Why Choose a Nano Tank? The Perfect Saltwater Aquarium for Beginners

Tropical fish are mesmerizing. The fish's vibrant colors and the way they glide effortlessly in the water make you stop, stare, and relax after a stressful day. Unlike keeping a goldfish in your youth, managing a saltwater tank can be challenging without a little know-how. If you’re curious about getting into saltwater aquariums, where should you start?

Keep reading to discover a few reasons why choosing a saltwater nano tank is the perfect solution for beginners.

What is a saltwater nano tank?

A saltwater nano tank is a small aquarium, usually less than 30 gallons, designed to house small marine life, like saltwater fish, corals, and invertebrates. “Nano” comes from the Latin word meaning "small and compact."

4 Reasons Why a Nano Tank Is Perfect for Beginners

Nano tanks, as opposed to larger home aquariums, are an ideal way to get started in a saltwater aquarium hobby. Below are four reasons you should keep in mind as you consider starting your saltwater tank journey.

1. Space conscious
   Nano tanks, by design, are more compact, so they take up less space than a larger aquarium. And their fun size makes them ideal for an apartment or dorm room. But they can fit just about anywhere. Be creative when deciding where to set up your nano tank. Place it in your home office to help give you a stress free view. Or in your bedroom, so you can drift to sleep with the gentle sounds of the tank and watching the fish gracefully swim back and forth.
2. Less expensive
   Because a nano tank is more compact, the cost to get started and maintain the aquarium is less expensive than a larger saltwater aquarium. Plus, it takes less electricity to maintain the tank. Because these tanks are smaller, you're limited in the number of fish, corals, and invertebrates you can keep in the aquarium. (You don't want an overcrowded tank!) Keeping less marine life in the tanks also equals a smaller expense in food and maintenance costs over the life of your saltwater aquarium.
3. Easy setup
   Nano tanks are easier to set up and prep for your saltwater friends than a larger tank. And choosing an all-in-one option, like the Coralife BioCube or SMART BioCube Jr., gives you everything you need (but marine life) to get started. The SMART BioCube Jr. goes the extra step by incorporating smart LED lighting that works with the Aqueon BlueIQ app to craft a unique aquarium experience right from your smartphone.
4. Maintenance is quicker (but it needs to be done more often)
   Choosing a nano tank provides a new saltwater fish keeper with quicker maintenance. Routine maintenance, like regular water changes and aquarium cleaning, takes less time simply because the tank is smaller. This also translates to a reduced maintenance cost when compared to keeping a larger saltwater aquarium. It's important to note that while the routine maintenance goes much more quickly, you will need to stay on top of maintenance more often with a nano tank. If you don't, problems in the saltwater environment can get worse and out of control more quickly, like with algae growth.

Nano Tanks Are a Great Way to Get Started with a Saltwater Aquarium Hobby

Nano tanks are a great way to ease into a saltwater aquarium hobby. Its compact size gives you the opportunity to get your "toes wet" as you explore the fun (and addicting!) world of keeping a saltwater aquarium.

As you set up your first saltwater nano tank, be sure to start on the right foot with Common Mistakes Beginners Make with Saltwater Aquariums (and How to Avoid Them). And then, check out the Top 10 Easy-to-Care-For Saltwater Fish for Beginners to help you choose the right fish for your new tank.