One of the latest trends sweeping the aquarium hobby is the nano aquarium. Nano aquariums are simply small aquariums, typically less than 30 gallons in capacity, which offer the aquarium hobbyist a unique challenge. Nano reef aquariums in particular offer the opportunity to capture a tiny slice of marine life without the exorbitant cost of a 100-gallon saltwater tank or the time and effort involved in maintaining one. If you are thinking about starting a saltwater tank or are looking for a new adventure in the aquarium hobby, consider starting a nano reef tank.
Benefits of Nano Reef Tanks
One of the main benefits of a nano reef tank is, of course, the size. While large saltwater tanks may require a significant amount of space or even an entire room devoted to their setup and care, a nano reef tank may be small enough to sit on the corner of your desk. In addition to taking up less space than a standard marine tank, nano reef tanks can also be less expensive. It depends on the quality of the equipment you purchase and the amount and type of tank inhabitants you plan to keep, of course, but the start-up costs for a nano reef tank are generally less than that of a large saltwater tank. Another benefit of a nano reef tank is that it gives the aquarium hobbyist the unique opportunity to cultivate miniature saltwater creatures. In a large saltwater tank, small fish and invertebrates are easily lost but, in a nano reef tank, those same small creatures become the main attraction.
Level of Difficulty
You may be tempted to think that cultivating a nano reef tank is much easier than a standard saltwater tank simply because it is smaller. While some maintenance aspects may be easier to carry out with a nano tank, it is not accurate to say that nano tanks are “easier” to care for simply because they are small. In fact, the limited space and water volume of a nano tank is what makes it a challenge to maintain. Because the water volume in a nano tank is so limited, nano reef tanks are far more susceptible to changes in temperature and water quality than larger tanks. Even minor fluctuations in water parameters can quickly escalate to a major problem in a nano tank.
Another aspect of cultivating a nano tank that can present a challenge is the task of stocking the tank. Because the space is so limited in a nano reef tank it is necessary to stock the tank with small fish and invertebrates. Not only do you need limit yourself to species of fish that grow no larger than 2 or 3 inches, but you also need to think about choosing slow-growing corals that will not outgrow the nano tank environment. It is also important to select hardy species for your nano tank again because there is a greater risk for fluctuations in water quality and temperature.
Other Considerations
If you are new to the aquarium hobby, a nano reef tank may not be the best place to start. Nano reef tanks are full of unexpected challenges which, as an inexperienced aquarium hobbyist, you may not be prepared to face. That being said, any aquarium hobbyist can succeed in maintaining a nano reef tank with the proper amount of research and preparation – it is simply a matter of dedication. If you want to increase your chances of success in maintaining a healthy nano reef tank, think about placing an EcoBio-Stone S in your tank. EcoBio-Stones which are made from volcanic rock are simple and easy-to use and last for about two years. They are infused with live beneficial bacteria, living and multiplying in the stone, which will help to maintain the nitrogen cycle in your tank. The nitrogen cycle is especially important in nano tank environments and installing an EcoBio-Stone in your nano reef tank is a great way to ensure that your tank water stays clean and that your water quality remains high.