Top Tip: You also won’t need one of the larger filters and can use a nano protein skimmer and hang-on-back filter instead. You’ll just use a powerhead or wavemaker to keep the flow rate adjusted and working well for your tank. Specifically, you don’t need a sump in most situations. Nanos Don’t Usually Require Sump Pumpsīecause a nano tank is a more bare-bones operation, you don’t need as much equipment to keep your tank flowing and happy. They’re easier to tear down and move from one location to another, which can be a great selling point for anyone who’s renting but planning to “move up” in the real estate world soon. If you expect to move anytime in the next year or two, a nano tank is also a better bet for your home. Nano aquariums are Easier to Break Down and Move They require additional equipment, but not as hefty equipment as a full-size reef tank does. The larger volume of water admittedly adds stability to the environment.īut they’re pretty pricey to purchase, set up and maintain.Ī nano reef tank is much more suitable to a smaller budget, though they’re still more expensive than a freshwater tank. Many experts recommend beginner aquarists should start with a tank between 30 and 75 gallons in size. Nano aquariums are Less Expensive than Larger Saltwater Aquariums But here are some of the more in-depth reasons you want to consider a nano reef. They’re small, beautiful, and convenient for folks in tight spaces. Top Tip: I don’t recommend a 5-gallon tank Pico or Micro reef tank for beginners, however, as these are even more delicate and won’t be nearly as versatile for the types of fish you might want to keep. There are technically two kinds of nano aquariums.Ī true nano reef tank, which is anything smaller than 40 gallons (though debates rage on what exactly constitutes a “nano” tank), and a Pico reef tank, which is 5-gallons or smaller. no Clown Triggerfish or Eels – that thrive in a small aquarium that fits neatly into small spaces. They’re smaller in size – gallons of water included – and have smaller critters – i.e. They include everything that a larger saltwater aquarium holds, just on a much smaller scale. Super great lighting system with sunrise, sunset, moonlight, and daylight settingsīasically, a nano reef tank is a tiny bit of ocean that can fit on your desk.Extremely attractive small saltwater aquarium set up.

Wavemaker for nano reef