TIPS FOR STOCKING A NANO REEF

Saltwater fish for the nano aquarium

A minimum of 30 liters of seawater is the absolute minimum for fish stocking. Small species or fish that are loyal to one location and therefore require little swimming space are particularly suitable for the nano saltwater aquarium. Saltwater fish that can be kept in an aquarium up to 200 liters are mainly gobies and clownfish. How about, for example, the neon goby ( Elacatinus oceanops ) or a pair of true clownfish ( Amphiprion percula )?

Gobies from the genus Elacatinus can be easily kept in aquariums of 60 liters or more. They are therefore ideal candidates for stocking a nano aquarium.

Corals for the nano aquarium

Basically, all corals that fit into a large saltwater aquarium can also be placed in a smaller nano aquarium. The most important thing is always that the water values ​​are correct. The disadvantage of small aquariums, however, is that due to the small water volume, fluctuations in the water values ​​are more likely and can sometimes be more severe. The care of demanding stony corals in nano aquariums therefore presents a particular challenge.

Good candidates for the easy-care nano aquarium are soft corals, disc anemones and zoanthus. In general, small coral offshoots are best suited for smaller aquariums. These can then grow into the aquarium depending on the conditions. You should be careful with LPS corals, which can develop long fighting tentacles (up to 15 cm!) and thus fight for their place in the aquarium. These include Galaxea, Euphyllia and Echinophyllia. When choosing a place for such corals, you should always ensure that there is sufficient safety distance.

Invertebrates for the nano aquarium

Invertebrates such as shrimps are perfect for stocking nano aquariums because, in contrast to fish, they require significantly less swimming space and look much better in a small saltwater aquarium. In addition, they hardly pollute the water and therefore place fewer demands on the filter performance of an aquarium. Animals from the tidal zone, such as snails or hermit crabs, are ideal for small tanks because they can cope very well with fluctuations in salinity or temperature. A saltwater aquarium that is only stocked with invertebrates and easy-care corals can also be operated with relatively little time.

In your opinion, what would be the ideal fish for a nano saltwater aquarium? And what definitely doesn't belong in a nano aquarium?