Thinking of starting a nano reef

jess128 · #1 11-12-2009, 12:32 AM

Hi everyone,
Years ago I had a 70 gallon reef aquarium. I had it for about a year and a half and realized that it was just too much money and work for a high school student. Well now I'm in university and I miss my fish. I've been thinking about starting a nano tank. I'm wondering what the cost difference is like for starting and maintaining a nano as opposed to a 70 gallon. Any advice you can give would be great, thanks!

Snaz · #2 11-12-2009, 02:48 AM

I don't have exact numbers but certainly the smaller the tank the easier it is on the wallet. Of course it all depends on what you want and how deep is your wallet. For all things nano you have to visit nano-reef.com

http://www.nano-reef.com/

gbeef · #3 11-14-2009, 02:09 AM

Ummm if you by a cube like a 12 or 14 your looking about 600.00 but Ive seen used setup's complete on the forums go for about 300.00 -200.00 and thats EVERYTHING!.

intarsiabox · #4 11-14-2009, 02:43 AM

I had a 20g reef tank and it wasn't too expensive to set up. You need a lot less live rock (which you can find on here for around $5lb), weekly water changes are only a couple of gallons so a pail of salt lasts forever, you can only keep a couple of small fish which are usually cheaper, you are limited to how many corals will fit (buy frags from here), etc. So yes, it's cheaper in these aspects but depending what you get, equipment can still be just as expensive. Some of the all in ones are nice and can be found used for good prices sometimes or you can just piece your own together. I have moved up to a 52g tank with a sump but I still miss my nano as you could get right in close and see every detail were as I find large tanks you look at the overall effect. So buy everything used and give it a try, I don't think you'll be dissappointed!

bauder1986 · #5 11-14-2009, 04:03 AM

I have a 10 gal nano, you can check it out on my profile albums. But that tank into running total now is 550.00 right now. A big chunk of that change is lighting. I went with a 150 watt MH brand new. But the tank was free! other than that half of the corals from here on canreef and other half from fish shops around alberta. I have no fish though. This tank is just a breeder for me

Best of luck in your future nano!

BlueAbyss · #6 11-14-2009, 07:01 AM

I also have a 10 gallon nano, 70W DIY metal halide. Your cost will depend on what you want / need out of your system. What sort of livestock are you planning to keep? And what size do you have space for? Some tanks are easier to 'work' with... I really wish my tank was 2" deeper front to back (it's only 10" in that dimension).