Never done salt before, but considering doing a nano 5 gallon tank. Yay or nay?

[HybridHerp]

So, I've been keeping various freshwater fish for years, but since I am now getting a 5 gallon for my college dorm, I am debating between doing a nano planted freshwater tank (which wouldn't be difficult for me) or a nano saltwater tank. Normally, when I see small saltwater tanks they seem to be mini reef tanks, mainly with soft corals and maybe one or two fish backed up with a small cleaner crew. I know that this is do-able but is it do-able for a beginner or is it just a disaster waiting to happen? I've done a quick little google search and I have seen some mixed opinions about a 5 gallon reef setup. The biggest issue I have heard though was water evaporation, anyone have experience with this? In any event, do you think I could do my first saltwater experience as a small little 5 gallon, or should I do this as a freshwater tank and wait on salt for when I have something bigger I can play with?

 

[rusland005]

I do this as a freshwater tank and wait on salt for when I have something bigger I can play with?

Answered your own question mate. 5 gal saltwater isn't worth it, even if you could keep it stable, it would cause you more hassle than enjoyment. Wait until you get something bigger to play with

 

[JASamper]

Just go to petco and pick up a 40 br for $40...

 

[Wiggles92]

It's not bad provided that you get in the habit of topping it off daily & don't slack off on your maintenance.

I already had to do that with my 55 gallon FOWLR, so it wasn't a big deal to do the same thing with my 4 gallon FOWLR (will be reef soon).

 

[Adamrhh]

Just go to petco and pick up a 40 br for $40...

Is that deal still going on??

 

[JASamper]

I went a week ago to a petco and saw the 40 br for $40 and I had to snap myself out of buying it...then I visited petsmart and it was priced at $120.

 

[CanadianKeeper]

NAY! I wouldnt touch salt unless it was 55 or bigger... TRUST ME with small tanks the smallest of things can send them out of what and kill everything... I had a ten gallon nano for 5 months... its now a 55 gallon reef tank.

 

[discuskent]

small saltwater is tough do the planted

 

[HybridHerp]

yah, I'll wait until I can mess with something bigger
reason I can't get a 40 is because this is for my college dorm, and even if they let us keep something that big, I don't have space in the room for it.

 

[Wiggles92]

If you're fine with not having any fishes or maybe even no critters other than corals, then you'll be fine. The key is to take it slow & keep up with your maintenance; it's really not that bad if you don't rush into it & take some time to learn the ropes plus get used to the routines before adding a bunch of livestock.