Minimum Gallon AOI Aquarium Recommendation for Newbie Reefer

[Quidam]

Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie that has been researching reef tanks for quite a while, and I'm trying to determine what is feasible regarding tank size given my current reef desires and personal lifestyle. My ideal tank would host a pair of small clownfish (percula?) and an anemone (I know - a tall order for a newbie). Regardless, I'm seeing a lot of differing literature online about the minimum gallons needed for this type of symbiotic set up. I had been looking at several AIO nanotanks (specifically, the 22 gallon Reef Casa Studio XL and the Waterbox AIO 20 cube), but it seems this volume of water is too small for the desired clownfish / anemone combo. Thus, I'd like to know others' opinions for the smallest volume tank I could have to accommodate this. Additionally, I've been doing a lot of research into tank automation, and the long-term goal would be to automate many of the tank's general parameters like feeding, water changes, ATO, dosing, etc. via something like the Neptune echosystem since I travel for 1 to 2 weeks at a time for work throughout the year. So, given I'm trying to host two clownfish and an anemone - and that I'm trying to add automation into the mix down the line - what is the smallest AIO aquarium I could get away with? If there are any specific brand recommendations, I will happily take them. Thank you in advance!

 

[eliaslikesfish]

40+ but 60 would be even better if you have the space and funds.

40 gallon cube AIO by Innovative Marine served me very very well as my first tank. not as much space taken up as a breeder, if that’s not a problem though you can do a lot more with your rockscape and spread corals out more (if you decided to do corals) in a longer tank imo.

 

[ryanjohn1]

That is quite a bit of travel through out the year. Can I suggest seriously thinking about it first. A nano is a tough endeavor for an already experienced reefer.

 

[Jekyl]

Bigger is easier also. Clowns should have 20g at minimum due to their nasty nature. Yes, clowns are serious jerks.

As for the anemone just make sure you wait at least 6 months before getting one. You'll know when your tank is ready when coraline starts growing. Which is usually 6 months or later.

 

[ryanjohn1]

Y not take a look at heavily planted freshwater with shrimp. People are doing really cool things with that.

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

The WB and Reef Casa tanks will accommodate a clown and anemone setup. What you need to understand is that the success ratio of perc or designer clowns moving into a typical BTA is nowhere near 100%. You will have more chance of success with some of the other clown varieties. Clarks and skunks have proved reliable with BTA’s for me over the years.

 

[eliaslikesfish]

The WB and Reef Casa tanks will accommodate a clown and anemone setup. What you need to understand is that the success ratio of perc or designer clowns moving into a typical BTA is nowhere near 100%. You will have more chance of success with some of the other clown varieties. Clarks and skunks have proved reliable with BTA’s for me over the years.

yeah my black clown and regular ocellaris took 10 months before they discovered their best friend.