First Tank Question

Nexis

New Member
I have always had fresh water tanks but have been curious about Saltwater tanks. I am going to make the jump and have been doing research. I just want something small, live rock and probably a couple "Nemo" fish for my daughter.

I have read that smaller tanks take more work than larger ones because they can become dirty faster. That in itself does not bother me but I am curious how much extra work?

The tank I am considering starting with is:

12g Nano Cube

Do any of you have experience with this tank and can possible give recommendations on a different one if this is not a good one? I am not against going a little larger with something like:

24g Nano Cube

The 24 is larger than I wish to go but if it would be easier for a starter, (and harder to kill as it were), I would go that direction for learning purposes.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give!
 

AlexfromSATX

New Member
Nexis :welcome to nanotank.com! These type of tanks are great starter tanks, I started off with a 12 gallon aquapod, which is essentially the same type of tank. They can be run straight out of the box for a salt water set up or you can do some modifications to them as well. Some mods that most people do are upgraded return pumps, better fans for venting/cooling or adding more fans. When I had mine I did a door feeder fan addition and upgraded the fans. Cheap and easy! The biggest thing on a smaller tank is water changes. This is our main way of geting rid of unwanted nutrients that our tanks have because of our bioloads. As long as these are kept up with on a regular basis you will do fine. Also a auto top off (ATO) is a must for smaller tanks IMO. An ATO will help keep your salt levels steady and not swinging constantly which is a bad thing in small SW setups. So it is not "extra work" you just can't be lazy with mandatory maintenance like you can with a larger set-up. The more water the more forgiving the system. Also keep in mind limitations of fish in a smaller aquarium, with a 12 gallon 2 clown fish will almost be your limit for that tank. If you went to 24 you have a few more options as to what types of fish you can add. I included two links below of members from here with there 12 gallon nanocubes. they are long threads but have great tips and additions throughout the thread. If you have any more questions just ask, I try to check this site daily. Good Luck!


http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4999&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=edgray&start=0

http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3244&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Fish Stocking Guide:
http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2758
 

AlexfromSATX

New Member
I should probably mention the first link is more of a tank evolution and what not, the second link takes from start up to adding water etc.
 

Nexis

New Member
Thank you for the fast responses!! New question, is there a book you can recommend on what the levels in the tank are supposed to be and general care of the tank?

Thank you again!
 

AlexfromSATX

New Member
I used: Saltwater Aquariums for dummies Written by Gregory skimmal. I still have it. If you want it PM me your addy and I can mail it to you for free. I thought it was very useful, and goes step by step into building a saltwater aquarium. the book I have is from 2002 so some of the filtration and cycling methods are a little dated, and some f the new technologies are not included in this book, but it is a good read still. Another book I have seen other hobbyists recommend is The Nano-reef Handbook by Chris R. Brightwell. I've never read it but have seen numerous people post as a book to read. To be honest though, I think I learned more from the forums with other hobbyists than I ever did in a book.
 
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