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Nano Reef Aquarium Size

What on earth is considered a Nano reef aquarium? How small is often a nano reef aquarium? Is my aquarium to big as a nano?

Fundamental essentials questions you can always come across when reading a nano reef forum. I wouldn't believe there exists a definite response to this, I actually do however personally feel that anything over 20 gallons isn't a nano and 15 gallons is pushing it.

I think, an accurate nano, in every single sense on the word is up to 10-12 gallons (excluding a sump).

Can a nano reef aquarium be as successful as larger tanks?

Yes, even more so. An important element in keeping any reef aquarium is water quality. You can have the fanciest lights, the "best" additives, etc, if your water quality is not just right, you will not have a very healthy reef. The easiest way to take care of optimal water quality is performing water changes. Since nano's have such low water volume, one can possibly perform 50% water changes weekly without even pulling a sweat!

Everything you could might need to maintain your nano reef aquarium is salt and an RO-DI unit! Yes, you will still need the obvious items like lighting, temp control, water movement, food, etc, however you will not really need any type of filtration. No protein skimmer, no carbon reactor, no phosphate reactor and no mechanical filtration either. You will most probably not just be concerned about dosing for calcium, alkalinity nor magnesium!

But why, how?

Easy, you'll get Everything required from a simple water change! Remember, you then have a 10 gallon tank. Although you may mix a 5 gallon bucket of fresh salt mix weekly, you will be changing out roughly 50% of your water. A 50% water change will most defiantly replenish any calcium, alkalinity and magnesium and it will also remove every one of the "bad stuff" which a skimmer or sump can have removed!

The one issue We have with large 50%+ water changes is they could drastically alter your water chemistry. This may be ok for just a fish only tank, however , if you could have any kind of coral, I would NOT suggest it. What you are able do is mix your 5 gallon bucket of fresh salt once every seven days BUT change a few gallons each time, say every couple of days. By doing this you'll still obtain the benefit of a 50% water change weekly without shocking your corals with any drastic changes.

Important note** Maintain mixed saltwater covered to defend it from stuff getting back in and minimize evaporation. Whether it evaporates, your salt mix will probably be comprised. Since you are probably already aware, salt isn't going to evaporate, only water does.

Enjoy your nano reef aquarium and happy reefing.