I have an empty 10-gallon glass tank. Is it possible - or rather, reasonable - to turn this into a nano reef? I've found opposing views on this. I have a 55-gallon fresh water goldfish tank and a 29-gallon freshwater angelfish tank that have been up and running for the past two years. I am very diligent with weekly water changes and vacuuming and I always understock, but I've got to wonder if a nano reef is dangerous because of the small size. Right now, room and finances do not allow for another larger tank, much as I'd love to have a big reef tank. This would also be my first attempt at saltwater, another thing I feel is not in my favor. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome!
i suggest holding off if finances are issue, if you wish to do things right and be successful. what i would do is take this time to read, read and read while saving funds. i would also look for a local reefing club to join as these are great for knowledge, cheap equipment, meeting people with the same interest and so forth.
even though the more water volume you have the better off you are, a 10 gallon reef is very possible and done all the time. fish selections are slim but there are some you can keep.
i want to say our member cody spent $500+ on his 10 gallon reef. granted you could do it alittle cheaper by buying all used equipment and getting frags off of fellow reefers. your best bet is to read anything salt water related for the time being as this will save you the most money, time, and headache in the long run.
Thanks, 1F2F. I've checked out a few books from the library and am going to borrow a few more from a friend. I'll keep up on reading for right now and then decide later on in the year if I want to go a little bigger. Right now, I am just learning about the differences between salt and fresh, since with salt there are a few more "gizmos" such as the protein skimmer, live rock, etc. My kids love reef tanks (thanks, Finding Nemo), which is why I am starting to look into them. For now, we'll just enjoy our freshwater tanks and save up for a saltwater investment. Great advice!
Those are some great articles, 1F2F! Thanks for taking the time to write all of that down. I especially like the "layman" terms; very easy to understand for the beginner. I'll post again later in the year once I've done more reading and been able to save up some finances for this.
Soxfan81, I wish you the best as you pursue saltwater! Freshwater has been a blast, and I think salt will be even more exciting.
I was going to do a 10g saltwater, but I have never done saltwater, and I don't think its right to take the live rock from the ocean. Anyway, there are a bunch of people who can give you great advice on this forum!
i dont see where someone asks if its alright to take live rock from the ocean but in every case that i know of, it is illegal as well as introducing unwanted hitch hikers, pollutants, and so forth.
Yeah, definitely save up to start a reef. Even if its small like a 10 gallon. You do not want to skimp on supplies. 2 Years ago when I began reefkeeping, I did not know how much was involved. Okay, got the tank, now I need to get the lighting, got the lighting, now the skimmer, the pumps, the rocks...it adds up quick. I remember leaving the fish store in shock when I bought my very first peice of live rock. Did I really just spend $40 for this rock? What!? Of course i hadnt really looked into how much everything was going to cost when I began my adventure....I just had alot of learning experieces :lol: Oh well, you live and you learn.
I'll look for a reef club. I live in CA's Bay Area, so there are plenty around. And I try to be a conscientious fish keeper - I prefer tank-raised pets whenever possible. Definitely not planning to grab live rock from Monterey Bay!
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