Starting a NANO Tank

[evyllchyld]

I was just wondering if I could start a nano tank that required no maintenance? Just feeding of the 1 or 2 fish that were in it. I realize that if there is a way it make be pricey, but i'm willing to give it a try. Or is there a way to make a really low maintenance tank? Any info would be great. If by chance someone has AIM or YAHOO messanger, my name is Evyllchyld on both and feel free to IM me, cause i'm sure i'll have a lot of questions Thanks.

 

[jojo_b]

If you're looking for no maintenance, you may want to consider plastic fish. With low maintenance, you may want to consider freshwater.
Because from what I understand, nanotanks require a close eye to chemistry, closer than with larger tanks.

 

[evyllchyld]

I don't mind taking care of the fish, i guess i wrote that wrong.. I'm sure there is a way to setup a saltwater fish tank so that it is almost completely hands free, or maybe completely hands free. Besides of course having to care for the fish. I was just wondering if there was an elaborate way to setup a small tank so that it would take very little maintenance.

 

[nanocuber7]

well you can do just about anything for the right price. but within reason your still going to have to do work like water changes and such.

 

[bonebrake]

There is no such thing. The formula is: the smaller the tank = the more maintenance. Ex: Two gallon nano tank = daily if not twice daily care, the ocean = takes care of itself and us.
:joy:
If you want to do a small saltwater tank and actually have it look half decent and keep something alive in it, you have to do routine maintenance like water testing, water topoffs, water changes, replace light bulbs, replace filters, adjust water chemistry, etc.

 

[evyllchyld]

i think flooding my apartment for no maintenance is outta the question well thanks for the help, once i get settled in a more permenant residance, i'll just setup a huge tank. Thanks all!

 

[bsp]

evyllchyld, I think I know what you mean. I gave up a 30 gal because I couldn't deal with the big water changes. It was in a finished basement but no water supply. My 12gal. nano is on the 1st floor and won't take that big of a water change and all the filter chambers are easy to get to. Maybe this will help you make a decision. I know when the wheather gets nice I'm outside, and I still have to deal with the tank. I see haw it goes.

 

[tinyreef]

evyl,
it can be done but it really shouldn't be the method you're looking for right out of the box. i agree with the others that larger tanks are easier for this, more cushion.
try a Fish-Only or Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock setup first. 6~12g setup like one of the popular cubes should let you cut your teeth on the hobby. then you'll have a better idea of what's needed if you want to go full-fledged reef (i.e. corals).
there are many automated/semi-automated/DIY devices that can make reefing easier. different needs for different people though. good luck!