Advise needed

[ethanleow]

I've been into serious freshwater aquarium hobby and has helped many friends to cycle their freshwater tanks..

However, this is my first time into saltwater tank and I wish to have a office desk nano tank.

Please advise me if I'm able to keep 2 Ocellaris in a 5.6 litre tank, Tank size is 22x15x17cm (LxWxH)?? The setup I'm intending to have is a Hailea Hang On External Filter and a mini pump for aeration. Will not be having any corals.. only live rocks.

 

[spieszak]

1.5 gallons? no...1 extra small goby maybe, but personally, I wouldn't risk that either

 

[Ron Reefman]

You may be able to keep 2 small ones for awhile, but how would you feel about being kept in a 3m x 2m x 3m glass box? I wouldn't even try, but then I care about my animals. I would have though that somebody who is "into serious freshwater aquarium hobby" would know better. I'd say you would be better off with a few corals and some inverts (like an anemone and/or a shrimp). But that's all just my opinion. Others may disagree.

 

[ethanleow]

Thanks for advise! seriously.. before going into it, I need to know. Maybe I will try with a bigger capacity tank then.

 

[ethanleow]

seriously, what is the smallest nano tank to keep Ocellaris? I can't have a 2 ft tank on my office desk..

 

[spieszak]

I wouldn't go lower than a 30. If you skip the clowns and settle on something smaller, like a small goby or firefish you could go as low as a 5 gallon tank.
Head over to live aquaria and take a look at what fish they recommend for nano tanks, and the recommended tank size... that will give you a frame of reference...

 

[bradleym]

OP, I feel your pain. Seriously. I've had a few nano desktops myself. And I agree, the fish would be awesome to watch. Here's the problem: freshwater fish come from streams and ponds. They are comfortable living in a small-ish environment, so a small tank is possible. Saltwater fish, mostly, come from the ocean. They are made by design to function in large areas. So putting them in a box the relative size of a cubicle for their entire lives just isn't going to work.

IMO, if you want to try a pico tank (under 5 gallons) I would suggest getting sexy shrimp. They are quite amusing to watch in a tank that small. Maybe get a maxi mini carpet, 2 or 3 sexy shrimp, and an anemone crab. All are fitted for smaller tanks and interact in entertaining ways.