nano tank for SPS corals

LPS, SPS and all coral chat
anglermatic
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2022 4:29 am

nano tank for SPS corals

Post by anglermatic »

Thinking about setting up a 10-gallon nano tank for SPS corals. Anyone have experience with this? Worried about stability in such a small volume.
honeycomb
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:29 pm

Re: nano tank for SPS corals

Post by honeycomb »

I've kept SPS in a 10-gallon for about a year now. Key is consistent water params, especially alkalinity. Gotta test daily, top off with RO, and dose as needed. Lighting's also crucial—I use a Kessil A160we.
flair
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:09 pm

Re: nano tank for SPS corals

Post by flair »

honeycomb wrote: Wed Jun 18, 2025 8:32 am I've kept SPS in a 10-gallon for about a year now. Key is consistent water params, especially alkalinity. Gotta test daily, top off with RO, and dose as needed. Lighting's also crucial—I use a Kessil A160we.
Yep, agree on the dosing. I'd add that flow matters too. A single Nero 3 works for me, but you might need two pumps in a 10-gallon to avoid dead spots.
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willie32
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Re: nano tank for SPS corals

Post by willie32 »

Stability's sketchy in nanos, but doable. I'd skip the 10-gallon and go for a 20-gallon if you can. More water volume means less parameter swings. Also, invest in an ATO—life saver for small tanks.
Awake
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:52 pm

Re: nano tank for SPS corals

Post by Awake »

Gonna cut it straight—SPS in a nano's a pain. But if you're set on it, stick to hardier species like Montipora or Birdsnest. Acros? Maybe after you've dialed everything in for a few months.
dawnia
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Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2023 5:45 pm

Re: nano tank for SPS corals

Post by dawnia »

What's your plan for filtration? I ran a HOB with chemipure and purigen, but switched to a tiny sump. Way better for keeping nitrates down.
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penguin
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Re: nano tank for SPS corals

Post by penguin »

I'm with willie32 on the 20-gallon. My 10-gallon was a constant battle. Even with an ATO and daily testing, alk swings were brutal. Lost a few frags before I gave up.
anglermatic
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Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2022 4:29 am

Re: nano tank for SPS corals

Post by anglermatic »

Thanks for the input, everyone. Sounds like I might need to rethink the tank size or start with easier corals first.
flair
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:09 pm

Re: nano tank for SPS corals

Post by flair »

anglermatic wrote: Wed Jun 18, 2025 1:42 pm Thanks for the input, everyone. Sounds like I might need to rethink the tank size or start with easier corals first.
Smart move. Maybe try a mixed reef with some LPS first? Less stress while you learn the ropes.
honeycomb
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:29 pm

Re: nano tank for SPS corals

Post by honeycomb »

If you do go nano, keep it simple. No fish, just a couple hermits or snails. Less bioload means fewer headaches. And yeah, Montis are a great starting point.
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