| So what is the difference between a regular reef | | | | Nano tanks need a lot of water movement because |
| tank and a nano reef tank? A nano reef tank just | | | | of their small amount of surface area. Using a sump in |
| refers to the size of the tank, usually being smaller | | | | a nano setup would help a lot in temperature and |
| than 20 gallons. | | | | nutrient buffering abilities of the tank, but it is rarely |
| So what is the point of a nano reef tank? Well one | | | | used. Sumps just add to the intricacy of the tank |
| good answer is that it is relatively cheap. It would | | | | which defeats the simplicity of nano tanks in the first |
| cost you less than a couple hundred dollars for one. | | | | place. |
| They can be placed almost anywhere, and are easy | | | | Maintaining the water quality in these tanks is easy. |
| to keep. | | | | Changing such a small amount of water is easier than |
| Figuring out what you will need for lighting is tricky. | | | | larger tanks. As long as you are changing your water |
| Some say that they have three to seven watts of | | | | on a regular basis you don't need a protein skimmer, |
| light per gallon. Others just have 30 watts. Generally | | | | but it is nice to have. |
| your tank will be in better health with more light. | | | | Next you will need live rock. Since the tanks are so |
| Nano reefs need consideration in how the | | | | small you won't need much, so it is a good idea to go |
| temperature will be maintained. Having a constant | | | | for the good stuff. |
| temperature is important in a nano tank. Smaller | | | | Last but not least you can get soft or stony corals. |
| tanks will be more susceptible to changes in | | | | You can take practically any soft coral for a nano |
| temperature compared to larger tanks. A regular fish | | | | tank. If you are going for stony corals then stick to |
| tank heater would be just fine for a nano tank. | | | | small colonies, if possible, 12". A couple good options |
| Cooling a nano tank poses more of a problem. Some | | | | are bubble, torch or elegance coral. |
| people keep their tanks in an air-conditioned room. | | | | |