Small Saltwater Systems (Noob!)

Canadian911Guy · Apr 7, 2019

Hello,

I'm read somewhere (this forum) the only dumb question(s) is/are the one(s) not asked, so here goes:

I have a small (20 gallon hex tank) that I am thinking of turning into a coral reef tank. I've only ever done freshwater tanks, so here goes:

Can such a small tank be turned into a reef tank? Is it too small? If so, what would be the minimum size I should shoot for?

What minimum equipment do I require? Protien skimmer? Refugium? Sump? Etc. etc. etc.??

View media item 5019 View media item 5018
I'm also thinking the small sump, refugium, etc. could go in the space with the doors right under the top of the stand.

Any help, direction or comments welcome.

THANKS!!

Mastiffsrule · Apr 7, 2019

Welcome to the group.

dwest · Apr 7, 2019

Canadian911Guy said:
Hello,

I'm read somewhere (this forum) the only dumb question(s) is/are the one(s) not asked, so here goes:

I have a small (20 gallon hex tank) that I am thinking of turning into a coral reef tank. I've only ever done freshwater tanks, so here goes:

Can such a small tank be turned into a reef tank? Is it too small? If so, what would be the minimum size I should shoot for?

What minimum equipment do I require? Protien skimmer? Refugium? Sump? Etc. etc. etc.??

View media item 5019 View media item 5018
I'm also thinking the small sump, refugium, etc. could go in the space with the doors right under the top of the stand.

Any help, direction or comments welcome.

THANKS!!

You can do a 20 hex. It is very small. A 40 gallon would be much better, but if you have it already, I would try it. You could do it as simple as a few pieces of liverock, some e sand and a good powerhead for flow. A HOB filter might be a good idea as well. I had a 20 long for several years that was very simple. I would go here and read up!
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/nano-reefs.89/

Welcome!

James M · Apr 7, 2019

Welcome to reef2reef !!!
Not dumb question however for beginners it recommended for bigger tanks. A 40 gallon is a good place to start

Canadian911Guy · Apr 7, 2019

Thanks for the replies and so quickly! Looks like I've got lots of reading to do!!

Phil D. · Apr 7, 2019

I had a JBJ 28gallon Nano Cube running for 5 years, corals were growing like mad. Do 10% water changes every week and test parameters once a week. I use Aquaforest Component 1-2-3 and love it.