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- Nov 23, 2006
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- California
The other day, as I was playing with our new nano soft coral system here at the Unique Corals facility, it occurred to me that I have become a hardcore fan of nano aquariums...when done correctly! Have you kept one lately?
Ok, in the past, I was totally on the anti-nano bandwagon, vigorously maintaining that they were little more than death-row holding cells for their doomed inhabitants, encouraging irresponsibility and overstocking- the usual stuff.
How very narrow-minded of me!
I’ve since reversed my position on the topic…well, sort of! Let’s just say that, if you don’t know how to maintain a saltwater aquarium, you’ll fail regardless of its size. A nano will simply bring you to that point that much more quickly!
One cool thing I’ve have learned from nano tanks of late is this:
Nano tanks are a valuable tool for experienced hobbyists to practice new concepts on a smaller, more affordable scale.
I like to play with new concepts: Different aquascaping configurations, unique system designs,* etc. Nanos offer me a flexible, relatively simple means of*trying new things without the heavy work involved with a larger system. I love the idea that*I can visualize something, sketch it out on Friday afternoon, and have it well underway on Saturday, completed that evening.
And, like everything in this hobby- nanos WILL become addictive.
"WHY? Why does Scott try to take pics with his iPhone..under LEDs?"
When I started playing with nano systems, I decided from the outset that each nano would have to stand up on its own as an example of good aesthetics. No dangling powerheads or heaters, mix-and-match tank components, etc. for me. If these little things are going to be in my living room, they are going to have to look nice. And, unfortunately, for me- “nice†occasionally translates into “pricey.†Why is that?
You don’t HAVE to spend tons of money on a nano tank- and I discourage you from feeling obligated to do so- but it amazes me what you can end up with when you start out with quality, even on these tiny tanks.
If done responsibly, a nano system can be every bit as sexy and interesting as that 400 gallon behemoth you’re drooling over-and still allow you to meet the monthly mortgage. And you won’t have to worry about weather patterns forming in your living room from the moisture! But most important of all- nanos allow us as hobbyists to more easily push the state of the art. They are way more than “the goldfish bowl of the 21st century!â€
So, use your nano tank for good: Test an idea that’s popped into your head. See if you like it. See if it is even workable. Practice working in the tank. Study flow, evaporation, concealing plumbing, etc. You’ll definitely learn things and hone skills that you will incorporate daily with your larger systems. Keeping a nano can and will demand more from you than you think, and it will make you a better,* more well-rounded hobbyist!
Without beating a dead horse, I encourage those of you who have not yet done so to hop on the “nano trainâ€. See where it takes you- push yourself-advance the hobby, and share your brilliance! There has never been a better time to “think smallâ€.
Let’s see those cool nano tanks you’ve been working on! Don’t be shy! What new concepts have you tried? Come on! Inspire everyone!
Till next time…
Stay wet.
Scott Fellman
Unique Corals
Ok, in the past, I was totally on the anti-nano bandwagon, vigorously maintaining that they were little more than death-row holding cells for their doomed inhabitants, encouraging irresponsibility and overstocking- the usual stuff.
How very narrow-minded of me!
I’ve since reversed my position on the topic…well, sort of! Let’s just say that, if you don’t know how to maintain a saltwater aquarium, you’ll fail regardless of its size. A nano will simply bring you to that point that much more quickly!
One cool thing I’ve have learned from nano tanks of late is this:
Nano tanks are a valuable tool for experienced hobbyists to practice new concepts on a smaller, more affordable scale.
I like to play with new concepts: Different aquascaping configurations, unique system designs,* etc. Nanos offer me a flexible, relatively simple means of*trying new things without the heavy work involved with a larger system. I love the idea that*I can visualize something, sketch it out on Friday afternoon, and have it well underway on Saturday, completed that evening.
And, like everything in this hobby- nanos WILL become addictive.
"WHY? Why does Scott try to take pics with his iPhone..under LEDs?"
When I started playing with nano systems, I decided from the outset that each nano would have to stand up on its own as an example of good aesthetics. No dangling powerheads or heaters, mix-and-match tank components, etc. for me. If these little things are going to be in my living room, they are going to have to look nice. And, unfortunately, for me- “nice†occasionally translates into “pricey.†Why is that?
You don’t HAVE to spend tons of money on a nano tank- and I discourage you from feeling obligated to do so- but it amazes me what you can end up with when you start out with quality, even on these tiny tanks.
If done responsibly, a nano system can be every bit as sexy and interesting as that 400 gallon behemoth you’re drooling over-and still allow you to meet the monthly mortgage. And you won’t have to worry about weather patterns forming in your living room from the moisture! But most important of all- nanos allow us as hobbyists to more easily push the state of the art. They are way more than “the goldfish bowl of the 21st century!â€
So, use your nano tank for good: Test an idea that’s popped into your head. See if you like it. See if it is even workable. Practice working in the tank. Study flow, evaporation, concealing plumbing, etc. You’ll definitely learn things and hone skills that you will incorporate daily with your larger systems. Keeping a nano can and will demand more from you than you think, and it will make you a better,* more well-rounded hobbyist!
Without beating a dead horse, I encourage those of you who have not yet done so to hop on the “nano trainâ€. See where it takes you- push yourself-advance the hobby, and share your brilliance! There has never been a better time to “think smallâ€.
Let’s see those cool nano tanks you’ve been working on! Don’t be shy! What new concepts have you tried? Come on! Inspire everyone!
Till next time…
Stay wet.
Scott Fellman
Unique Corals
there is a yuma I want you guys have atm soooo bad!
