Small reef tank - pros & cons

[Kial]

I'm in the process of selling my 5ft Waterbox Frag tank due to relocating 4000k away. Way to much hassle moving such a big tank.

This is the second time I've had to sell due to moving so it's got me thinking, I don't want a large tank anymore

I do like the look of the smaller cube tanks or small peninsulas that waterbox sell.

For those who have downgraded, do you regret it?

What are the pros and cons having a small tank compared to sayba 4-5ft tank.

 

[Nano sapiens]

This topic comes up fairly often and the opinions are many and varied.

I went from a 55g to a 12g about 15 years ago. While I can appreciate that this might not work for everyone, I personally found working with the smaller system to create a successful mixed reef aquarium challenging, engaging and interesting.

One of the biggest drawbacks is that the fish selection for a nano is necessarily limited and this can be a deal breaker for many. Same can be said for growing out larger coral types as they will soon run out of room and either need frequent pruning or a new home if the aquarium is successful. The reef keeper also has to have a tolerance for coral aggression as it happens a lot sooner due to the limited space. Stability is a concern due to the smaller body of water, but I've always looked at that as a welcome challenge to improve my reefing skills. As time goes by and the aquarium matures, stability tends to become less and less of an issue (assuming proper initial setup and an appropriate maintenance routine is followed).

One of the coolest things in a nano is that any part of the tank is literally just a few inches away and mostly within focal distance of a typical hand-held magnifier. When I initially added a few of the smaller 55g live rock into the 12g I was amazed at all the things living on it that I hadn't even noticed in the larger aquarium.

 

[ShawnM24]

Personally I have a rs reefer 200xl it hard to get the flow right and have options for different lighting areas it’s a 2 foot cube. Thinking of going to a 3 foot Waterbox

 

[bnord]

Great question, and good luck with your move. I have a 180 Cade and a 15 gallon water box on my office desk. I honestly believe I spend more time looking at the water box, due in part to the fact that it’s on my desk, but importantly, because it is so full of tiny and interesting characters, both invertebrates and fish.
So you can always switch to the small one and save time and plot for the big one when you’re set and stable

 

[JZ199]

I wouldn't say I "regret" it, but I absolutely miss having a large tank and will 100% be setting up another one. Went from a 125 gallon and a 55 gallon to a 32.5 fluval flex after coming back to the hobby after a long break. I was extremely happy with my flex, but now want to build another tank thats way larger.

1. I like setting up tanks
2. I don't like the limitations of a small tank, especially with my wife and little guy who choose fish based on their looks, and I constantly have to tell them our tank isn't big enough

Edit: I should clarify I'm still keeping the flex because I love it and plan to make it primarily focused on coral with it's few fish inhabitants.

 

[Kial]

I ended up picking up a 2nd hand waterbox peninsula mini 25. Think I'm going to just do a clown/ nem tank with a few more interesting inverts in there!

 

[vlangel]

I ended up picking up a 2nd hand waterbox peninsula mini 25. Think I'm going to just do a clown/ nem tank with a few more interesting inverts in there!

Good for you! That looks like a very nice tank, big enough to enjoy some wonderful ocean life but small enough to be more manageable.