Questions about nano tanks?

[NewFishGirl]

I've been thinking about getting a nano tank, but I am wondering about the different sizes, and what they can hold. Ideally, I'd like one to three small fish, and some soft corals, but I'd also like the tank to be as small as possible, while holding this amount.

1. What is the smallest gallon size that would be sufficient?

2. How often/how much water at a time do you do water changes for these smaller tanks?

3. How difficult are these to keep clean (algae on the glass, etc.)? (It seems like the small size would make it harder to clean the glass.)

4. What kind of protein skimmer works well for these small tanks?

5. Do you have any brand recommendations?

Thanks!

[tims]

Originally Posted by NewFishGirl

I've been thinking about getting a nano tank, but I am wondering about the different sizes, and what they can hold. Ideally, I'd like one to three small fish, and some soft corals, but I'd also like the tank to be as small as possible, while holding this amount.

1. What is the smallest gallon size that would be sufficient?
well we have had people do a 5 gallon tank. i run a 10 gallon one myself ( with a sump)
2. How often/how much water at a time do you do water changes for these smaller tanks?
weekly, aorund 15%
3. How difficult are these to keep clean (algae on the glass, etc.)? (It seems like the small size would make it harder to clean the glass.)
i really dont see any differnece fromthe 70 gallon .. except it takes a lot less time
4. What kind of protein skimmer works well for these small tanks?
any one that you can find thet fits
5. Do you have any brand recommendations?
there are a feww nano type skimmers out there, but if you increase the water volume by usning a sump you can get away with using a larger size skimmer
Thanks!

[Loverotties]

I agree with Tim ,I use to have a 5 gallon and made my own skimmer but now they make small ones,like Remora.