Nano salt water aquarium?

Question

I have always had freshwater aquariums, but have recently been looking into getting a nanocube or similar small saltwater. I have read that different kinds of articles saying that clownfish are good choices for a nano, but other than that nothing else. I'll either get a 3gallon picotope, a 6gallon nanocube, or a 12gallon nanocube. Can anyone make suggestions on what would be good to put in each of them? I like the idea of shrimp, small bright fish (I really do like clown fish), anemones, or any little interesting creature.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I'd agree it's best to get your marine feet wet sort of speak with a much larger tank and focus more on fish and less on inverts to begin with. The problem with smaller tanks is that stability is the key in marine aquaria. This basically means a stable Specific Gravity, stable pH, stable temperatures and nutrient control (food sources, dead or decaying hitchhikers on uncured live rock, phosphate control, silicate control, nitrate control, etc)

The introduction of even soft corals will mean an increase in your budget as you will have to invest in proper lighting to provide for the needs of the corals (and then find a way to deal with the increase in heat that comes from those very same lights).

I'd agree with the other poster, start with at least 55 gallons and build from there. As you gain more and more knowledge on keeping marine aquaria, you can begin to experiment with slightly smaller tanks. (I'd leave the pico's to all but the most experienced).

Tons of information can be found at wetwebmedia.com

Answer 2

Get the biggest tank you can afford with saltwater. It's easier to make mistakes in smaller tanks, plus it's harder to maintain water chemistry in smaller tanks.

A Clownfish isn't really suitable for nano tanks under 20 gallons. In a 12 gallon, you could have a Clown Goby and a couple of invertebrates. There's not too many other fish choices in a 6 gallon; all you could keep is inverts.

The easiest beginner coral is Xenia: http://www.centralpets.com/animals/fish/...

http://www.fishlore.com/profile-pulsingx...

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_...

They're also very fun to watch and can be colorful under the correct lighting.

Some Shrimp that I would recommend are Peppermint Shrimp, Cleaner Shrimp, Camel Shrimp, Boxer Shrimp, and s**y Shrimp (yes that's the real name). They're all easy to care for and relatively peaceful.

I could go on and on listing invertebrates that would be easy for a beginner, but first thing I have to say is do your research. Saltwater is very time-consuming and costly, and 1 small mistake could cost you the whole tank.

E-mail me for any questions!