Nano tanks have become quite a buzz lately, and lots of people want one. Some say they aren't for beginners, but that is debatable. This forum is a place for you to ask and answer, and hopefully you will learn from the original post. Go ahead, Give it a try, don't listen to those who say you can't.
That's where this guide comes in, here you will learn how to set up your own nano.
A Nano aquarium must meet the following criteria
1. Less then or equal to 37 Gallons or 140 Liters
2. Be a saltwater aquarium
3. More then 4 Gallons, or else it's considers a Picotope
First. Make sure to do plenty of research.
Second: Select Your Tank.
A Coralife Biocube 14 or 29 are great ways to start. They come with everything you need to start.
Every Saltwater tank need the following:
Good Filter
Sand
Live Rock
Heater
Lighting
Refractometer
Test Kits
Aquarium Salt/ Pre made water
Power heads
Now to explaining each item
Filter- You can either make a sump or just use your HOB filter. What filter do you have on the aquarium?
Sand- LIVE sand is ALWAYS better! You can get normal sand but it isn't as good. Get 20 pounds of this.
Live Rock- Normally you get 1-2 pounds per gallon. Meaning you need 20-30 pounds of it. This will provide places to set coral and hiding places for fish and your CUC. IMO don't buy LIVE rock online, because you don't know what you are gonna get.
Heater- 100 watt heater will do good.
Lighting- This will be the single most EXPENSIVE and IMPORTANT you will buy.
You have two options for lights
LED and
T5
LED is the new way to light up the tank. They are A LOT more expensive but in the long run will save you a ton! A good LED fixture cost 180-500 for a 20 gallon tank.
PERSONALLY, I like T5 better.
T5 have been used forever and they don't cost as much upfront. Though you will have to replace the bulbs every 9 months.
Do you want to grow corals? If so, you will need a 4 bulb fixture or 6 bulb fixture depending on whether you want to grow SPS, LPS, softies?
This fixture would be great for your tank. Just ordered mine and user recommended it to me!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/24-144-6x24-...914009?afsrc=1
For help with bulbs go here:
Reef Aquarium Lighting - Welcome
Refractometer: This will tell the salinity of your tank. NEVER get a swing arm hydrometer! THEY DON"T WORK! TRUST ME!!!!!!! Here is the refractometer I got and it works great:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Salinity-Ref...item4ab33c430d
It got to my house fast and early.
Test Kits: Get test kits for: Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, PH etc.
Aquarium Salt: You have two options. Get Instant Ocean salt mix or buy water from your LFS. The Instant Ocean will require you buying RO/DI water.
Power heads- These will provide the flow you need and circulate the water.
Now some people recommend getting a protein skimmer but if you are good with water changes then don't worry about it. You can always add one if you need one.
Just in case you don't know anything about cycling:
http://www.saltwateraquarium.com/cyc...water-aquarium
If you have any other questions just ask! The only stupid question is the one you don't ask!
Have any advice for the Nano Noobs? Just chime in and let them know.
Let's give them a warm welcome to the Salty Side.
). Op you can check liveaquaria for pictures of the fish, and then come back here for peoples experiences with those fish
