Smallest nano tank possible?

[ogdog30]

I would like to know of the smallest nano tank you could think of(please be realistic!) and its inhabitants (just corals maybe 1 small clown or damsel) I know the lighting requirments for hard/soft corals Just tell me what you think.
This is for a class room its a G/T class ive been in since 2nd grade(ive been keepin' 'dem since i was 5) space is a factor money is not. i have experience in saltwater.
Thanx for the replys! :jumping: :happyfish

 

[nudibranch]

You can really go as small as you want- if your willing to stay on top of it. Once you start adding a Clown/Damsel to the mix, IMO a 10g would be minimal.

 

[cprdnick]

I feel I have to agree with Nudibranch. Several people have claimed to have kept all the way down to a 1/4 gallon nano. IMHO though, a ten gallon is the lowest you could go with if you were gonna have livestock. I don't agree with the 1/4 gallon tanks and never will, I'm still trying to figure out why people would put any money into these things.
Clint

 

[bang guy]

I have a pint Nano. It has some sand a single rock, a Tulip Anemone, a mini-Carpet Anemone, some copepods, a couple stomatella, and a couple Amphipods.

 

[cprdnick]

Yeah, but you can raise a Clown fry in a pickle jar. If everyone had the success you (The King) has, then everyone would be able to handle a pint aquarium. However, we are talking about someone with no Nano experience, wouldn't it be more prudent to steer new nano seekers away from something such as this???:notsure:
Clint

 

[bang guy]

Clint is right but at least this member has SW experience. That's much different from starting new.
If you want a Clown you need at least 10 gals for a Percula, a 20+ for any other Clowns (including Ocellaris).

 

[ogdog30]

Thanks!
Any body know where i can get a good deal on a 10 gal. long? :happyfish

 

[nudibranch]

My old LFS used to sell them for $10 but its been a while since I bought one. You should be able to get one for at least $15 I would imagine.

 

[ogdog30]

But what if theres no fish i want to keep :thinking:

 

[vibe]

well, at ***** by me. they had these little 1/2 gallon azoo tank for fresh water betas. for 30 bucks you get:
-a light (7 watts) for a tank this small definatly sufficient for softies.
-a filter (14 gallons per hour)
-and the tank
heres a pic of mine:

 

[nudibranch]

Hmmmmm...I like that idea Vibe. I just might have to do something like that. How much LS do you have in there? how much LR? I could have an interesting little set up with some of the basic for not a lot of $$. I just might have to do this. THX for the idea!

 

[ogdog30]

ok talked to the class, DEFINATLY the the clown. . so could any body give me an estimate. (not including the LS or LR) just the basic. :notsure:

 

[diddley]

10 gallon tank $10
glass top $10
hob filter $20
two small powerheads 2 X $15
28 watt coralife 50/50 $35
50 watt heater $15

[hr]
$120
if you don't want to use special saltwater lighting, you could get a 10 gallon "starter kit" for around $50 and add the powerheads. good luck.

 

[flynemo]

This is just a question out of curosity about the 1/2 gallon. What do ya do in the winter when ya need a heater? Do ya stick a heater in that little thing.

 

[ogdog30]

Whats the best filter for a nano/ :notsure:

 

[vibe]

ogdog30- well, i have an emperor 280 on my 10 gallon. so...basically any filter. 10 gallon fuge works too.
flynemo- no heater is needed. infact the light heats the water too much!

. so i add 1-3 distilled water ice cubes each day. also get rid of the top off issue.

 

[diddley]

i use a penguin 125, it works fine. BUT, i will switch to an aquaclear filter by hagen when this one dies. they have more media space and an available surface skimming attachment. check them out.

 

[adamz]

vibe
did you say that the light that came with the tank is strong enough for corals

 

[vibe]

yes. softies only tho. someone else did this and he put is open brain in it.

 

[chris17]

:notsure: OK so you guys are saying I could get a little 1/2 gallon FW tank for bettas and I could use any lights as long as it is powerful enough......??? I wouldn't need any speacial lights (even if they made them that small) , just as long as the wattage is good enough......and the light should keep the water warm enough without a heater......?????? I just might have to try this for the heck of it..........should the little filter have a bio wheel or no???:thinking: