Nano tank for my mom!

[DalPal25]

Okay guys so my mom loves the idea of having a nano tank in her new office (just got a new job) and she wants it to be specifically for coral. Maybe a few fish that would benefit the corals would be nice. So here's my plan, feel free to make your own suggestions and give any advice

A 5-7.5 gallon tank with maybe about 4-5 pounds of live rock?

I'm not sure what to do about lights for that kind of tank, looking for inexpensive options that will grow corals

What do I need for a circulation pump? Not sure what would be the best for a small tank like that

Livestock suggestions is cool too, thanks everyone!

 

[reeferfoxx]

Okay guys so my mom loves the idea of having a nano tank in her new office (just got a new job) and she wants it to be specifically for coral. Maybe a few fish that would benefit the corals would be nice. So here's my plan, feel free to make your own suggestions and give any advice

A 5-7.5 gallon tank with maybe about 4-5 pounds of live rock?

I'm not sure what to do about lights for that kind of tank, looking for inexpensive options that will grow corals

What do I need for a circulation pump? Not sure what would be the best for a small tank like that

Livestock suggestions is cool too, thanks everyone!

Does she know what you are trying to do for her? Sometimes giving people responsibilities can be the worst gift.

 

[DalPal25]

Yeah she knows, she came to me and asked me to do some research and give her a price estimate, definitely wouldn't surprise her with it

 

[Chrisfish]

Dr.'s foster and smith's website has a 10 gal. Aio and with an led light, I think it's 159.00 ( I am not promoting them) you can search Amazon as well but an aio might be the best for her.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Yeah she knows, she came to me and asked me to do some research and give her a price estimate, definitely wouldn't surprise her with it

I think a 10 gallon all-in-one would be best. That would allow three small fish. Any smaller and the evaporation could be bad if left alone for a weekend or holiday. Also any smaller with three fish would result in nutrient problems also.

7-9 lbs of live rock would be enough.

Auto top off should definitely be used as well. Make sure you use RO/DI water.

To reduce water changes, a two part dosing system might be needed later on, also.

Since the tank is small, you wouldnt need an extravagant light.

 

[CodyRVA]

+1 keep in mind nano tanks require, IMO, advanced skills to manage.

 

[reeferfoxx]

+1 keep in mind nano tanks require, IMO, advanced skills to manage.

Unfortunately, those that have 100+ gallon tanks don't put nano reefers on the same level. That is the social reality.
Diligence is needed with nano tanks. They aren't any more difficult, imo. Just smaller volumes and less room for failure. But with daily diligence, they are easily manageable.

 

[CodyRVA]

Unfortunately, those that have 100+ gallon tanks don't put nano reefers on the same level. That is the social reality.
Diligence is needed with nano tanks. They aren't any more difficult, imo. Just smaller volumes and less room for failure. But with daily diligence, they are easily manageable.

True, it's more of a reference to room for error whereas large systems are much more forgiving than small and in turn can require more attention/diligence.

 

[BummersReef]

If you can find a local forum in your area they are great places to find used systems. You will shocked at how cheap you can a full or nearly full system. But always go and see the stuff first

 

[Chrisfish]

Unfortunately, those that have 100+ gallon tanks don't put nano reefers on the same level. That is the social reality.
Diligence is needed with nano tanks. They aren't any more difficult, imo. Just smaller volumes and less room for failure. But with daily diligence, they are easily manageable.

+1

 

[reeferfoxx]

@DalPal25 did you decide?

 

[DalPal25]

Not 100% but I do like the innovative marine 10 gallons for 99 bucks. Feel like you can't beat that price for what it comes with

 

[reeferfoxx]

Not 100% but I do like the innovative marine 10 gallons for 99 bucks. Feel like you can't beat that price for what it comes with

I looked into lighting for a tank that size. I seemed to have run into dead ends, as far as something 'acceptable' or something I would use. However, for another 100$ that IM 10 comes with an led light that would be good for any softy or lps. Unfortunately this hobby isn't budget friendly. Especially when you want something aesthetically pleasing.

 

[rebekwl]

That's a cool idea. I've thought about putting one in my office, but I'm not sure I'd get much actual work done LOL!!!

 

[reeferfoxx]

That's a cool idea. I've thought about putting one in my office, but I'm not sure I'd get much actual work done LOL!!!

+1

 

[DalPal25]

Better yet, her boss (owner of the company) floated the idea to me that he wants a 150-200 gallon in the main lobby. If he's serious, I'd get the funds from him so I'd have a much larger budget and it wouldn't be coming out of my pocket! Seems like its the perfect situation