nano question.....water stability

[SSUNGYO]

im guessing that a 30 gallon borderlines nano reef aquariums but i just had to ask. Is it hard to keep the water balanced in a 30 gallon? i just got into the whole saltwater reef hobby.....and YES YES i have converted from freshwater! I am amazed by the variety of livestock and the beauty of saltwater, and i am taking things slow and im trying to make it right. I just want to know if its a hassle to keep the water in pristine conditions. thanx guys for your help! i really appreciate it!

SSUNGYO

[steve1s]

A 30g would most likely be in the mini reef catagory rather than nano. They can still be equally as challenging though. ;)

The smaller the tank, the less forgiving of mistakes. Planning the future inhabitants and set up are paramount to their success. Smaller tanks require smaller bio loads and types of fish should be seriously considered, if at all.

The best way to maintain smaller tanks is via water changes. Trying to chemically control the water could easily lead to disaster and should be avoided until you are stronger in the hobby. Even then, you will find it's not that advantageous.

I have a 27g that I find is much easier to maintain through simple water changes than anything else.

I chose to stock lightly and rely more on interesting invertebrates rather than fish for activity in the tank. A breeding pair of peppermint shrimp with their young providing a natural food source as I will eventually be turning towards clams & SPS with this tank. A coral banded shrimp, bi-color blenny and an engeneering goby. Smaller tanks will fair much better when docile animals are considered. Without aggressive fish in the tank, shrimp and other colorful invertebrates will be very active throughout the day.

I also find that leaving the tank running for much longer will ensure stability before you begin stocking it with main animals that will inhabit the tank. A few snails and other small inverts for algae control along with a single fish for the first few months at least will do wonders.

Cheers
Steve

[HoopsGuru]

I started with a 30g, and if you put enough time into research...I don't find it any harder than its larger counterparts. For that matter, I don't find my 10g any harder than my 30g either. With each one you just have to learn and understand the basic dynamics of what occurs when you have a smaller water volume. For example, water evaporation is much more critical in a small tank because there is not as much water to begin with. Thus, you have to top off the tank fairly often on small tanks to keep parameters from changing.

Other than that, as Steve mentioned, you just have to tailor the livestock to the tank. This seems much of a no-brainer to me anyway. If a fish is not recommended for anything smaller than a 55g, then it is obviously inappropriate for a anything smaller. :wink:

There are tons of fish that stay small and are just as interesting. You could have a docile reef as explained above, or even go with several species of leaf fish (Taenianotus triacanthus) for a cool predator reef tank. I currently keep a pair of percula clowns, a bangaii cardinalfish, and a royal gramma in a 30g with a cleanup crew, skunk cleaner, and peppermint shrimp.

Just keep in mind that a small tank really only requires one major emphasis....commitment (knowledge, attention, etc.). But these reasons should also be the same ones why you want to join in the hobby too.

[SSUNGYO]

Thanx so much guys for the help! I really appreciate it! Now i have one last question...what do you all mean by "TOP OFF"? Are you just saying i need to keep water level at the top? Im a little confused...anyone care to elaborate? THANX!

[steve1s]

Top off means the water you replace from evaporation. Something you will need to do almost daily depending on the size of tank. The smaller the more frequent.

Keep in mind that as the water evaporates the salinity of the water increases and if left to get too low can cause you problems, something to keep up on. Always add fresh unsalinated water, the salt does not evaporate with the water. Good source water is very important. If tap/well water is not sufficiently pure, RO/Di water would be your best bet.

Cheers
Steve

[RazerCorals]

Personally I do not find smaller tanks harder than larger tanks. This is primarly because I am experienced in keeping livestock. Bigger tanks were really just a big maintenance project for me. With my nano it's very easy to maintain. Evaporates like mad cause of my single halide which will be dual 175 in about 4-5 days.

Saying with how easy it is to keep water stable in a 30 there should be no problems if you have the proper equipment. Here is my ideal situation, and what I have now. LS, LR, Nassarius Snails. That's pretty much what keeps my tank running smoothly. The LS and LR help with the biological part, while the snails keep algae and detrius in order. I constantly chemical dose, because I don't do water changes. I only top off the evaporated water.