Questions on New Nano for my Office - First Try!

I am a salt water newbie, but rather experienced at fresh water nanos, having successfully run a 6 gallon planted Fluval Edge for about a year in my office. I want to branch out to a salt water tank in the next year, preferably also at some kind of Nano size, perhaps 20-30 gallons max. I have been reading quite a bit during the past year, and watching a wide variety of web videos.



Given this, I have some questions to ask of the forum:


What sort of suggestions do you have for a sleek, self contained nano tank? I am thinking seriously about this tank, and wonder if you have any input.


I would like the tank to be minimal maintenance, involving several soft corals, and a minimal fish population (clean up crew, blenny, and a clown fish pair) – so, I am wondering what set up or population will guarantee me minimal water changes? As the tank will be in my office, with minimal water supplies close by, is the possible? Please say yes.


What kind of sand would you recommend? I have been told a live sand with the consistency of sugar is best, and would like further input or clarification on this.


What sort of manufacturer dead rock would you recommend? I have learned enough to know that live rock is not such a hot idea, and would like further feedback on this.


Water! I have bottled water for drinking (Sparkletts) delivered to the office, and I am wondering if this would work for the initial set up – does it count as a form of RO water?


Any other tips or ideas, given the office setting would be greatly appreciated. Also, I am hoping that the small fish population can go each weekend without feeding, as my freshwater friends seem to do just fine!



Let me know.


Thanks in advance!

 

Like the tank. Water changes are essential. Two days without food not such a good idea. Buy premixed saltwater from a lfs. Live sand good idea. Live rock and dead rock both have their pros and cons. Dead rock– hitch hikers like algae or pests. Live rock-no good hitch hikers like beneficial organisms or coral.

 

how about a bio cube 29 gallon?

 

Cad lights will beat any nano cube or bio cube, I like 20 gallon high tanks too.

 

That Cadlights nano 39 would be an excellent choice. I like AIO tanks with compartment in the back for filtration. Keeps it all simple. You can stick some macro algae back their like chaetomorpha. If there is space, a small skimmer such as the Hydor slim skim would be great as well.

Most fish can last a day or two without fish just fine. When I had my angel fish, I only fed every other day. And sometimes I forgot. But the fish was fine. When i get my yellow stripe clingfish, I don't plant o fed everyday either.

Edit: just realized that cadlights kit comes with a skimmer. That's excellent.

 

cadlights all the way, outcompetes biocube and nano cube in absolutely every area, quality, lighting, filtration.

 

Welcome to 3reef.

 

This situation worries me a little after having my cube. With a tank that small, when something goes wrong it happens fast. Being away for two full days every week seems to be asking for it at least in the beginning. Saltwater is way more maintenance than a freshwater.

 

im sure he would be able to just check up on his tank during the weekend. they are not as unstable as many say. you just need to stock them responsibly. and do routine maintenance responsibly.