New to the hobby; nano good way to learn?

[nicholasp]

I had freshwater fish when I was a kid, but never a saltwater; I've wanted one for years but didn't wanna get one while I was in apartments due to frequent moves. But I just moved into my house last weekend and the bug is hitting me bad now that I can do it.
I want to put a 150 gallon reef tank in the 5.5'x2' alcove next to the fireplace, but my fiance isn't going for it and it'll be very expensive to start out with such a huge cabinet and tank, etc.
So...I was thinking I could talk her into letting me get a 24g nano cube like the aquapod or such. From my readings so far, it seems like there is a LOT to this hobby, so it may be better to start off small and for <$1k and then use the nano as a quarantine tank once I have the money, experience and permission to move up to the 150g tank.
I'm gonna read this forum, but are there other resources you can recommend that I read to learn what I need to know to buy the equipment and start building a nano reef tank?
I'd like to put in live rock and then some corals. I'd like to put a pair of clown fish and then a few other colorful fish like tangs along with an anenome for the clown and some crabs and snails and such.
Thanks,
Nicholas

 

[jmick]

Nicholas, welcome to the board! I think most people will agree that the smaller the tank is the more difficult it will be to maintain. Issues such as evaporation will cause the specific gravity to get out of whack quicker; PH can be altered faster, temp swings can happen faster and when things go bad they can go badly quickly! Also, I think that nano tanks can be as expensive as say a 55 or 75 gallon. I wouldn’t start with a nano and probably wouldn’t recommend anything smaller then a 55.

 

[krazekajin]

I agree with the premise that nanos are harder to control levels.
However, I am a newbie myself since October 2005. I started with a 29gallon and I love it. You can get by with cheaper (smaller) lights, filters. I have a Fluval Canister Filter 304. One cheap ***** powerhead, Odessya MH lights and I have had no problems whatsoever. I have corals, fish, inverts. I love it.
I just started a six gallon for the fun of it. So far so good. I have one damsel that I took from my 29 gallon and a clown goby.

 

[sac10918]

Nicholas...
Welcome to the hobby and the boards. My first tank has been up and running for three months. It is a 12 gallon aquapod. I have had great success with it, but I am always checking parameters. Like the others said, if things are going to go wrong, they will go wrong in the worst way. I have been very happy with the aquapod, but I just ordered the Aquapod 24 gallon HQI. I did this because I wanted the metal halide lights. As you might know from reading around the board, if you want to eventually have an anemone, you are definatley going to want to get a tank with metal halide lighting. I agree with the others that you can get a 50-70 gallon tank up with more ease and around the same price as a nano. Hope this helps.

 

[theweirdo]

I'm rather new, too, but I can agree with the statements that nano tanks are harder to maintain. PH fluctuations, salinity rising, and since it is such a small tank, a small mistake can turn into a big one. I think if you'll research, you'll see that most people say it's best to start with a 55 or 75 gallon aquarium.

 

[appaloosa1]

I have never had a problem with my water levels or anything in my nano cube. I check water perameters 1-2 times a week. Never had a problem with evaporation either. However if you can't check the levels consistently or know you won't be able to do the upkeep regularly go for the larger tank. I had surgery and was in bed for 2-3 weeks and ended up having nitrates at about 100 in my 15g.

 

[indaword]

I have a 12g JBJ Nano and I love it. I think it’s a great idea but you have to dedicate the time to taking care of it. Things can go wrong fast and levels can flux you have to stay on top of it. Don’t go over board with what you are planning to put into it. I have 2 fish (6 line Wrasse, Purple Dottyback), a few zoos, feather duster, clean-up crew, a green bubble tip anemone (which I bought for my clowns which have both died

) a brain and a beautiful sand sifter star. I have never had more then 3 fish at a time. I find my nitrate levels get high fast so I do a 10% change ever 4 days (it’s about 3 liters) and that keeps it in check. All the other levels in my tank have been fine and i have never had a problem with evap. Get one, have fun and learn together!!

 

[nm reef]

I'd have to agree that starting with a nano may not be the best idea. With the limited water volume things can rapidly get out of hand. I'd suggest at least a 29 gal...better yet would be a 55 or 75 gal display.
"I'm gonna read this forum, but are there other resources you can recommend that I read to learn what I need to know to buy the equipment and start building a nano reef tank?"
There are several real good hobby related books on the market...
"The Conscientious Marine Aquarists" would be a great starting point for anybody wanting to start a new aquarium.

 

[jeepman3sk]

Im going to disagree. I havent had any problems keeping the water conditions under control. If you take 30 minutes a day to make sure everything is running corect and do some minor maintence. I had a 45 fresh for 8 years now. This is my first reef and salt water tank. Just make you get a test kit or piece togehter a test kit with everything in it. Just take ti slow and you should be fine. Run RO/DI water. Do all of the rock at once. Just make sure you ACTUALLY research, read books, read the forums, ask people, LFS, and go to www.reefcentral.com and read alot on there. There are local clubs everywhere with people that are willing to help a newbe get started up. my AIM is Sailcoboy is you need any help or have questions.

 

[jacksdad]

Originally Posted by Jeepman3sk
Im going to disagree. I havent had any problems keeping the water conditions under control. If you take 30 minutes a day to make sure everything is running corect and do some minor maintence. I had a 45 fresh for 8 years now. This is my first reef and salt water tank. Just make you get a test kit or piece togehter a test kit with everything in it. Just take ti slow and you should be fine. Run RO/DI water. Do all of the rock at once. Just make sure you ACTUALLY research, read books, read the forums, ask people, LFS, and go to www.reefcentral.com and read alot on there. There are local clubs everywhere with people that are willing to help a newbe get started up. my AIM is Sailcoboy is you need any help or have questions.

I don't think anybody is saying that you can't keep water perameters right in a nano, it just more difficult because of the amount of water. Things like nitrates and ammonia will rise much quicker in nano, as well as SG swings. Basically the bigger the tank, the easier it is to maintain. Of course if money is an issue then by all means start a nano. If you get a nano up and running and you are able to maintain it properly the step up in size it will be a piece of cake.
Welcome aboard!!!
Bob

 

[sweetdawn]

good luck. i would point out that with a tank that size you can only have maybe three small fish. tangs were mentioned and they would have to wait till you talk her into the really big tank. if you want an argument to help with the bigger tank show her some pictures from this forum on tanks. some of the reef tanks are breathtaking. also show her some pictures of the tangs and angels then say oh it says you can only have it in a 150 gallon tank well that one is out have to get this little bitty fish. you could also go to a really nice lfs and show her some of the nicer bigger fish

 

[jerth6932]

Now that everyone has told ya the hard stuff about the nano's...... here are the positives.... less water on water changes....smaller and easier to clean..... not as much time cleaning it up....... compact can fit where you want them...... and less money on initial set up (should be...if you do it right)
But like everyone said..... they are harder..... The water can get out of wack easily, and you will not have to much room for much, and YOU WILL ALWAYS WANT TO UPGRADE!!!!!!!!

:hilarious
There are my pro's and con's of the NANO!!!