Unanticipated benefit of a nano tank

[Fishport]

Some of you may have been like myself, and started a nano tank for economy of funds and space. In my case it was also my first marine tank.

But now that I am just starting my second year there are some additional benefits I've discovered from keeping a nano tank-

• 
  Ability to observe small, shy animals close up

• Need to develop an understanding of coral compatibility due to unavoidable proximity

• Similalry, the need to learn fish species compatibility and habitat zones to develop a harmonious co-existence,

• Fish behavior is a more enduring observational pleasure than physical dazzle.

• Having constraints can lead to better aquascaping design.

It is very satisfying to observe a variety of marine organisms habitating this little world in a manner that is not fret with bullying behavior or fish "pacing" the tank to and fro.

So what unanticipated benefits did you find from developing your nano tank?

Ralph

 

[reefstarter]

Very Cool !!! I still don't have the time for a nano though . them tanks is haaaaaarrrdd to keep up with

 

[dz6t]

Once your significant other see how pretty a nano tank is, it is much easier to get what you really want, a 1000g diving pool.

 

[dz6t]

Finding Nemo is easy in a nano tank, it is right at you face.
Of course, all drains lead to cesspool instead of the ocean...

 

[Marshall O]

They make great QT for smaller fish I have been using my Evolve 8 as a QT for over a year now. Once I no longer need it for this purpose, I plan to stock it with some nano inverts, such as Sexy Shrimp and Pom Pom Crab.

 

[Fishport]

A great little fish for a nano tank is a barnacle blenny. It's idea of sufficient space is a shell. But it has a geat face and dazzling speed when it spots food flowing nearby. Here's a video I made of it feeding-
[video]http://s29.photobucket.com/user/FishportNH/media/BlennyontheMove_zps591be39a.mp4.html?o=12[/video]

 

[Overlook reef]

Ralph

I could not agree more. Although I wish I had more space, time and money( obviously a larger tank!), I have enjoyed watching the smaller environment more than I anticipated. I also find in challenging in its own way. (being creative in fitting too much coral in a small area and the fact conditions can change very quickly)

P.S. Your tank looks great!

 

[mountaineer]

A great little fish for a nano tank is a barnacle blenny. It's idea of sufficient space is a shell. But it has a geat face and dazzling speed when it spots food flowing nearby. Here's a video I made of it feeding-
[video]http://s29.photobucket.com/user/FishportNH/media/BlennyontheMove_zps591be39a.mp4.html?o=12[/video]

That's a cool video. BTW, what kind of goby is that?

 

[Fishport]

That's a cool video. BTW, what kind of goby is that?

Glad you enjoyed the video. It's a barnacle blenny and black ray goby. See credits in video for scientific names.

Maybe I would add a renewed nterest in photography to my list of beneifts. zbut that's probably true from starting any size tank.
Now if I hadn't spent my play money on an aquarium I could upgrade from a cell phone camera...

 

[Flame Angel]

Nice! I needed a little laugh today.

 

[reefstarter]

Love the video music was perfect

 

[Fishport]

Thanks, how's your "magnum' tank doing?

 

[reefstarter]

They,.... Are doing hreat

 

[dakar652]

I've never had anything larger than a nano for saltwater, but I think I'm pretty set on keeping small systems as I enjoy watching every small thing grow...fish, coral, shrimp. If I had a larger setup, I think it would also make it a lot easier for me to become complacent and forget about the needs of each individual species.

The best part of this hobby is the learning experience I get from each and every new organism in my tank.

 

[jdeb101]

A great little fish for a nano tank is a barnacle blenny. It's idea of sufficient space is a shell. But it has a geat face and dazzling speed when it spots food flowing nearby. Here's a video I made of it feeding-
[video]http://s29.photobucket.com/user/FishportNH/media/BlennyontheMove_zps591be39a.mp4.html?o=12[/video]

Wow I've never seen one of those feeding. Man they are fast!

 

[Fishport]

Dakar652
"The best part of this hobby is the learning experience I get from each and every new organism in my tank."

I strongly agree. I believe having a small tank has made me focus more closely on the need of each organism rather than obtaining and running hardware. Perhaps it is knowing that you don't have the margin of error provided by a larger volume of water that motivates you towards caution and patience. I also give major credit to getting excellent advice from SaltwaterB, one of our sponsor LFS owners.

I would add that when you get to the point of realizing there are not many locations left to place a new coral, it creates a mixed reaction. Mainly you feel more relaxed and not so anxious to respond to every opportunity to pick up a coral at a meeting or when visiting the LFS. Yes, it is always exciting to acquire a new coral, but now it feels more thoughtful and deliberate.

Since this was my first and only tank, I did not limit myself to creating an accurate biotope, but I could see how nano tanks would allow you to experiment in duplicating more accurate ecosystems limited to species that would be found together in nature. The catalina goby is a fish I could see worth developing a specific ecosytem around even though the tank bred specimans are apparently more tolerant of tropical reef temperatures.

The other benefit of a nano tank (mine is 16 gallons) is that buying R/O and pre-mixed saltwater is very economical and avoids the need to invest the time and space for water treatment and mixing facilities at home.

 

[sumant19]

I dont know if anyone already posted this --- one benefit of nano systems if for the folks who rent (like myself)... landlords generally have no objections for smaller systems..

 

[Steviereefs]

I dont know if anyone already posted this --- one benefit of nano systems if for the folks who rent (like myself)... landlords generally have no objections for smaller systems..

Yes I agree big time this was partly why I decided to go smaller I can imagine my landlord walking in with a 75 sitting there with salt creep on the back .