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How much more difficult is a nano reef to keep than a normal sized tank. Im VERY interested in starting a reef tank but im not sure if i can really afford to start one. Ive also started to look at nano tanks and while i would rather have a large one i think a nano is all i can afford. I just dont want to start it if it is likly that it will fail.

Sorry for the late reply.

I don't keep saltwater tanks, but I'll take a stab at this one...

Smaller tanks are more prone to rapid changes in water conditions. The ocean, on the other hand, provides very stable water conditions, and most reef invertibrates have evolved to rely on this. With a nano reef, you'll have to very closely monitor your water to be sure that it stays within the parameters needed for your critters. You will also need to do more frequent water changes to keep it within this range. Temperature fluctuation is also likely to be an issue.

You will probably want a sump that is considerably larger than the actual reef, where you will keep your live rock, macroalgae, protein skimmer, etc. The larger the sump, the more stable your reef will be.

Select only the hardiest coral and invertibrate species for your reef. Mushrooms, open brain, leather, star polyps are some corals that I've seen recommended as hardy. Stock very lightly when it comes to fish. They are the largest consumers of food in the reef and produce the most waste, and there is a risk of uneated food accumulating in the filter and degrading water quality.

Check out this thread for some good information on saltwater chemistry. Calcium is also an important component not listed here. As I said, I don't keep a reef, so I am by no means an expert. Go to the library and check out some good books, as there are many on the subject.

Good luck!

- Wil

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75 Gallon Display: Discus, Pleco, Neons.
40 Gallon 'Dutch' Aquarium.
44 Gallon Tall Pentagonal, Gouramis.
Coming Soon: Paludarium!

Like Wil said, a nano is a LOT more difficult to keep than a larger tank. That being said, how big of a nano are you talking about? Some people say anything less than 30 gallons is a nano. Others say less than 15 gallons. Some people have 2 gallon nannos. For your first tank, I would not recommend anything smaller than 50 for the stability issues. A 25 or 30 might be doable. I would say to absolutely NOT start with anything smaller than a 25 gallon. As with all things, some may be successful but most find the issues too much and quit.

Even with a 25 gallon, you will need a skimmer of some sort. I would not recommend trying to set up a salt tank without a skimmer. Again, some people are successful but most are not. The skimmer will allow you to make more newbie mistakes.

I would not recommend MH (metal halide) lighting for a tank this small due to heating issues. Get either PC (power compacts) or VHO (very high output flourescents). While watts per gallon is not a good measure, I would aim for about 5 watts per gallon.

For test kits, get a good brand name. Salifert seems to be the hobby standard. There is more frustrating than trying to correct a problem only to find out that your test kit was wrong.

The living rock is another big expense. The recommended amount is 1 to 2 pounds per gallon.

With all this being said, here is a way to space out the expenses -
Start with the tank and a power filter (you can buy one of the fresh water kits). Add your sand (deep sand bed or shallow sand bed). Use the standard lights for fish tanks (the ones that come with the fresh water kits). Get the basic test kits - ammonia, pH and nitrites. Start your cycle with a raw shrimp. When the ammonia and nitrites are zero - add a fish or two that are reef safe.

As money become available, buy the skimmer and cured living rock. This can be spread out over as many months as you need. Finally upgrade your lighting.

Now add the reef test kits - calcium. alk, nitrates and phosphates.

Now you are ready to add corals.

Vickie

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75 gal cichlid tank
200 gal reef