New to Nanos ... Advice needed

[mismodliz]

I have a 10G freshwater tank that I would like to turn into a saltwater tank. I am more interested in corals than anything else, but a fish or two would be okay.
So, where do I start? I've read so many posts here, but everyone seems to be using the aquapods. What filtration system is recommended? Lights? What other equipment should I get?
If someone is willing to give me a to-do list, I would be extrememly grateful!!!

 

[pclown]

If I was going to do a 10g tank. I would first decide what I wanted to keep in it so I knew what lighting that I wanted, but I would have at least 4 watts per gallon of PC lighting.
I would put in about 10 - 15 punds of Live Sand and at least 15 - 20 pounds of Live Rock.
I would add on a good Protein Skimmer to the back and with the live rock this will be all you need for filteration. I might consider a HOB filter just so I could use my favorit product "Purigen" and a Sponge but that would not be needed.
I would also have a Powerhead (Maxi-Jet 900 or Maxi-Jet 1200) for circulation.
After the Cycle (without damsels) I would add my clean up crew and after a couple of more weeks I would add my first fish(hardy fish). Then after a week and water test are good I would start to add my corals.
Good luck and please ask any questions you may have.

 

[chipmaker]

Adding to what PCClown posted, I like hob filteration, mainly so I have a means of adding activated charcoal or purigen, and also use a coarse filter mat to mechanical filter the debri out.....so basically ts nothing more than additional current flow and rough mechanical filteration. Yu can also place the heater in it, and if its large enough yu can use it for an additonal amount of water and a mini fuge......with small tanks every drop of water helps.....The coral life 96 watt power compact qud works especially well with a 10 gal........I owuld have to recomend a aqua clear 110 sized filter for a hob........they work fantastic and add approx 1.5 gal of water capacity. With a AC110 hob i would probably go no more than a maxi-jet 600...

 

[bread]

honestly, it doesnt take much to run a great nano. for a 10g the 96w that chipmaker suggested would work great. For filtration LR and good current is all you need, a skimmer is not necessary. If you're looking for more help www.nano-reef.com would be a great place to check out.

 

[jakebtc]

IMO, for a nano you do not need a skimmer
you don't REALLY need them until you get to about 30 gal or more
A 96 watt 18" pc would allow you to have basicly anything in your tank you are willing to care for "including anemones and clams"
live sand may cost more, but is well worth it
live rock both looks good and helps alot ..
especially if going for a reef someday
don't overstock
probably no more than 3 small fish that STAY small
and when going with such a small tank keep an eye on the salinity