Help with setting up nano reef (newbie)

[coralreefnano]

Hey guys!

So a quick background:

I've always been fascinated by the ocean and the sheer diversity of the world'so reefs. My interest exploded when I went on a breathtaking snorkeling tour on the barrier reef. I've decided that reefing would be an amazing experience, and have been doing a lot of research, but still need some help.

1. Id like to start out with a nano reef, preferably around 20g. I understand I need several pieces of equipment but need some help in getting them. Could any of you guys recommend a 20g reef aquarium with a good amount of depth, a quality Nano skimmer, powerhead and hydrometer, or a good reef tank kit altogether?


2. Which coral groups are altogether easier and cheaper to keep? What kind of light do you recommend for each one? (I'd also like to add an anemone and clownfish).


3. I'd like to start out small, with maybe only a FOWLR setup and slowly add corals and other specimens as time goes on, eventually creating a dense reef with corals, an anemone, invertebrates, starfish, and a few nano reef fish to avoid a massive initial cost. Is this possible? Also, should I add an anemone first so that it claims a certain part of the tank and then place corals accordingly (to avoid aggression)?

Thanks so much everyone! I know these are a lot of questions and I don't expect you to answer every single one, just offer any advice or links you may have for any of my questions! Thanks again and I'm pretty excited!

 

[homer1475]

Theres a sticky at the top of this forum on how to setup a reef.

Reef Setup How To's

There is also a nano section on these forums. Most of your questions can be answered by reading through some of the build threads in there.

Reef Central Nano Section

Typically you don't want to add an anenome until your tank is mature(roughly a year old), and in a nano its almost a no no. I know it may sound easier in a small tank, but in the salt water hobby, larger is easier. More water volume to dissipate problems, less water makes any change very drastic.

 

[NS Mike D]

Ok, first my disclaimer, I am relatively new and have an overstocked 29 gal tank. Having disclosed that, I read the nano section and looking at the pictures of the tanks in that section of the forum, less is more.

think bonsai and the use of empty space. The tanks that a highly stock are very dramatic.


Secondly, I like the nano cubes and the way parts integrate in a modular fashion. That takes a lot of guess work out of things like lighting, refugiums and skimmers.

There are also lots of videos from Bulk Reef Supply has good videos on you tube on nano tank options.

 

[Ls2Goat]

If recommend starting with either a biocube 14/29 gallon or a Innovative marine 20/30 gallon.
These are simple all in one tanks with the filtration systems built into the tanks, the biocube a come with basic lighting and Innovatives do not come with any!