and get it going so we could put a lion fish in at but due to space issues can't do.
Just had a look at the Orca TL-450 and it looks nice. what sort of choice of fish would i be able to get in there?

i really like clown fish... or is that ambisious.

sorry if these questions have been asked before

Never apologise for asking questions thats how we all started

Have to agree with Truck, even in a orca 450 you could only have small gobies.
If you want a nice colourfull tank with a pair of clowns then you should go for the Orca TL550, there are lots of threads on here (Mine and my sisters is one http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=253399) about this tank.

Here is link to clownfish too http/www.fishkeeping.co.uk/modules/cares...?caresheetID=16

 

[Nikkig85]

Thanks Trod!
looks like i might have to get saving for a orca tk550!!!

Another question, i've been talking to some people and they say its really really hard to keep marine...Is keeping marine as difficult as i have been lead to believe? I would really like to have a go when i have got some cash together. what sort of budget are you looking at for start up?

 

[Truck]

Thanks Trod!
looks like i might have to get saving for a orca tk550!!!

Another question, i've been talking to some people and they say its really really hard to keep marine...Is keeping marine as difficult as i have been lead to believe? I would really like to have a go when i have got some cash together. what sort of budget are you looking at for start up?

IMO reef keeping is easier than keeping a high tech planted tank, the planning is easier, finacial outlay is cheaper, and care can be just as easy, although different nutrients may need dosing.

if you buy everything new your looking at a total of £450-£550

second hand your looking at around £200-£400 for everything

 

[Trod]

Marine is not difficult. You must do your research though, read, read and then read some more!!!!!

The main rules are, take it very slowly, research lots, then some more ask lots of questions and have very deep pockets

Keeping marine tank is an expensive hobby, but an Orca TL550 is a perfect and probably one of the cheapest ways to start.

But to start up from scratch will cost, there are bargains out there Fleabay is a good place to look and online aquatic classifieds

You will need
Live Rock (around 14KG for an orca 550)
Sand
Salt (a 25kg bucket will work out cheaper in the long run)
Refractometer
Rowaphos (optional)
LR rubble (optional)
Test kits for (salifert kits tend to be the prefered ones on here)
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Bucket for mixing water
Extra Powerhead in tank (Koralia 2 would be perfect)
spare powerhead and heater for water changes
Ro Water (you can either buy your own RO unit which will work out cheaper in the end or you can get it from you LFS)

I'd advise you to try to cost it yourself, most things you can get online a lot cheaper than your LFS

I'm sure if I've forgotten anything someone will be along to add to the list.

 

[Truck]

you will also need PH and phosphate test kit. but buy a salifert for PH and a D+D for the phosphate (it costs £35 but its very good!)

 

[Nikkig85]

Thanks for all the help.

I'll be reading and saving and more reading followed by some saving. LOL.

just been on e bay. whats your opinion?
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CUBE-MARINE-COMPLETE...%3A1|240%3A1318

 

[bagu]

imo mate i wouldn't get that =/

On ebay for £200.oo i think, (collection, but the money you save can take out of petrol) came with EVERYTHING...

An interpet river reef 94 plug n play
all live rock
heater
powerheads

have a look around for used ones, trust me, you will save a BOMB!

EDIT after a quick scan:

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/d-d-nano-tank-marine...%3A1|240%3A1318

keep looking, also on here, i can't find the river reef, that was a bargain ><

 

[Truck]

avoid the tank you linked as its a knock off.go with an orca TL550 or the D+D 28 gallon cube. nothing smaller

 

[bagu]

where do you live mate?

 

[Nikkig85]

you guys are so helpful!! love this site!

i live in stoke, staffs.

i've also been looking at the suggested tanks and they look good.

 

[bagu]

heya buddy

I agree 110%, this site is the BOMB!

also, ill keep an eye out for you

whats your limit for the tank? and will you collect if needed be a bargain ^^?