Thinking about a saltwater nano?

[Bmtiz92]

Ok, so I recently set up a 36 gal bowfront freshwater tank. I'm very happy with it, but I am thinking about turning my 10 gallon tank into a nano-salt water tank. Is it even worth it with a tank this size? I've been googling the last hour and am SO confused on how this all works. I have no clue what all I need, what a sump/refugium is, if I need one, etc. I guess before I dive any more into this, I'm mostly curious if doing a nano tank of this size is even feasible, because honestly my brain hurts from all this googling. I feel even more lost now then I was before I started!
Also, is this a pretty good guide? http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/nano-saltwater-discussion/34054-nano-reef-step-step-guide.html

 

[joy13]

Do you plan on having a reef tank? The biggest problem is with stocking seems like everyone wants to stick a clown in their tank no matter what size the tank it. If you want just a beautiful little tank with lots of time spent on it a 10 gallon reef tank is very do able. I had an 8 gallon and now I have a 55 I spent more time working on the 8 gallon than I ever thought about keeping up with the 55 gallon. One or two fish at the most for that size tank when I say two I mean something like a neon goby not a pair of baby clown fish.

That is a good guide.
Three pieces of equipment for a nano is a refractometer, test kit (you can use the same one as for a fw tank just get a different ph test) and an ATO automatic top off.

 

[CleverBs]

Is an ato really necessary?

 

[joy13]

It will make the tank a lot more stable. I had a 8 gallon tank and had to top it off at least 2 times a day. I have one on 3 of my 4 tanks I am waiting to get a good deal on another one for my other tank.

 

[Greenturtle]

It is better to have an ATO than just topping off a few times per day/week, because the salinity decreases at a slower rate. You just have to remember to refill it with FW!!! I forgot one weekend and my brackish tank's sg went up to 1.019 needless to say I do not have my dwarf puffer anymore /:

 

[Bmtiz92]

Ok, so no clown? I know I could only do one maybe two fish, but what could I do? I'm in love with Scooter Blennys, but I'm assuming I can't have one of those either? Can I have an ATO without a sump? Seems like everything I read says you have to put it in a sump. Also, can I use the same heater?
I was wanting to do a reef, if I don't kill everything.

 

[zacheyp]

people will say i am wrong but i would ONE SMALL clown

 

[crister13]

One small clown until it gets bigger would work for AWHILE. Some people have done it and it was fine. No you dont need a sump for a 10g, not sure about the ATO though.

 

[Gboy66]

people will say i am wrong but i would ONE SMALL clown

Yes, you are wrong. No clowns, sorry. I would do a firefish and a neon goby

 

[Bmtiz92]

One small clown until it gets bigger would work for AWHILE. Some people have done it and it was fine. No you dont need a sump for a 10g, not sure about the ATO though.

Definitely no clown then. I don't want to get anything if it will just "work", I want them to be happy if I'm going to do it. Any ideas on what I could actually put in a tank this small that will be happy?
Whoops, posted at the same time. Thanks Gboy.