Nano Reef

[Reefer]

Hi
Im thinking of setting up a Nano Reef 100 litres, has anybody kept one? If so what are the potential problems of keeping one I know that a smaller volume of water is more prone to problems with overheating and ph problems. Are there any other pitfalls?

[Macca]

salinity! :!:

[Reefer]

Why :?:

[Macca]

Nothing more than the change in salinity. As you mentioned before the temp swings, ph and all the other nitrogen cycle ones as well as salinity can be potentially dangerous on such a small volume of water. Obviously if you fine tuned then this can be combated but it is obviously more demanding.

James

[Reefer]

Of course with you now :oops:

[liquidlogic]

if you have a good surface movment and good gas exchange, and if u keep on top of the evapouration everything shud be fine but with like all small volumed tanks the water is a bit less stable. but can be done

[Dons1903]

It certainly can be done but a lot of effort (or technology) is required to keep on top of everything and keep it stable.

A friend of mine ran a nano reef tank successfully for about a year, but then got fed up with the hassle of running the tank and want frustrated by the lack of coral/fish options so ended up buying a much larger tank. :)

[liquidlogic]

100 litres aint bad tho imo for a nano. iv seen much smaller

[Dons1903]

Agreed, also even if the main display tank is small the capacity could be doubled (or more) by the use of a sump.

[liquidlogic]

in deed. if i had a nano i wud use a sump of same size of tank with Miricle mud and Lots of cheato etc basicly making a FUGE so lots of pod life is sucked into the tank slowly :)

[Reefer]

Thought about that add a sump to it then you have a bit more scope for fish stocking.
Still not sure what to do buy a 4ft or scale down . . decisions decisions :?

[Gillybaby]

Hi guys. Honestly, nano tanks do not need to be complicated or difficult to keep stable. I've been running my 60l nano for 18 months successfully without the need for sump, skimmer or auto top up. Indeed my maintenance regime consists of:

1 - topping up just under 1l of RO a day (must admit I do add this all in one go, although slowly, just before bed)
2 - a 25% water change every week or two (although I have left this for 4 weeks before with no side effects) and
3 - every month or two cleaning out the wee internal filter, replacing rowaphos and trimming chaeto for nutrient export.

And that's it. Very very simple and effective. Corals, fish and inverts are thriving. See for yourselves (and not a single aip in sight thanks to James' peppermint shrimps - shameless plug over :wink:) :

http://trapper300.co.uk/photos/albums/uploads/nano%20tank%20pics%20for%20webpage/nano13Jun06.jpg

I am, however, going to add a caveat - a good knowledge of how to keep a reef is imho essential. So long as you can keep on top of all the parameters, then there's no reason why a simple nano can't be a success.

Just thought I'd add my tuppance worth as all I hear recently is how hard it is to keep a nano but if I can do it anyone can :wink:

[Macca]

Thanks Gilly! We are going to have our own wee Scottish contingent on here. :-D

There you go a beautiful nano with no special gadgets. Nice one! :wink:

James

[Dons1903]

Cool tank! 8-)

What hardware/filtration/lighting etc do you use?

[Buster]

I have just started a nano of my own it's been up and running a fare few weeks now but There is still a long way ahead but hey it's all part of the fun. I have kept this as standard as possible. any pointers would be welcome.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a147/mr_midnigh_uk/Our%20Marine%20Tank/nano10.jpg
:-D

[Gillybaby]

Cool tank! 8-)

What hardware/filtration/lighting etc do you use?

Thanks, pretty basic set-up really. The tank is a Rena 60 with 300lph internal filter (for rowaphos & carbon), MJ900 powerhead, 50w mini heater, modified hood with twin 36w compact T5s and 2 x 80mm PC fans to keep things cool - hence the relative large amount of evap I get. Filtration is purely the 6.5kg (ish) of liverock together with the chaeto I grow down the back of the large rock on the righthand side. It seems to have found its balance which I guess is the important part.

That's a really sweet wee nano Ian. Mine used to look that neat and tidy too, but then the corals just wouldn't stop growing. Inconsiderate, I know, but what can you do :wink: :-D

[Reefer]

Couple of nice little tanks there, 1 mature with lovely coral growth and a newby 1 with some good potential.
I think Im gonna give it a go, save the new tank money and buy some nice kit & corals. Look out for pics in the future!!
Thanks guys

:-D

[Macca]

here here, If only I could introduce a nano into the bedroom. :shock:

James

[Reefer]

I thought of that already reef critters but bottled it before I even asked her!! I REALLY would be sleeping with the fishes I reckon!! :lol:

[Macca]

Unfortunately I did ask, but was soon put in my place :cry:

James