I'm almost a year into my first small nano tank (my 3rd reef), and I've been wondering if these picos and smaller nanos are ideal for new reefers? I'm really referring to <20 gallon tanks in particular even though I know tanks in the 20-30 range are technically nanos too.
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, the cost of operating a smaller tank is a good deal lower than a larger tank. You can get started for well under $500 and even an upgraded setup (lighting that can grow anything, good flow, better filtration, lid upgrades, etc.) can still be kept under $1k. Considering the attrition in this hobby, the lower cost is a pretty compelling factor. It's also easier to move (both physically and in terms of time/money) pico/nano equipment and accessories if you end up upgrading or leaving the hobby.
On the other hand, small nanos and picos come with some added challenges. The small water volume means changes in chemistry happen faster and are amplified. It's harder to maintain stability and prevent large, fast parameter swings. Smaller doesn't translate to easier in this case and a new reefer could benefit from a larger tank that's a bit more forgiving, even if it is a bit pricier to get started.
I think that if I were to give someone the ideal size setup to start with, it might be in the 30-40 gallon range. A 40 breeder can make for a relatively inexpensive, but impressive first tank. It's not so big that you'd need to start worrying about thousands of dollars in lighting alone or where in the house you can place it without worrying about the floors buckling. It's also not so small that accidentally leaving your ATO unplugged for two days will cause a drastic swing in salinity, etc. But I'd love to hear other thoughts and opinions (hence the poll).
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, the cost of operating a smaller tank is a good deal lower than a larger tank. You can get started for well under $500 and even an upgraded setup (lighting that can grow anything, good flow, better filtration, lid upgrades, etc.) can still be kept under $1k. Considering the attrition in this hobby, the lower cost is a pretty compelling factor. It's also easier to move (both physically and in terms of time/money) pico/nano equipment and accessories if you end up upgrading or leaving the hobby.
On the other hand, small nanos and picos come with some added challenges. The small water volume means changes in chemistry happen faster and are amplified. It's harder to maintain stability and prevent large, fast parameter swings. Smaller doesn't translate to easier in this case and a new reefer could benefit from a larger tank that's a bit more forgiving, even if it is a bit pricier to get started.
I think that if I were to give someone the ideal size setup to start with, it might be in the 30-40 gallon range. A 40 breeder can make for a relatively inexpensive, but impressive first tank. It's not so big that you'd need to start worrying about thousands of dollars in lighting alone or where in the house you can place it without worrying about the floors buckling. It's also not so small that accidentally leaving your ATO unplugged for two days will cause a drastic swing in salinity, etc. But I'd love to hear other thoughts and opinions (hence the poll).