Using Nano fish tank aquariums

When we think of aquariums, we think of maintenance that are relatively easy to maintain. However, a nano fish tank requires a bit more maintenance.

Should you start a nano reef aquarium?

A nano reef aquarium can be a smaller system or a larger one. In some cases, it’s recommended that especially if you’re a beginner, you start with a larger tank, such as one that’s at least 24 gallons. Smaller systems can also literally “tank” very fast, whereas a larger tank gives you a bit more leeway when it comes to maintenance. This may be advisable if you’re just starting out.

Investment

In general, a nano reef is probably going to cost you a bit MORE than another type of system will, although your final investment will probably be less once you get going. Coral collecting is probably going to be a bit pricier for you, which may up the cost of the nano reef if this is something you get into.

Are they difficult to keep up?

Nano fish tank aquariums are not really difficult keep up once you know what you’re doing. However, you should research thoroughly so that you know what you’re getting into before you decide to start one. As long as you follow a regular maintenance schedule, you’ll need between 5 and 10 minutes a day to keep to keep things functioning on most days; you also have to be careful about any additions you make to your aquarium, as this can upset the balance you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Change your water frequently

Nitrates can build up very quickly in a small body of water, so you have to make sure you keep your water changes up.

What fish or other creatures can you put in your nano reef?

Some good hearty fish for beginners are the pajama cardinals, cardinals, clown gobies, royal grammas, fire fish, pseudochromis, most damsels and basslets. “Clean up” creatures include hermit crabs like red legs and left-handed, astrea snails and turbo snails. You should have a snail for every one to 2 gallons your tank holds, and one crap for every three to 5 gallons. Cleaner shrimp are also good because they will clean your fish of parasites and will help your other “clean up” creatures do their jobs, too.

What coral should I keep?

You can pretty much keep any type of coral, but some will need more light than other kinds. Be careful about coral that puts out sweeper tentacles, because it may affect other coral negatively. Don’t overdo the coral, either, because the coral needs enough room to grow.

Sterilization

Using a UV sterilizer is recommended to keep “bad bacteria” down, or, you can buy an aquarium with a built in wet dry filter. The polycarbonate cover should be left in place over the lights so that UV transmission is properly done. You should still use a UV sterilizer. Cured live rock broken up into 1-inch fragments is also a good way to purify.

Finally, change water and check water regularly, including alkali reserve, if necessary. In a nano aquarium, water characteristics change quickly, so you have to keep on top of this.

Filtration is important

For a good marine aquarium, you need good filtration. Filtration turnover should be at least four times per tank per hour, with in tank circulation at eight times an hour, at least. Live rock also performs its own filtration.

Models

Some good models for nano fish tank aquariums include the TRUVU Micro Series NANO Model 6, Model 12, or Model 25 fish tank aquariums. These particular models have easy to remove filtration systems and room for protein skimmers, for easy maintenance.

It is amazing that the history of aquariums goes back more than 2000 years! People have over that time used ‘aquariums’ for science, religious significance, and of course for pets The Romans were the first to place Sea-Barbels in their homes and contained them within small marble tanks. Over time, they designed these small tanks with glass panes on one side of the containers to allow for better viewing of the fish. Millennia then passed before the Chinese reinvented these tanks into tub shapes and then they were gradually reformed by other people into the shape of the modern fishbowl that we know today. As more time passed, other designs were invented and during the Industrial Age, the modern fish tank aquariums first came into being.

Getting started

Undoubtedly the main reason people have aquariums and place all kinds of fish in them these days is for the purpose of their hobby. However one does not just go and buy a whole lot of different fish and throw them all in together! You need to research the kind of fish that’ll fit perfectly in your aquarium because if you have no idea how big it’s going to get, then you’ll be in trouble. You will also have to ask the fish store owner the possibility of the fish frightening the other fish or especially if they have a penchant for bullying them. It happens, and sometimes they actually prey on them. Choosing the right group for your aquarium is very important. Never hesitate to ask the fish clerk’s opinion to make sure that the fish can all live comfortably with one another within the same habitat. Ask other people who have fish tank aquariums too. Their insight can be helpful especially when it comes to the feeding requirements of a particular fish.

Know the trade

However, not all fish clerks are up to scratch with their knowledge of aquarium fish. Most pet stores that have aquariums employ people who do not have a clue about fish! Privately owned stores (usually the smaller ones) tend be more intimate with this craft and are generally helpful, and not to mention the fact that you can probably bargain with them if a particular fish that attracts you sounds a bit high priced. Also, if it’s possible, bring a large sample of your own water (in a clean jar) that you plan to use for the fish and ask them to test yours and their water right in front of you. See how much different the two samples are (compare the nitrate, pH, and ammonia readings) to make necessary changes for acclimating your desired fish to your own water.

Finally, there are a number of other things you need to know that can be helpful when choosing the right fish for your aquariums. Take your time when choosing a fish. Observe it if it looks healthy or weak. Make sure it isn’t too aggressive and note its body characteristics. And also, don’t forget about the plants in your aquarium. Try to copy the plant variety and placement of the store’s fish tank aquariums to make it easier for your new fish to settle in. Armed with all this knowledge, one can be ready to go out and confidently buy the fish of your heart’s desire.

When you decide that you want to have your own aquarium fish tanks, one of the most important things that you need to control for your fish is the temperature of the water. One of the primary parameters for the watery environment of your fish is water temperature, and aquarium heaters serve to keep the water temperatures stable. Aquarium heaters are a must to be sure that fish tank water temperatures are stable.

Seasonal fluctuations do effect the water temperature of many natural fish habitats, so many fish species do have a degree of tolerance to fluctuations in water temperatures. But with aquarium-raised tropical fish, it is best to use aquarium heaters to keep the temperatures from fluctuating too much.

aquarium heaters
Aquarium heaters are simple and basic devices that generate heat so that proper water temperatures can be maintained in fish tanks. An aquarium heater is actually comprised of two components: the heating element and the thermostat. This allows you to have control over the device and set the correct temperature for the type of fish you have in your tropical fish tank.

Just like the thermostat in your home, the thermostat on aquarium heaters can be set to pre-determined settings for temperature. When the water temperature dips below the thermostat setting, the heating element will turn on to bring the water back to the temperature zone desired for your tropical aquarium habitat. As the temperature of the water rises, the thermostat will also disengage the heating element when the water reaches the proper temperature.

The most common of aquarium heaters use a long glass tube, similar to the shape of a cigar, to house the heating element and the thermostat. Typically the heating element is located at the bottom area of the tube while the thermostat is placed above and is closer to the surface of the tropical aquarium water.

fish aquariums
Aquarium heaters come in a number of different wattage ranges. The wattage of the aquarium heater will determine how much heat can be generated. Of course, this output capacity effects how much aquarium water will be effectively heated, so you must choose the right heater for the size of your tropical fish tank.

There are guidelines printed on the packaging to help you choose the right aquarium heater for your situation. For larger tropical aquariums you may need to utilize two or more aquarium heaters.

It is very important to select high quality aquarium heaters because if they malfunction, the water in your tropical fish tank could either overheat or become too cold. Such drastic changes in the temperature of the tropical fish marine environment can create disastrous consequences for the population of tropical fish in your care.

Recently some of the high-end aquarium heaters have begun to offer five year guarantees, which are effective if the unit is used according to manufacturer specifications and guidelines.

tropical fish aquarium
But, no matter how long the warranty on an aquarium heater unit is good for, it needs to be understood that the manufacturer will only replace the heater if it stops working correctly. No matter what type of guarantee the aquarium heater manufacturer offers, it should be understood that the guarantee does not cover any loss of fish in your aquarium if the heater fails, but only guarantees replacement of the heater itself.