What can i keep in a 10 gallon.

So I've discovered an un-used 10 gallon in the shed. So its project time i think, until I get around to building my parents 180G, or rather they get around to organising it.

Basiclly I want to know what can i keep in a 10 gallon. I'm hoping for something that has a bit of colour and is easy to maintain.

Its possible i don't have a lot of options, I just want some ideas. Originally i just thought a pair of false percs, but on second thoughts the tank probably isn't big enough.

Finally i've left the stupiedest question for last, could i get away with just a powerhead and heater and water changes. Or am i going to need to fork out for a filter. The only part i don't have lying around.

Anywho... K+ for helpful responses...

PS: Dimensions 18*12*12.

 

Obviously you are limited – but I have seen people buck the system left and right when it comes to a nano.

All the data you could ever want will be here: Nano-Reef.com - The source for nano reef aquarium information


The biggest issue is rushing into it without doing your research. With just 10 gallons of displacement, an incredibly small issue can be catastrophic. I have the utmost admiration for those talented enough to successfully run a packed nano.

 

hey hender

if your looking for ideas/ inspiration , you could do what I do
check the nano threads in the show of your fish tank forum
there are several 10 gallon or less set ups on the go in there
and I have utilised several of them for ideas in my own small set up

Im going KISS on mine (Keep it simple stupid) with a HOB filter , power head for additional flow, heater and very easy coral species , GSP (Isolated island) Zoanthids and a couple of feature softies .

with 10 gallons you have options on fish, many goby species for example stay small even when adult and also mobile inverts, shrimps, etc


Steve

 

Remember, after live rock and substrate, you will only have about 7 gal. or so. One totally different idea would be to make it a planted Sea Horse tank with some inverts.

 

thanks for the info, I'm not planning a packed nano, after something rather easy. Probably rock, sand and a pair of clowns if they'll fit.

 

im wanting to do a leaf fish in my ten gallon. they get 4 inches, are venemous and dont move much.

 

I have seen several clowns under an inch long. No you do not need a filter, I ran my 10 without one for 2 years before I switched to my 29. I had 2 clowns, lots of zoas, some GSP, 3 polyps of sun coral and a few other things that I dont even remember. I will try to dig up some old pics

 

You can do all kinds of cool stuff in a 10g on a budget. Zoas, palys, polyps, acans, favia, ricordea ... all easy to keep and grow fast. The hard part about 10g's is lighting - there aren't very many affordable, effective options out there. I personally lean toward a 24" 2x24 watt T5 fixture for around $100, but this just me. Current USA makes an 18", 2x18 watt light forabout $70, but I don't feel it's even really quite sufficient for the above species.

A HOB filter comes in very handy, but is not essential. You can get started without one for sure. Ditto a skimmer. YOU MUST DO AT LEAST 10% WC'S WEEKLY though.

Yes, two clowns is too many under these circumstances,IMHO. I would add one tiny tank-raised clown after about 30 days, then wait a few months and see how things go.

Don't skimp on flow! Two Koralia nano's or one K1, minimum.

Hope this helps!

 

maybe you would like to do an all coral tank that way you might not need a filter and maybe just water changes would work. in the coral tank you could have a crab or a small fish but then you might need a filter. Also if you do go with the scorpionfish tank you will need a filter because they produce alot of waste. another option is doing a mantis tank.

 

could do a mantis with a HOB filter, don't recommend going unfiltered