I want to start a nano reef

I was thinking about starting a 10 gallon or so nano reef. I have been looking in to getting a bio cube or an aquapod, but I dont know anything about them . All I want is something to keep a couple of small clown fish, and maybe a lawnmower blenny in with some different polyp rocks or something like that. Any ideas or suggestions would be well appreciated. Thanks Guys!

 

I'm not really a fan of the Oceanic Bio-Cube

I prefer the JBJ Nanocubes or the Current Aquapods by a longshot. However, no matter which brand I've used, I've always upgraded the standard pump.

Also, remember that fish get bigger and won't stay small forever. You'll eventually have to upgrade or lower your fish load.

 

Ive been keeping 24 gallon nanos for awhile. Here are a few things to watch for
1) Salinity changes fast, even over a course of a day evaporation will change your salinity by .001 or so
2) Ph and Alk swings are more common, along with the other common parameters, due to the small volume of water, it is hard to keep a stable equilibrium
3) Heat is an issue if you are going to run a halide light system, or an enclosed hood. My tanks run in the low 80's
4) Water changes, even with running a skimmer i still do 25% water change every two weeks to keep the water stablilized.
5) Coral fish growth, many corals and fish will outgrow a small tank. Even small fish will feel more at home in a larger tank.
6) If something goes wrong, it goes wrong FAST in a nano aquarium. You must be vigilent in keeping the system running.
7) Maintnance is almost a daily thing, water top off, check 2 - part additive dosing, clean front glass, check for corals that fell, etc. Its hard to go on 2-3 day trips without someone being willing to check on the tank.

If you are starting out I would recommend a 55 gallon or bigger, nanos aren't forgiving to beginners, but they are very neat when done correctly. Below I attached a pic of my 24 gallon nano that has been running for 2 years
Hope that helps some and doesn't put you off of the idea, but it is more demanding
Roy

 

Well I have done my homework and have decided to go with the Aquapod 12 gallon. It has better equipment, and is bigger than the biocube, for a better price. It was a no brainer. The only thing I think I'm going to add is a Koriala power head for some extra flow.

We also have a 38 gallon reef aquarium. If my fish seem a bit cramped I can always relocate them to more spacious quarters.

 

why... ;D

 

i dont believe clowns or (especially) lawnmower blennies should be kept in a 10 gallon.... i have a 10 g. myself and would feel terrible putting one in there, your pretty much limited to gobies and other really small fish.

 

I found a Sweet deal on a 14 gallon biocube so im getting one of those instead. (A 14 gallon Biocube cheaper than a 12 gallon Aquapod? Gee which one will I choose?) How would 2 little clowns fare in one of those? What about a jawfish? Dont they just kind of hang out in their hidey holes?

 

Hey Gitsie , Nanos are awesome. As stylaster mentioned they are demanding. That is why I love mine though. I love coming home to have somthing to tinker with. When you have had it running for awhile you get to know what the particular needs are on a daily basis. So it's second nature for me. Goodluck ! Keep us posted !

 

Thats exactly why Im getting mine. I want something that is just mine to tinker with as I please. ;D