What size? What tank?

[Old Newbie]

I have not had a tank set up for 6 years. When I did have a tank it was a 180 gallon with a 250 gallon stock tank attached. So I had some some stability. I now live in a rental house so I can not have large tank. I have heard that smaller tanks are more difficult in many ways and primarily, they have such a narrow margin for .....everything. I see some freaking amazing looking nanos on here. I am sure a lot has changed in the last 12 years since I set my big tank up. So what tank size would you suggest and what tank;lights? I would like to get a pair of black/white Aussie percs again, a few shrimp, a star, and a few corals. I am more of a LPS guy but I would live to get a few SPS such as a blue tort, etc. Thanks in advance for your time and suggestions.

 

[Reefing102]

As you’ve said, the biggest thing is stability. For any tank that could just be ensuring regular testing and proper dosing. Also having an auto top off helps tremendously here as well.

With that said, which nano tank really depends on size allowed by your landlord and which features it does or doesn’t have. There’s all in one systems that include lights such as the Biocube. The downside is the filtration area is small so any “extra” equipment (ATO, dosing, etc) may be visible unless you can hide it well in the stand.

Other nano set ups, some from Innovative Marine, Waterbox, Cade, etc. (note these manufacturers also offer all in one systems too), can come with sump set ups which makes life easier for hiding wires and equipment.

The only brand I’d recommend staying away from is RedSea but that’s just a personal bias based on reading several tank leak posts. I don’t believe their nanos have honestly had much issue but I wouldn’t risk it.

Also with regards to light, some systems come with a light, some offer a light in a package, and others don’t come with a light at all. Realistically lighting today just depends on what controls and features you want. The cheaper “black box” lights work just as well as more expensive name brand however they may have less controllability, less spectrum selection (to really get that flourescent pop), or may simply not look as sleek and modern.

Hope this helps some.

 

[griss]

^ I couldn't have said it better.