Looking to start a nano tank

[VaughnDenver]

Hey all just joined. I am fairly new to saltwater but have had freshwater for most of my life.. so i understand the basics with aquariums but the reef it a new frontier for me. I'm looking at a nano tank as i just don't want the maintenance load of a larger tank. I dont really don't that the room for a large tank. I'm leaning towards a red sea 20 Gallon tank as it seems the have one of the better systems that i have seen, yes they are somewhat pricey but i like the fact that they have moat everything you need to start. Just wondering if there are other setups like this out there that i can look at. Any suggestions and would love to hear from others with nano tanks on their experience.

 

[1112-425XL]

Check out some Build Threads. You'll see lots of options.

 

[Propane]

Welcome. The Innovative Marine 25 lagoon is a pretty cool tank. It’s an AIO.

 

[NotReefsafe]

the Red Sea is a great option. Also consider a waterbox 20 with an AI prime

 

[VaughnDenver]

the Red Sea is a great option. Also consider a waterbox 20 with an AI prime

Yea i looked at watebox but they didn't have the features that red sea has ..

 

[littlefoxx]

Hey all just joined. I am fairly new to saltwater but have had freshwater for most of my life.. so i understand the basics with aquariums but the reef it a new frontier for me. I'm looking at a nano tank as i just don't want the maintenance load of a larger tank. I dont really don't that the room for a large tank. I'm leaning towards a red sea 20 Gallon tank as it seems the have one of the better systems that i have seen, yes they are somewhat pricey but i like the fact that they have moat everything you need to start. Just wondering if there are other setups like this out there that i can look at. Any suggestions and would love to hear from others with nano tanks on their experience.

Ive got a 32 biocube, a 70 and a 125. Honestly the easiest as far as work load is my 125, opposite of freshwater! Way more cleaning and work to be done in my biocube, which is why its an angler fish only tank. But for nanos, its probably my favorite brand and it includes everything you need to start minus the water, fish, corals and rock/sand.

 

[steveschuerger]

I almost went with the Red Sea. Biggest deal breaker was cost. As much as I love IM tanks , I went with a Fiji Cube 22, partly because of footprint and I’d heard good things about them. But I’d say Innovative tank would be my response/answer. They come most everything including a decent cover and all the filter/supplies from the outset.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Red sea comes free with leak detector now! Or should.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Hey welcome, just be aware that saltwater is a complete 180 from freshwater, very few things are similar. Research, and husbandry are a million times more important. Good luck.

 

[steveschuerger]

I almost went with the Red Sea. Biggest deal breaker was cost. As much as I love IM tanks , I went with a Fiji Cube 22, partly because of footprint and I’d heard good things about them. But I’d say Innovative tank would be my response/answer. They come most everything including a decent cover and all the filter/supplies from the outset.

Except for a light.

 

[Netotek]

Research, research, research, and once you decide on a tank, shop around. I overpaid for mine because I got too excited and didn't shop around.

Go with something you find aesthetically pleasing and try to plan out what you want your tank to look like. Think about the fish/corals you want to keep. If there is a "must have" item, maybe plan your tank around it, some fish or corals have specific needs that you might need to accommodate for.

Welcome, good luck, and happy reefing!

 

[VaughnDenver]

Ive got a 32 biocube, a 70 and a 125. Honestly the easiest as far as work load is my 125, opposite of freshwater! Way more cleaning and work to be done in my biocube, which is why its an angler fish only tank. But for nanos, its probably my favorite brand and it includes everything you need to start minus the water, fish, corals and rock/sand.

Yea i get that the bigger you go with marine tank the better, but i just don't have the room for that large of a tank. I will check out the bio cube

 

[VaughnDenver]

Red sea comes free with leak detector now! Or should.

Why do you say that .. i have seen several complaints with the biocubw with the glass or easels breaking but nothing with the red sea one.

 

[Propane]

Yea i get that the bigger you go with marine tank the better, but i just don't have the room for that large of a tank. I will check out the bio cube

My first reef tank is an IM 15g. I do understand how bigger would be better but if room is a factor don’t worry about running a smaller tank. There’s a learning curve and it’s harsh but I’ve learned a lot from the unforgiving nature of a small tank. The relationship of parameters and changes etc. because they do happen fast. The only thing I would do different is get the 25 lagoon or the Fiji cube 30ish. Not because it would be easier but because I want more corals.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Why do you say that .. i have seen several complaints with the biocubw with the glass or easels breaking but nothing with the red sea one.

Red sea has blow outs on big tanks. Nanos aren't as suspect. I wouldn't trust them.

Lots of other companies always get it right. Even the $1/gallon tanks at Petco don't have as high a failure rate.

Click here and type red sea leak/seam/failure.

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

Hey mate, couple of suggestions.

If you’re interested in fish, consider something bigger than a 20g. If you’re happy with a few small fish and corals, 20g will be perfect.

You don’t need a lot of equipment for a successful 20g. An AIO tank, heater, decent light, good wavemaker, ATO and RODI are the core items.

Other considerations are whether you want a peninsula, cube, lagoon or standard tank layout. The established AIO manufacturers have all options.

Im running a Waterbox, AI Prime and Nero 3 combo atm and have been very happy with it.

Good luck, hope it works out well for you.