Interested in Nanos...

[Jesse-KT]

My dad and I have come up with a new idea, setting up a nano reef. I was thinking a 10 gallon. Now don't take it as if we have no clue to what we are doing, as we have already set up 8 different tanks, ranging from 110 to 20 gallons. But this is where I need your help.

I haven't researched alot on corals, but I have researched on Setting up a Nano. I need you guys to tell me what I need to have a bright, healthy, and successful tank. After a bit of research, this is what I have come up with. I need live sand, of course, live rock, a Remora protein skimmer is reccomended, natural filtration, two small powerheads, possibly one depending on corals, a PowerCompact lighting system, or a Metal Halide system (Not sure on the halide system, I've heard heating issues and whatever) and a Jager heater (25w to around idk, I have this all written down somewhere).

But these are my questions. I was thinking of getting a cool looking anemone, please don't flame me if I can't have one, some other soft corals. Now remember, I have no idea what can and can't go together, so that's why I'm here. My father and I are taking a trip to see a guy about the set-up and all that so don't think I'm hopeless. I also was thinking of getting a blood-red shrimp, a clown goby, snails, a crab or two, and a pair of perculas. Now if I need a 15 gallon to do this, please tell me, it's not a big deal, it's just that I really think that a 20 loses the nano feeling to it. I'm am in dire need of advice of corals that look good, as I'm not necessarily a fan of most hard ones, or plate ones. I dont what polyps are or zooanthids so I need your help. Also, should the lighting system that I said above keep the tank looking bright continuosly?

 

[Mojo Jojo]

Ok let me take the first stab. First I would say decide on the tank you want. You can go traditional square or those fancy nanocubes, aquapods, etc. The more light the better! It all depends on the coral you want to keep. Heating wise for like a 10 gallon you need a 50w heater. The Visi-Therm Stealths work great for me. Never had any problems with them on any of my tanks. On a 10 gallon you cant keep an anemone as it will out grow it. For the live stock you want I'd say stick with a 20g+ tank. Like I said when you have the tank picked out then I can help you out better. Good Luck with this

 

[Jesse-KT]

I guess a 20g would be fine, but I'm just looking for a small sized anemone. Also, I think softies are my favorites so can you guys recommend any softies to me? One more question, as for live rock, which kind would you suggest that would be dark, colorful, and normal shaped?

 

[Xandernfs]

I second the 20+ tanks...the more volume, the more forgiving the tank is. You also will need to decide what you want to stock in it. You may say softies for now, but you'll want LSP and maybe some SPS or even a clam.

IMO, I'd go with T5 or Halide. I have a 150w HQI over my 20H and love it. Sometimes i think it is too much. I really like the idea of T5s because of the efficiency purpose....

 

[Redstratplayer]

Hey Jesse i my self am doing a 20 gallon long so i am taging along.

By the way were in NJ are you?



NJ club fourm

 

[toasty23]

go with the t5s i just ordered some for my 29gal . and the twenty would be better!

 

[Mojo Jojo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9193633#post9193633 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jesse-KT
I guess a 20g would be fine, but I'm just looking for a small sized anemone. Also, I think softies are my favorites so can you guys recommend any softies to me? One more question, as for live rock, which kind would you suggest that would be dark, colorful, and normal shaped?

Shrooms, xenias, and zoas are always easy to care for. Just about everybody has them to kick off the tank. For rock get Fiji or tonga. There are more out there, but I personally like those two types. It wont look too good when you get it, but later it will get that good purple look. For the 20g get the usual 1lb per gallon atleast, but I would suggest you get 30-40. You can break up some pieces and make a mountain type thing. LR would your best filtration too, you may want a skimmer to go with the tank, and if you want have a sump or fuge on the side. You dont need it, but if you like it then go for it.

 

[Khaley]

Jesse-KT
Agree on the 20g for the fish load. I have an anemone in a 24g. While I love it I wish I had waited for my 120g. If you feed them (and you must) they will grow. It started small and cute and has taken over the center of my tank (not where I put it originally). For skimmer I use the Sapphire skimmer and really like it. Fits in the sump etc. Lighting... depends on what you keep. IMO- You really dont need MH for softies but the shimmer might be worth it to you. Folks have been getting good results with T5'S and from what I've read the PAR is more uniform at the bottom of the tank.

 

[saltman123]

I have a 12 gallon Aquapod and wish my tank was larger

 

[Mojo Jojo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9205047#post9205047 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltman123
I have a 12 gallon Aquapod and wish my tank was larger

Haha dont we all sometimes:lol:

 

[bowfront26]

I have both the 24 and 12g NC and love them. I've also had a 40g. with halides that was very successful but I've consolidated to the 2 NC and just love them. They are so easy and you end up enjoying them b/c of their size. Its very nice to have everything in one cube that you can easily view from 3 sides and things aren't able to "hide" from your eye as they would in a larger tank.
Another bonus is that they are covered therefore very little evaporation and you dont have to worry about fish jumping out.
ps. one word of advice... try and get rock and from an established reefer who is taking down their tank. This will result in a more successful less stressful reef. You will not have the annoying algae problems if you find a healthy tank to get it from.
goodluck