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[QueenDustBunny]

Hello all. I am going to start a nano tank for the winter holidays so I'm researching now. This site looks so helpful and interesting. I currently have 3 FW tanks running (30, 20, 5gal). I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions answered before I set up the tank.

Right now, my main question is size. I know that the size determines the amount of fish that the tank can support, but are there some sizes that just work better than others? Which size is your favorite size?

Thank you all for your help.

 

[skipm]

Is there something in particular that you want to keep? If there is that may dictate the minimum size tank you need. The space you have for a tank is also a factor to help determine what you can have. I personally like tanks that have more front to back depth than a standard tank, cubes or breeders are good examples of this. IMO they are easier to aquascape and leave more swimming room for the fishies. Try to come up with an idea about what you want to keep and that will help determine the tank size, lighting, and filtration requirements that you will need.

:welcome to the board!

 

[QueenDustBunny]

The end result is that I would like to have a pair of clowns in a large-ish anenome. I would also like some fire scallops and some sea stars. The cleaning crew could consist of the sand stars and I would be happy. Maybe 1 other fish to keep the tank running properly. I do want some corals, but haven't decided yet about the particulars.

The LPS guy isn't too bad, but he wants me to have damsels to cycle the tank (after 3 days) and such. I know he is a decent guy, but doesn't always have the best advice.

The LFS guy is better, but he likes to spend my money and time. He said that putting all that in a 16gal cube would be okay (I forget the name of the cube). He also thinks that after 1 week I can start adding livestock.

I plan to start with LR and LS. LS would be 1-1/5 lbs/gal. LR I don't yet know the right relationship, but I do like the look of a lot of rocks. I know that the tank needs to be well-established (6-12 months) before adding the anenome. I think it would be best to add the anenome and the clowns at the same time.

Of course, as I find out more information things can be changed/adjusted. As a note on maintenance, I have a child with Autism and daylight hours are a premium. I often am doing water changes at 10-11 at night. I can remember to check the water 2x week. More than that might be a stretch. My guy loves to feed the fish we have, but the maintenance with him around is impossible.

Any advice and opinions are welcome. My thanks to all who help.

 

[Trogdor]

From the sound of your schedule, you will want a larger tank than 16 gallons. Typically. the smaller the tank the more maintenance is required to keep it running. A phrase that I heard somewhere is 'the solution to pollution is dilution' meaning the larger volume of water the easier it is to keep your water parameters in check.

I would look in the range of 29-55 gallons. The initial up-front costs will be a little higher but they can be customized and will allow you room to grow. There's nothing worse than getting that 10g tank all setup and stocked then finding that one fish/coral that you absolutely must have and not have room. Hope that helps a bit.

 

[jay]

Typically, the smaller the tank the more maintenance is required to keep it running... 'the solution to pollution is dilution' meaning the larger volume of water the easier it is to keep your water parameters in check.

I would look in the range of 29-55 gallons. The initial up-front costs will be a little higher but they can be customized and will allow you room to grow.

I have to agree with Trogdor!

I myself was thinking of starting off with a 12 gallon nano, but after much research I decided to go with a 50 gallon tank.

- It's much easier to take care of, and there is room to grow with it.
- It's easier to hide equipment
- Because you like the look of more live rock, you wouldn't be taking away from the space the fish need to swim.
- Having a larger volume of water will allow you to select from a larger variety of fish as some require a larger water volume to live in.

BTW, :welcome to nanotank.com!

HTH,
Jay