GIANT QUESTION(S)

[Iwagumist]

I am completely new to the saltwater reef hobby, and really know almost nothing , but I really want to start up a nano reef tank. I do have experience with freshwater, currently running 4 heavily planted aquascapes (2 of which are only 3 gallons and 1 of which is 7 gallons). I kind of feel like a jerk for asking such HUGE question(s), but I there is so much info out there I think it would be best to just get the really important advice and tips from the pros (you guys ). So, here it goes: how do you take care of a nano reef? Do you have to do water changes once a week like fresh water? Do you have to test more and different water parameters? I am think of starting a pico, possibly the Fluval Evo 5. I know this is a really small tank and I was wondering what sort of challenges will such a small tank pose (temp fluctuation and other unstable conditions)? What (humane) options for fauna are there is such a small reef tank other than just shrimp and other inverts? Can the Evo 5 support LPS and SPS corals? Would soft corals grow out of a 5 gallon too fast? I understand the Fluval Evo 5 is hard to find, so what other affordable (preferably under $150) tanks are available? Would I need a protein skimmer? Also, how do protein skimmers work? What is live rock and live sand? Are the just seeded with beneficial bacteria for cycling? If live rock and live sand are used can you immediately add fish? What are all the different necessities for keeping coral? What are the easiest corals to keep that won't grow out of a nano/pico? Do you have to feed corals? if so, how?

 

Sorry for all the questions! Any advice is welcome !

[jdog]

Water Changes yes,parameters yes different then fresh,protein skimmer not really necesary with water changes on a small tank,depending on your coral choice Lighting,live rock and sand has creatures some bad, algae ,bacteria so forth,you can also go with dry rock which does not contain the hitch hikers,don't start adding all the corals and a bunch of fish right away(It Takes Time!) don't get discouraged a lot of things can go wrong ask anyone in this hobby. Read Read Read up on this Hobby take it all in,what's good for some people does not always seem to work with the next guy but not always,it becomes complicated as you try to add more to a tank.

[jdog]

How about the Innovative Marine 10 Gallon Fusion for just the tank it will run you $99$199 with Light

[Newstead]

Best advice I can give for a small tank - at least weekly 20% or more water changes, top off daily with RODI, and get a Neotherm heater for it - I was having 5 degree fluctuations with another heater in my Fluval Spec 5, changed to a Neotherm and had less than .5 degree fluctuations. A small goby would be perfect! And even with live sand and rock, you need to wait for it to cycle through ammonia, nitrites, nitrates before adding fish, coral or inverts.