As usual I am confused...

[idgy]

For a nano tank around 30 gallons all I need is a heater, powerhead, good lighting. What else would I need? I have a 58 gallon tank with a sump, do I need to have a sump and skimmer on a smaller tank or is the live rock enough filtration?

 

[jacksonpt]

you never have to do a sump or skimmer. Basically it comes down to responsible husbandry of the tank. Don't overstock, don't overfeed, do your water changes and you'll be fine with LR/LS and good water flow.

 

[idgy]

Would that also be true on a 58 gallon tank or is it just the smaller ones that do not need to have a sump or skimmer?

 

[jacksonpt]

well, in an ideal world it's always true. But in bigger tanks there's more tendancy to overstock. At least from my experience that's true.

 

[vsandme]

Depends on the nano...if you get a biocube or similar it comes WITH all the proper filter, lighting, and as far as heating the lights take care of that so its self sustaining mostly

 

[emilytompkins]

same questions- so i dont have to buy a heater (even though i have to get the hood)?

 

[jacksonpt]

I think every tank needs a heater. It won't run unless the water cools, so why wouldn't you want one... even if it's only a precaution?

 

[jacksonpt]

Originally Posted by Vsandme
Depends on the nano...if you get a biocube or similar it comes WITH all the proper filter, lighting, and as far as heating the lights take care of that so its self sustaining mostly
I think a lot of this depends on the climate you live in. For me, my lights can hold the tank around 80degrees during the day, but temps drop a lot at night if I don't run a heater. It's not so much the temp that can stress fish/corals as much as it is the fluctuation. A heater helps maintain a more constant temp.
IMO, a heater is necessary in all tanks.

 

[vsandme]

Eh, I live in florida so even when the lights off at night the tank never goes below 78...maybe get the tank set up and monitor the temps for a couple days after it stabalyzes, if it stays above 75 24hrs a day youll be safe if not a heater would be good...i only use one in the turtle tank but in the cube i dont like having more cords and things in the tank i dont need