What would you need to start a 10 gallon nanotank?

[RedParrotBubbles85]

i am a total newbie to all of this so i need to know what i need to start one up. i only have cichlid tanks so i am trying to start a nano tank up and as i ahve read it is pretty different. first i have the tank with a hood and a light. now what kind of sand would be the best to use? should i put live rocks into it? is a protein skimmer necessary for a tank of this size? should i add a HOB filter to it (an aquaclear)? do you need the moon lights? and the last question is do you need such a bright light if you are not going to add corals to it? sorry for all of the questions but i am tryin to learn so i can start right and if there is any equiptment that i need and have not asked questions about please inform me of them. thanks

 

[Phischy]

Nano's are more difficult to setup for a newbie for a few reasons. The biggest being that the smaller water volumes do not have as much buffer capacity and thus can have their water quality varables swing around.

If you're hell bent on starting a nano as your first SW tank I would highly recomend you read at least two books on establishing tanks first. There are alot of things to take into consideration at startup that can really affect your system for a long time out. On the other hand, it's alot easier to start over with a smaller tank, the problem being loss of livestock. Sure they're just fish and it's just money, but it is a living creature (s) and irresponsible to discard life carelessly.

I'm also not discouraging you either. SW LRFO/Reefs are some of the most enjoyable hobbies that do incure a labor of love. I would encourage you to establish a tank with the warning that nano's can be more difficult for the newbie. Hell, I did a ton of damage with my 35 that I'm about to reestablish after 4 years of being away. The difference for me this time is I know a helluvalot more this time around than last time. Knowledge is everything so read up and explore what it is you want (go to a LFS that sepcalizes in saltwater and talk their ear off. Go look at what they have in stock, if it interests you learn more about it etc..., last thing you want is your livestock eating each other.) then figure out what it takes to keep what you want alive. Make a list of things you need, expense can get up there. Hunt around for used goods but make sure it's quality used goods.

Good luck, the others here can tell you more about equipment, my advice is more general to the hobby.

 

[wizord25]

The Bigger the better with saltwater tanks. Nanos aren't the best idea for someone just starting off because of the fact that the smaller volume of water, the easier it is to mess it up. I suggest buying a few books and learn as much as you can before you get into it. Make sure you know about the cycling process. Dont be under the impression that you can just throw some saltwater in the tank and fish and you're set. Saltwater tanks take a couple of months to really set up. If you're going wit ha fish only aquarium, it is recommended you get live rock, but not necessary, the same with the lighting, NO (normal output) is fine for fish. I suggest buying a reef ready tank. This is a tank that comes pre drilled with an overflow for the addition of a sump/ refugium. I really wish i had made the purchase when i started my first tank.

Some of the best advice you will receive is to take it slow. If you are going to get a tank larger than 20 gallons, i would definitely get a skimmer. Also you cannot get as much fish in a saltwater aquarium as you can in a freshwater. An approximation of the amount of fish you can have is 1 fish for every 10 gallons or so. This obviously will vary depending on the size of fish. So if you get a 10 gallon, you can have 1 small fish, no more than 2. For sand you can use live sand, but that can be expensive so i suggest using aragonite. You can always add some live sand later on.

there is so much i have left out, so keep asking questions, there really is an endless amount of information you can learn about this hobby.

 

[Dollarz81]

As usual, I disagree.....

I think a nano is perfect for beginners. Reasons why:

1. CHEAPER
2. You need to do water changes, test the water...all the basic maintenance regardless of size.
3. Most likely no plumbing and expensive complex lighting to deal with.

Basically it is the same. I think between 20-29 gallons is perfect for beginners.

Last think we need is a newbie buying:

75gal tank $300
75-80lbs Live Rock $400
100lbs sand $200
lighting $400...maybe more
good skimmer $350
Corals and livestock $$$$$

and then something bad happen!!

Get the idea!!


Just read, read, read, then invest!

 

[wizord25]

I don;t see a problem with a new person in the hobby buying any of that if they can afford it. I figure that most people end up upgrading anyways, so why start with a small tank just to buy everything all over again. Larger tanks are easier to take care of. A person new to the hobby should take it slow and learn as much as possible no matter what size tank he/she gets. I still stick by my advice to get the largest tank you can afford.

 

[Phischy]

Another thing to consider is how often you move. I still move around pretty often depending on rent rates etc... and moving a tank is a pain in the ass. The bigger the tank w/ more stuff = bigger pain in the ass.

I have a 35 and I think it's the right size for my skill level now, the other thing considering cost is that the smaller the tank the sooner it'll be 'full' vs a big old empty one.

 

[wizord25]

if i could afford it right now, i would buy a 120 gallon. couple of years...

 

[Dollarz81]

I have kept large tanks and I am now on a nano. I do not see any differences besides smaller water changes. Its the same as far as maintenance and husbandry goes, just on a smaller scale. I say if you can keep everything alive in a nano for a year, then upgrade.

I think you are forgeting what it was like as a newbie. You post a picture of diatoms asking for an ID!! Hell, I have been doing this for a few years now and I am still a newbie.