Super small Reef

[alexwolf]

Is anyone currently running a super small reef?3-6 gals? If so, what setup are you using? Wanted to get something for work, but needs to be small and wondering if it is even possible.

[MikeP]

Alex - I have a minibow 7 thats sort of decked out. It is a bit too large for a work aquarium but there are some really nice tanks I've seen as small as a gallon - basically if you can do without fish you have a lot more flexibility - mine is a couple of shrimp, 2 hermits , a few snails , tons of zooanthids and a tube anemone.

check out www.nano-reef.com if you want to see some mind bogglingly good tanks in that size range.

[alexwolf]

what iks your setup? Do you have a skimmer? I dont think 7 is too small for work......it may be a good size

[TexasState]

Here's my old 5 gallons Eclipse system:
[IMG]http://www.swt.edu/~xp42012/2003/5g-bowfront.jpg[img]

[alexwolf]

was the lighting sufficient? What equipment? Skimmer?

[TexasState]

I was only growing low light stuff (mushrooms, GSP.) The zooanthid should've been dead, but that particular morph is used to low light I guess. No skimmer(weekly water change.) You should need a power head too. If this is your first tank, you probably shoud not be messing with a nano tank.

[TexasState]

I was using the OEM 8 Watts T5 light bulb. You might be able to find a PC retro kit for the Eclipse tank. I like the Eclipse for small tank b/c it keeps the water evaporation down. Keeping up with the water evaporation can be a pain for small tank.

[Gin_Tseng]

Check this guy;s nano 2.5g out.

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/showthread.php?s=c8c8533b4be3a009bc7d91fe2eac0908&threadid=10233

He just added a 70w metal halide and I am tempted to do the same thing.

[MikeP]

Alex - I just upgraded the lights from mine from 32 to 96 watts and going with a DIY fuge instead of CPR one - will post some pics tomorrow after it clears up a bit so you can get an idea of size

- Gin/Steve - I caught that mantis and have him in a escape proof tank atm if you still want him, otherwise I'm going to turn him loose in my refugium.

[Tim Marvin]

Cute.