The Nano Saltwater Aquarium: Beautiful and Enjoyable in the Smallest Sense

The craze in the marine hobby, these days, has been dramatic and for good reason. Advancements in equipment and technology, awareness of the hobby, color, behavior, personality and diversity of animals and the increased success that marine aquarists have been receiving, all attribute to this explosion. These features are only skimming the surface as I could go on and on about the merits and reasons for the marine hobby's success and popularity. There was a time when it seemed like the smallest tank size was a 10 gallon tank and aquarists quickly frowned upon that size tank in honor of selecting larger tanks of 30, 55, 75, 90, 125, 220 gallons and beyond instead, because of the splash they could make with a much bigger aquarium. Lately, small aquariums, or Nano aquariums have become very popular. Either due to space constraints, financial difficulties, as a way of acclimating oneself into the world of saltwater without going all out or experimenting with the creation of a specialized tank, a nano tank makes perfect sense.

A nano tank is normally associated with a tank under 10 gallons and can go as small as a gallon and a half, which I can attest to, since I have one that size. Obviously you are somewhat limited to the bioload and what you can do with a small size aquarium, but all it takes is a little creativity and visualization to create a nano sized scale representation of a piece of the reef found in the wild.

One of the most difficult things to remember is that with a nano tank, problems and other variables can develop quicker than with a larger aquarium. Salinity spikes, temperature swings, alkalinity and pH fluctuations, accumulation of dissolved organic or particulate matter and nutrient buildup are just a few of the more prevalent variables that can plague a smaller aquarium as opposed to a larger one. Attempts to correct problems with water parameter issues need to really be monitored and maintained with any kind of corrections being down over a longer period of time than would happen with a larger tank. Basically what you have here is a tank that is like viewing under a microscope, where the smallest things can pose big problems. This kind of tank is not as forgiving as a larger tank. Decreased water volume and surface area equals a quicker response to spotting potential problems. Taking an aggressive approach to problems regarding water parameter issues and you run the risk of opening up another can of worms(fish stress, death of fish, invertebrates and coral) or over compensating which could lead to a viscous cycle as you try to create stable parameters.

Nano tanks can make a wonderful, beautiful and rewarding aquarium for aquarists wishing to either get involved in the marine hobby or aquarists wishing to branch off and possibly create a different biotope or a specialized tank housing such animals as a mantis shrimp, lobster, soft coral or zoanthid tank. What you do and how you decide to go about creating this unique habitat for housing living animals is up to you. Just remember that what holds true for larger tanks, also holds true for nano tanks and that is to be aware of husbandry and compatibility requirements. If you plan on maintaining corals, please be conscious of the fact that some species of corals can grow and overtake other coral species. Moreover, corals have varying means of defense and ways to ensure they can grow in surrounding areas. Nematocysts, toxins in their body and mucus housing stinging cells and chemicals to ward off or even kill neighboring corals that the mucus makes contact with.

I guess the main point in whether or not one should delve into setting up a nano tank is to be knowledgeable about problems that can occur, sooner than with larger aquariums, and how to deal with each unique situation. It is definitely going to be easier for an experienced aquarist to maintain a nano tank, but that doesn't mean that a novist can't have the same success.

A nano tank can be a great addition to any room, focal point or a reflection of an existing aquarium. The small size affords this type of aquarium to be placed almost anywhere, such as desk top, TV stand, computer table, dresser or counter top. You can literally set up a nano tank for under $100.00,which from an affordability standpoint, won't break the bank.

Take the time do do some research as to what road you want to take regarding setting up a nano tank. Glass or acrylic tank, size and dimensions of the nano, type of lighting, filtration as well as how you want to set it up and livestock you plan on maintaining. Again remember that due to smaller constraints less is more for the best chance of success and enjoyment while minimizing nutrients.

Enjoy this rewarding and beautiful hobby and best wishes to you if a nano tank is in your future or you have one already.