Thinking about starting a nano

[aaronw78]

I am thinking about staring a nano reef. I have a 5 gallon acrylic tank that I want to use for this. Here is the equipment I plan on using: 2x28watts PCs for lights, 1 maxi-jet powerhead, 50 watt heater, and the bio-wheel power filter that came with this tank. I have had my larger tank for over 3 years now and it has done great. So.... I want a new challenge. Please share any suggestions you guys may have for me. Also, I would like to keep one small fish in this tank, I had my heart set on a mandarin, but have learned they need more space to graze in, so I would like to know a great nano fish besides a clown. Thanks

 

[tangprincess]

Mandarin's are really great fish, however, they do need a little more space to roam, plus they need a REALLY established tank to survive. However a smaller goby (like a neon, etc...) would probly work, or a blenny would do good. A damsel would work, but they aren't too original are they? Well, good luck!!!

 

[bdhough]

Sounds good but you really only need about 5 watts a gallon to heat small tanks if that. So i would go with a 25 watt heater to save you a little space.

 

[bdhough]

Hhehehe.
Clam i cede your point with the lights but since his tank is so small it will be prone to rapid temperature changes and a heater can help to keep it at a base level at least. Running pcs over a tank like that will definitely need a fan while they are on.... I think they make even smaller heaters than a 25 watter. Look around.

 

[aaronw78]

Thanks for all the advice, I'll look into those fish. I kinda thought that that heater would be too much, infact in the summer time I unplug my heaters in my 75g, but it was the only heater I had that I'm not using. I guess I could start out without a heater and keep a close eye on the temp. The tank does have some scratches so I am going to try to fix them 1st with novus, I hear on here that its good stuff.

 

[aaronw78]

Those are cool looking fish. Yes, you guessed it, I want a clam! That is way I'm shooting high on the lighting. But I know I'll have to wait awhile. 1st thing I'll probably add after the cycle is some frags from my main tank and a couple of crabs and snails. second would be the fish. Then eventually a clam.