Buying a pico reef tank

[misterpenguin4]

I want to buy a pico reef tank soon and I want to know if there are any good ones that are the best bang for your buck. I am thinking around the 4-5 gallon range.

 

[misterpenguin4]

I also have questions like would I have to buy water for it, how often would I do water changes, and could I get the water from the ocean? I have never kept saltwater before. Sorry dont mean to bump.

 

[czwicky]

If you've never kept a saltwater tank DO NOT Start with a 5g tank. The small the harder in saltwater. I would reccomdend a 55 for a starting tank, although the biocube 29 works well. Keeping parameters in check in a small tank takes a lot of work and devotion. You can't slack off for a few weeks like you can with freshwater or you will have disaster

 

[Darylb]

My tank is 9 gallons and I test every 2 days so far it has been pretty good except my salinity is a bit higher than I'd like

 

[Searchin]

I've never had a fish tank before. I started with a 5 gallon reef. I tested everyday for like 3 weeks when I first got it. Things did fluctuate a good amount back then. Now I'm 2 months in and I test like once a week. Haven't had any problems so far. If you are dead set on a small tank, just go buy a standard 5 gallon tank. Your filtration is rock or sand so you won't necessarily need a fancy set up. As for lights, nothing will be reef ready. You will have to buy that separate anyways. So you will need:

Tank- Petco is doing there 1gallon=$1 sale right now

Heater 50-100w maybe, just look around

Power head - I have the Hydor nano Koralia 240

Light- I recommend a par 38

Then just rock.

Just FYI though, I'm only 2 months in and my tank is full. I have no more room for coral. I'm already considering a 55 gal within this next week. Not to mention you shouldn't do any fish in a 5 gallon. Maybe can get away with a panda. Just food for thought.

 

[misterpenguin4]

Okay thanks guys! A little bummed but glad you told me before I went out and bought one.

 

[Darylb]

It will be okay for some shrimp

 

[Searchin]

Okay thanks guys! A little bummed but glad you told me before I went out and bought one.

Why bummed!?

 

[misterpenguin4]

Why bummed!?

Well it sounds like I will have to get a bigger tank to get the experience and even if I did get a pico reef tank kit I would have to buy a new light.

 

[marty20]

I kept freshwater for awhile and I switched over to saltwater with a 20 gallon tank. Its doable in a smaller tank but like the others said you have to stay on top of your maintenance. Also don't be bummed because it's too much fun to get bummed about. I started small with my first saltwater tank because of money issues lol butbi would love yo upgrade my 90 fresh to salt sometime soon