3 (us) gallon tank

[karlj]

I saw a 3 gallon tank at a local bargain shop, it was cheap enough but will it be any good for nano reef?

I've never kept reef fish before and I though this would be a good start, or is it too small to be managable?

 

[Craigj247]

A 3 gallon tank can be used as a reef tank but I would recommend it as a coral and shrimp tank only with no fish... Even that depends on the type of filtration that is in the tank.... Do you have any pics by any chance.

 

[karlj]

Didn't think to take any pictures, will get some next time I'm in town

Would it be manageable for a complete noob?

 

[Mrc8858]

A system this small will experience temp, salinity, and overall parameter swings much faster due to the small body of water. If you've never kept saltwater before then i would highly reccomend starting with atleast a 20 gallon to give you more room for error. Also something to keep in mind when dealing with nano and pico tanks is don't even waste your money on a hydrometer and get yourself a refractometer.

 

[Craigj247]

Yeah I don't see why not... I know people that manage a 2.5g with no issues... Provided you have a good filter and maintain weekly water changes... I don't see any issue as to why you cannot... But once again I recommend NO FISH in such a small tank

 

[karlj]

Thank you for the advise and I wasn't looking at getting any fish (after giving it some thought)

I've been reading this is there anything else worth reading?

 

[karlj]

Thank you for the advise and I won't get any fish

Is there any reading material you can recommend?

 

[Mrc8858]

Look through aquarium advice's article section and you should find some articles that'll point you in the right direction. If not then just come back and ask the forum.

 

[Craigj247]

I agree with that!

 

[MacDracor]

You'll want to read up on pico systems. There's a lot of information, and quite a few examples of successful systems. They are a lot more work, but can be stunning.

 

[Riverhawk]

There r a couple books that r about nano/pico systems.. I'm at work now but i'll get the titles to you after i get off today..

 

[Schism]

3 gallons for a beginner is not gonna be easy. Parameters can change so fast and the slightest mistake could wipe your whole tank. From a beginners stand point 3 gallons is far from ideal. As suggested i would learn with atleast a 20g to make it much easier on yourself but thats just my suggestion. Good luck.

 

[karlj]

I've been doing my research and I think a 3g tank will be too much for me as a first reef tank, not only that but I would like a couple of fish as well.

 

[Schism]

I've been doing my research and I think a 3g tank will be too much for me as a first reef tank, not only that but I would like a couple of fish as well.

Yeah, 55g or 75g tanks are very good beginner sizes that will allow quite a few fish options. As with most any reef tank lighting will be your biggest expenditure.