Who Gives A Fish Forums

Imitation is indeed a great way to achieve success. I've seen many people try to reinvent the wheel, only to end up with a tank that's struggling to thrive. By copying a successful tank, you're essentially following a proven recipe for success.

I've had the pleasure of showcasing a 9-gallon nano tank that's a perfect example of this. The tank belongs to a beginner, and yet it's doing incredibly well, with SPS corals that are encrusting and growing beautifully. The key to its success lies in the owner's diligence in maintaining the tank. She's very particular about topping off the water daily and changing a couple of gallons a week.

What's remarkable about this tank is its simplicity. It doesn't have high flow or high-end lighting, and it doesn't even have a heater. The tank is kept at room temperature, between 72 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit. And yet, it's thriving. If you're interested in learning more about this tank, I'd be happy to share the article I wrote about it for Reef Hobbyist Magazine.

Of course, having a larger tank with an automatic top-off system can make maintenance easier, but that requires a significant investment in equipment and a tank. If you're working with a nano tank, you can still make it work with a small LED and a filter pump. The key is to follow a tried-and-tested recipe to the letter. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but if you're willing to put in the effort, you can achieve great results.

So, if you're determined to try your hand at keeping SPS corals in a nano tank, I say go for it. Just don't try to go it alone. Find a successful tank to copy, and follow its recipe for success. With patience and dedication, you can create a thriving tank that you'll be proud of.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm not going to reply to each comment individually, it's midnight and I'm in the middle of chopping firewood. JP, I'd really appreciate it if you could share that article with me. I've spent a small fortune on equipment in the past, but this time I'm trying to keep costs down. To be honest, I don't even have the necessary test kits to start dosing, I usually rely on my LFS to do the testing for me. I know, I know, it's stupid. I'll definitely pick up some test kits soon.

I did take a chance and bought a small SPS frag recently, it had lost its color and turned brown. But after just three days in my tank, the tips are starting to turn purple again. I know I shouldn't have, but I went back to the LFS and bought a birds nest on impulse. Fingers crossed the color keeps improving and they don't bleach. My main concern is that adding more SPS will disrupt my parameters, especially calcium, so I'll need to start testing and dosing. I'll keep you guys updated, and thanks again for the advice.