New tank setup help

I am interested in setting up a small 3 to 5 gallon coral tank only. I know nothing about this, would appreciate input.

 

Do you have experience keeping coral at all? 3 gallons in relatively small. Water params will be tuff to maintain. not impossible tho, there are a few ppl on here whom have done it succussfully.

What kind of corals you wanna keep? Your gonna need to get a light as well that can keep coral, a par bulb would prolly be your best bet.

 

Welcome to 3reef.

Are you new to the hobby?

The thing with picos (anything under 6 gallons) is the parameter swings. The evaporation can be an issue with swings in the specific gravity. An ATO (automatic top off ) is really a must with a coral dominate one. Heat issues also present a challenge.

Do you plan on stony corals or soft or a mixed reef?

 

Yes new to it all. Have always had planted tanks, cichlid tanks etc. but wanted to do a small Nano tank of some sort reef related. Our LFS closed last year so it will all have to be done Internet only. It may be something that I might should put on hold until I can afford a bigger tank. You guys let me know. Ty

 

May i suggest you run over to a local Petco and pick up a 20 gallon tank. Theyre having a sale till monday here in florida where its only $1 per gallon. that will give you a tad more room to work with, while still allowing you to be small...

 

Personally I would start with a nano AIO ( all in one) if you desire to have a smaller set up.

Bigger is always better, but nano's are common and practical.

Some name brands are.

NanoCube
BioCube
Solana
Cardiff

Start with the soft corals first and some hardy inverts, believe it or not once the tank completes it's initial cycle soft corals and hardy inverts are easier then most salt water fish IMO.

Marinedepot.com and liveaquaria.com are good places to window shop.

 

Thanks to both of you for suggestions. I have a 20 gallon not being used but thought it might be a little big to start with.

 

If big you mean by available space then that's unfortunate. But as far as size wise there is no such thing as too big. Well too big for it budget but in this hobby bigger truly is better. More water more stability across the board.

 

And let me elaborate a little more. I had a 55 gallon cichlid tank that had dead rocks in it as places for them to play and hide. I love the look of live rock with wanted to do something with just sand, rock...maybe a few corals but nothing fancy just enough to satisfy my taste.