How do nanotanks work?

[defntleymaybe79]

Hey everyone. I hope I can get some answers for this. I've been itching to create a reef tank. I have a 20 gallon with LR and LS with 3 fish, a shrimp and snails. As I've surfed through the other sites doing some homework on a reef tank, the impression that i got was that I can't really get the necessary equipment until i've invested in a much bigger tank. Now I've seen these nanotanks and suddenly I'm confused? How do they pull of nanoreef tanks? What goes into them? How can they work? Lastly, can I convert my 20 gallon into a "nanotank"

 

[krustytheclownfish]

Nothing really special about a nano tank. The size is the only difference. The basic needs are the same as with a larger tank. The big thing is with the lower volume of water, bad things can happen quick. Keeping up on maintenance is extra important in small tanks.
John

 

[crazy4reefs]

like krusty said you need to try to stay on top of the maintenance. i do a 10% water change every week. for equipment i just have the pc's a filter and powerheads. i am going to add a small 10 gallon sump so i can add my protein skimmer and get the filter out of the main tank. i had a 46 gallon bow but for some reason i enjoy the my 20 gallon tank more.

 

[laddy]

Water changes, water changes, water changes.........:yes:
I believe (personal opinion here, not reflective of Nano owners here, there of anywhere), but, the upkeep time and expense is all relative to each owner. I personally do a 10% water change in my ten every week like clockwork, top off with RO water everyday, and add Alk/Calc twice a week--to some that may be too much time, but to me I enjoy the maintenance and monthly water readings I take. To me, that's the hobby. I know some other people who maintain 100g reef tanks who love the fact they only have to mess with it twice a month, and can't figure out what the big deal is with a nano. I like it though.
Hey crazy4reefs--are you going to be DYI your sump?

 

[defntleymaybe79]

So what are my basic equipment requirements to maintain a nano reef tank? Also, can you describe the type of filter i would need. I assume its more than a whisper or a penguin filter...

 

[crazy4reefs]

yeah, i am going to use a 10 gallon and i want to get a cpr overflow. like you said i do enjoy doing the maintenance. i do the waterchange every sunday, check my levels the following morning and adjust. i dont think a day goes by without me doing something on the tank.
DefntleyMaybe79, i do use a whisper filter always have with no problems. and i think with a small tank you can get away with some of the cheaper protein skimmer. i am going to use my seaclone 150.

 

[clarkiiclo]

Sorry to Hijack but crazy what is that lovely red/pink thing on the left side of the tank in the substrate?

 

[crazy4reefs]

that would be my red brain, i dont have the full technical name though. i am amazed by the color myself. it wasnt like that until i put it in my 20 gallon tank in the sand.. thanks

 

[clarkiiclo]

It is soo neat! I am planning out my 12 and looking for interesting corals.
Thanks for the answer!