opinions for new nano reef

[mpderksen]

While smaller tanks are tough to keep stable, I need to respectfully disagree that they are more difficult. My experience (4 tanks: 10, 29, and currently both a 25 and 75 over just 6 years...) is that it's what you tend to keep that makes it difficult. Growing a mini SPS garden in a 10 would be a trick, but if you stick to Zoa, Ricordia and a small LPS, all you need is regular water changes, good lighting and keep an eye on top off levels. If you change out 3 gallons each week, and are consistent, you're doing 120% every month, and it's just a half a bucket at a time. Try THAT with a large tank. The water usage was so low, I didn't even bother with an RODI unit. I had 2, 5gallon bottles that I would fill at a Pure Water store for $1 each, and would last me 3 weeks for both mixing new, and top off.
Knowing what I know now, I would go one step further and put some MarinePure balls in the HOB (I do that for my QT now), and it could only be better. Less LR means better circulation, and a WP-10 or RW-4 would be awesome for flow, and cheap.
Pick hardy corals and fish, go slow, do your maintenance and get fantastic lighting (I had 16 LEDs on mine, right on top). No need for controllers, dosers, reactors or even an ATO. Complexity comes with SPS, Anthias, and crazy plumbing/wiring from excessive hardware that creates the environment these delicate species demand.

 

[brett559]

You've probably already looked, but here's a link to 10-gallon and under nano fish:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/...+2124&r=3119&s=ts&start=1&page_num=1&count=24

I really like my purple firefish. I'd recommend a purple or Helfrichi (if not too expensive).

My brother keeps two little nano tanks (a 30 and a 10). The 10 is in his son's room and he says it's not too hard to take care of. He does routine water changes and sticks to hardy stuff. He keeps a pair of clowns in there, and they are doing fine. But he does say he enjoys his 30 a lot more because it opens up more possibilities with fish and corals.

 

[Kalen]

I would also recommend I'm staying away from ceramics media rings. I agree with the marine pure balls in the hob. I was running ceramics rings in my 30 with sponges in my skimmer and I couldn't get my nitrates down. Now that I added marine pure and some dragons breathe macro algae it's starting to come down. The purple fire fish is s great addition. I have one in my 30 and I love it. It's so beautiful as well as a interesting creature.

 

[wolfram92]

Thanks for the help guys I will keep you updated with how the tank comes along and I will look into the firefish