Advice on starting a small tank.

[mr_z]

Im looking to start something small like a 5 gallon reef in my parents living room. I live on the second floor in a separate apartment and my mom is always coming up to look at my tank. I'd like it nice and small because there is no room for anything big. I wanted to go buy a 5 gallon tank from petsmart and make a custom fuge on it like the bio and nano cubes have. I mave a mini jet 606 i think should be good to use. What do u guys recommend for heater? Pump? Filtration? Lighting? Livestock? How often should water changes be done? Anything else? Thanks in advance.


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[poidog]

they key to a healthy nano is frequent water changes. I have kept mine happy for 3 years with 15% water changes weekly. It gets angry if I miss a week. It will be much harder to keep the temp stable in a 5g pico.... so I would be weary of that, but it can be done.

 

[trackfast]

One way to go would be a 5G kit with a hood. Use a 50/50 bulb in it and keep and HOB filter that has media and LR rubble. Also use a mini heater that's preset for 78 degrees. As for livestock, maybe A cleaner shrimp and a snail or two.

 

[trackfast]

they key to a healthy nano is frequent water changes. I have kept mine happy for 3 years with 15% water changes weekly. It gets angry if I miss a week. It will be much harder to keep the temp stable in a 5g pico.... so I would be weary of that, but it can be done.

Definitely a lot of PWCs!

 

[BADGUS]

Try a 10-20g tank instead,will be easier to accomodate lighting and filta\ration,not to mention,a bit more stable in the temp zone.

 

[mr_z]

Thanks guys. Id like a 10 gallon but there's is literally no room for one in their living room. The spots where there is room there is sunlight hitting it most the time that's what sucks they have a bunch of windows. I was considering this fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=15493 seems good for the price but it will be a challenge. I'll let you guys know what I do


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[poidog]

The spots where there is room there is sunlight hitting it most the time t

Then no. the sun will heat up 5 gallons in minutes.

 

[DJE]

I was thinking of setup a pico tank too but for my son. I'm planning on buying this one Rene. This will be in my kitchen on the breakfast bar. This one is actually 4gal. Good luck

http://www.finnex.net/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=1&product_id=187&Itemid=61

 

[mr_z]

Yeah I saw those on eBay from finnex for way less than half that price

Sorry the one I saw is a finnex but with hob filter and 21 led light fixture. For $55 and this one u linked is same price on eBay

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[The reefer]

U should look for a 8g biocube mayb. Smaller, nice looking and it's aio. . I might b te same width as a 10 and it looks more clean

 

[mr_z]

That sounds like a good idea to but idk


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[Lil BamBam]

I have a 15 gal that you can have for FREE.. Never had water inside or any meds.

LMK

 

[mr_z]

I have a 15 gal that you can have for FREE.. Never had water inside or any meds.

LMK

id love to have it but your so far from me.

 

[Lil BamBam]

id love to have it but your so far from me.

Yes, that will be a nice drive... No problem!! Good luck with the small build. Keep us posted : )

 

[DJE]

How about this AIO? Brings everything and skimmer. Check it out. I think I'm going in this direction.
http://www.aqua-medic.com/nano.shtml

 

[mr_z]

Hmmm that sounds good but I do want to keep it as small as possible


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[DJE]

I thought the same thing but the more I thought about it, I think this will be better for keeping the nano more stable.

 

[Reclipse]

Funny.. I did the same thing.. Got momhooked and picked her up a 29gal nano..
She loves it tho!!

 

[WeePee]

imo get a small tank and a single 20k par38 LED.

heres a 3g on youtube, might give ya some ideas.
3g JBJ Picotope Test Run #2 - YouTube

 

[mr_z]

imo get a small tank and a single 20k par38 LED.

heres a 3g on youtube, might give ya some ideas.
3g JBJ Picotope Test Run #2 - YouTube

thats whay im actually considering now i looked at 8 gallon and just cant find a spot for it. that 3 gl pico is great for a small table thats in the corner of the living room.