Navarre
Marine Moderator
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The term nano reef is a relatively new description in the marine aquarium world. The exact definition is frequently argued, but, it is commonly accepted that a marine aquarium under 20 gallons would fall under this category. Certainly, a 20-30 gallon tank would pose similar maintenance challenges and for working purposes, these size tanks should fall under this category. The phrase nano reef should not be confused with 'mini-reef' which implies any larger coral reef aquarium at home.
Nano tanks have increased in popularity in recent years for many reasons. Some of them include:
1) Smaller size
2) Less initial startup cost (however costs over time could reach or exceed the costs of a larger tank)
3) Less volume to maintain
4) Improved marine aquarium technology to maintain a tank of this size
5) Easier access to information, web-based forums
The decision to start up a nano reef is one that should be made after doing adequate research, reading books, using forums such as this and talking to people with experience in running them. The smaller volume of the tank leaves much less room for error, however, this should not dissuade you from starting one if you have the time, patience and persistence to maintain it.
A nano reef is a marine aquarium and therefore is setup using the same scientific principals as running a larger marine tank. However, the maintenance and stocking of the tank can be quite different, hence, subsection granted within the marine area. We've all heard the phrase, "Saltwater tanks are a lot harder to keep". Well, they are, but the rewards of owning a beautiful marine tank of ANY size justify the efforts. Welcome to Nano Reefing.
Nano tanks have increased in popularity in recent years for many reasons. Some of them include:
1) Smaller size
2) Less initial startup cost (however costs over time could reach or exceed the costs of a larger tank)
3) Less volume to maintain
4) Improved marine aquarium technology to maintain a tank of this size
5) Easier access to information, web-based forums
The decision to start up a nano reef is one that should be made after doing adequate research, reading books, using forums such as this and talking to people with experience in running them. The smaller volume of the tank leaves much less room for error, however, this should not dissuade you from starting one if you have the time, patience and persistence to maintain it.
A nano reef is a marine aquarium and therefore is setup using the same scientific principals as running a larger marine tank. However, the maintenance and stocking of the tank can be quite different, hence, subsection granted within the marine area. We've all heard the phrase, "Saltwater tanks are a lot harder to keep". Well, they are, but the rewards of owning a beautiful marine tank of ANY size justify the efforts. Welcome to Nano Reefing.
