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nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 7:30 am
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.
Re: nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 8:32 am
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.
Re: nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 9:29 am
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.
Re: nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 10:26 am
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.
Re: nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 11:28 am
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.
Re: nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 12:37 pm
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.
Re: nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 12:47 pm
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.
Re: nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 1:42 pm
by anglermatic
Thanks for the input, everyone. Sounds like I might need to rethink the tank size or start with easier corals first.
Re: nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 3:34 pm
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.
Re: nano tank for SPS corals
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 4:31 pm
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.