STEP by STEP Nano Reef GUIDE
Nano Reef
Find the perfect tank
Choose your size and your budget through our help and info guide
Find your reef pets
Consider what reef creatures you want, which are compatible, and the ones you can keep
Cryptocentrus cinctus
Thor amboinensis
Hymenocera elegans
Cryptocentrus cinctus
Welcome to NanoAquatic
Here you will find all the essential information to start your own nano aquarium. Before we move on to the guide section, read below and first consider your ideal tank size, sump or no sump and if you want a full reef setup or fish only. Each section will explain roughly how much certain items will cost so keep in mind what your budget is.
-R&A
#1 Tank Size
want more filtration?
#2 Sump or no sump
DIY Sump
DIY method is the most affordable way to keep a sump if you wish to have extra biofiltration. With more water volume, extra beneficial bacteria and small critters to break down wastes, you can add more fish and inverts.
Hang-on Sump
Hang-on back refugiums doesnt add much extra water volume as other methods but it is still great to keep chaetomorpha, rubble rock and copepods as well as hiding your mini skimmer and heater.
Brand Sump
You can choose from various different companies that makes sumps, but this route might be costly. You also might not find your right size to fit the bottom of your tank. With that said, if it works, it's hassle free.
#3 Reef or fish only
Fish Only
Great thing about the saltwater hobby is that you can significantly lower your cost and still make your tank look nice and simple. This particular tank pictured is sumpless, skimmerless and has an inexpensive light.
Reef Setup
Reef can be both affordable and extremely expensive at the same time. Depending on the size of your tank and your willingness to spend on equipments as well as high end corals costs vary greatly.
Other things to consider for your budget...
SAND
Recommended
PROS:
-
Looks better
-
Extra biological filtration
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You can get burrowing creatures such as gobies, pistol shrimps, etc.
CONS:
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You really do need creatures to sift through your sand.
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Unwanted stuff building up making your tank look ugly if not cared for
NO SAND
Not Recommended
PROS:
-
Do not have to hassle with getting creatures to sift through your sand
-
Looks clean, easy to siphon wastes
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Can increase water flow without sand dunes
CONS:
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Looks unnatural
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Does not provide the extra biological filtration
