The world of aquariums gives you a wide range of options. There are many types that are available today, and which you should choose depends on what you feel will be the best for you.
The nano reef tank is one type of aquarium that is popular today. One reason for this may be that people are interested in something different from their usual types of aquariums.
If you have been looking for an easy way to create an aquarium at home, then this could be it.
That being said, how do you find the best nano reef tank on the market today?
A number of options exist at the moment, so you could easily get confused about which model to pick for your office or home. Worry no more, as we will now help you with the selection process.
We have reviewed some of the top nano reef tanks available for you to choose from.
Let’s get started right away.
Table of Contents
What is a Nano Reef Tank?
This is a common question since many people have no idea what a reef tank is all about. Worry no more as we will explain it here.
A nano reef tank is a small aquarium with a capacity of less than 30 gallons. Even from the name nano, you can tell it has to be a small tank.
The nano aquarium is for people who would love to create a reef tank, but have limited space and can’t accommodate the larger tanks.
Thanks to the small size, it is possible to place a nano reef tank on your desk or a shelf where you can easily marvel at the reef construction.
It is also possible to get a nano saltwater tank for those who need to liven their offices and make them warm and welcoming.
The 8 Best Nano Reef Tanks to Buy
Pictures | Nano Reef Tanks | Sizes | Links |
---|---|---|---|
Coralife Fish Tank LED BioCube Aquarium Starter Kits | 16 Gallons | ||
Fluval Sea Evo V Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Kit | 13.5 Gallons | ||
Red Sea Max Nano Aquarium | 20 Gallons | ||
Fluval 10528A1 Evo "V" Marine Aquarium Kit | 5 Gallons | ||
JBJ 20 Gallon Black Cubey Aquarium | 20 Gallons | ||
Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion PRO Series Desktop Aquariums | 10, 20, 25 Gallons | ||
GankPike Saltwater Aquarium Marine Reef Tank | 8 Gallons | ||
Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium | 4, 10, 24 Gallons |
Nano Reef Tank Reviews
1. Coralife Fish Tank LED BioCube Aquarium Starter Kits
The Coralife BioCube aquarium kit is an excellent choice to get for yourself today if you are looking to make a home for either saltwater or freshwater marine creatures.
One thing that many people really like about this model is the design. It comes with the canopy at the top, with the back and bottom plate being black in color to create contrast. The sides and front of the tank are all transparent. This will give you a good view of the coral life once it has been set up.
Having a hinge-top design makes some people feel it has a sleek appearance. Which is a plus for those who need a good-looking reef tank? You also get a hood that conceals the tubes and cords, so they don’t distract from the so-much-desired sleek design.
The operation of any reef tank depends largely on the pump. If the pump is good and quiet, that’s going to be a popular tank. You are in luck if you want this type of kit. It comes with a submersible pump that operates quietly. With the inbuilt filtration system, cleaning the aquarium water is no hassle at all.
This aquarium also allows for precise temperature control. This mechanism is important for maintaining the correct temperature, which is so vital for the health and well-being of the fish.
2. Fluval Sea Evo V Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Kit
Aquarium owners always want a stylish tank they can use for their various fish types. This model comes with a decorative honeycomb design.
This design helps to give your aquarium an uncommon and modern look. It will not be like those many other models that have designs that aren’t inspiring at all.
One thing is for sure, you will end up with a clear view of the aquarium. Only two sides are blacked out. These sides carry important filtration parts for the aquarium and also the opening important to reach the marine life in the aquarium.
Cleaning your aquarium water is not hard at all. You get a powerful 3-stage filtration system with this model, which will easily maintain the water’s cleanliness and clarity. This is the reason it is often described as the best all-in-one nano reef tank on the market right now.
It comes with a casing that makes it easy to view the fish and other marine life. It also has illumination important for creating the mood, including sunrise and nighttime illumination modes.
3. Red Sea Max Nano Aquarium
The Red Sea brand is no stranger to the world of aquarists. It has been around for a long time and understands what people want to see in their aquariums. Well, the brand did a good job when making this particular aquarium.
The model combines the aspects of both contemporary and rimless designs, which gives the model a nice upscale look anyone would want.
The system is self-contained so it includes everything that you will ever need to have a good looking aquarium. From the pictures, you can easily be attracted to this model because of the design. There is just so much diversity that has all been packed in one design—there is no doubt you will enjoy showing it to your friends as a new toy you just got.
You get the best lighting conditions when it comes to using this aquarium. We all know how important lighting can be for any aquarium. Having light helps bring out the best aesthetics of an aquarium. That is exactly what you get when it comes to this type of aquarium.
The manufacturer has also integrated some top technology options into this aquarium. You will get HD LED lighting that comes with a Wi-Fi feature so you can control the lighting without even being there.
You also get excellent filtration and circulation systems that are built in to provide top-notch performance from this aquarium.
4. Fluval 10528A1 Evo “V” Marine Aquarium Kit
This might be the cheapest marine aquarium kit you can buy today, but being cheap does not mean it will not always give you the performance that you want. It comes as a complete kit with a capacity of 5 gallons.
The capacity might be small but it is enough to change the look of your office or home. The best part is that it has a beautiful design. What you get with this kit is something that will always work for you to keep your surroundings looking good.
The manufacturer equipped this model with an internal filtration system. This was to ensure that you would have an easy time cleaning the aquarium. It is a 3-stage filtration system that will always keep the aquarium water clean. The system comes with a foam filter to help to block the large particulate, algae, and any other algae.
An activated carbon chamber is part of the filtration process. The work of this chamber is to help in absorbing the dissolved organics in the water. In the end, you should end up with better water quality and clarity.
The biological chamber in the model comes with Biomax media. The work of the Biomax rings is to provide a tremendous surface area for the beneficial bacteria to grow and colonize.
To make it even better, the kit comes with an LED canopy covering the top. The LEDs produce up to 11,000 lumens of lighting for the aquarium, to help make the aquarium always look as attractive as possible.
5. JBJ 20 Gallon Black Cubey Aquarium
This 20-gallon aquarium is very appealing to who want a large reef aquarium. The design allows you to easily have a clear look at the aquarium life.
The manufacturer has made the front and sides transparent so that visibility is not an issue. Showcasing your aquarium to admirers will not be a problem at all with this one.
Many people like the high clarity glass that comes with this model. It will not scratch easily, so minor accidents will not get in the way of your view.
The controllable LED lighting is important for the operation of this aquarium. The manufacturer provides it to help simulate several light conditions. You can display up to 6 different colors. Most other aquariums only have two variations. This one comes with 6 of them, which just goes to show you get the best for the money spent with this model.
There are up to 7 brightness levels you can use to adjust the light to exactly the appearance you’re after. You can now decide when it is time to dim or increase the brightness, and to what degree.
Remember that you do not have to always use the full lights in the aquarium. Dimming is also important.
We cannot forget the filtration system that comes with the model. It is a 3-stage filtration process that you will always love. It will keep the water clean at all times. With a rate of 264 gallons per hour, filtering your water is not an issue at all.
6. Innovative Marine Nuvo Fusion PRO Series Desktop Aquariums
Innovative Marine’s nano tank looks amazing. It’s made of 6mm high-clarity low iron glass that gives you a great view of your reef tank. The simple, sleek design is the perfect blank canvas and it comes with just about everything you need to get started.
The upgraded pump has a maximum flow rate of 326 GPH and the plug-and-play design is really easy to use. A simple three-button controller adjusts the filter speed and there’s even a feed button to prevent food from getting spread around the tank when it’s time for your fish to eat.
It comes with a filter sock as well as carbon and coarse media so you can start cycling your tank right away. If you have other filtration media you prefer, the customizable filter basket is a great feature of this tank.
Also included are a pre-installed rubber leveling mat, a magnetic glass cleaner, and a mesh screen cover. Filtration sits along the back wall so it’s out of the way but also easy to access when it’s time for maintenance.
7. GankPike Saltwater Aquarium Marine Reef Tank
This eight-gallon tank is the perfect size for someone who wants a nano reef tank but has very limited space. It’s an 11.8-inch cube and has a pretty small footprint so it’s easy to make room for it on any counter, desk, or table.
The ultra-clear glass and bent corners create a gorgeous space for the coral and fish inside. There are no lines or corners to obstruct the view. An aluminum alloy LED light gives you several lighting options and even has an auto-off timer, too. Choose from three colors and five brightness levels.
One of the nicest things about this tank is the filtration. The 1.5-gallon back filtration area is separated from the rest of the tank so the view isn’t cluttered by the necessary equipment. Mechanical and biochemical filtration are included as well as a protein skimmer.
The adjustable pump is ultra-quiet and a nozzle and tube are included for quick and easy setup. You also get a 100W heater with an adjustable thermostat and a thermometer to safely make any adjustments.
8. Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium
Lifegard Aquatics makes this beautiful 24-gallon aquarium that’s perfect for a nano reef setup if you have a little more space. One of the nicest things about it is that it’s made of ultra-clear glass with an invisible joint so there’s nothing to get in the way of your view.
This tank has a rimless design made with ultra-low iron glass that maintains the natural colors of your coral and fish. You’re free to create whatever setup you’d like without worrying about losing any of the natural beauty due to colored or cloudy glass.
The included back filter has everything you need to get set up right away, including a submersible pump with a bottom drain and adjustable directional flow. You get filter media, too. This kit comes with bio balls, a carbon filter, and sponge filters.
If you were looking for something a little smaller, Lifegard Aquatics also makes smaller versions of this tank that are just as beautiful. Choose from 4.14 or 9.98 gallons.
What is Needed For a Nano Reef Tank?
When it comes to having a nano reef tank, there are not many requirements. The introduction of the nano reef in the first place was a way to give hobbyists a minimalist aquarium to use.
In most cases, instead of the user having to assemble the reef tank with parts from various brands, the manufacturer provides a complete kit including everything you need.
Having a complete kit is crucial in order to make sure the model you select will be easy to set up because all the parts are from one manufacturer. In a good kit, the filtration system and lighting are also included. This helps to cut back on the expense of buying all the parts separately.
You may have to use live rock or live sand in the reef tank. These two help to supplement and foster the natural biological filtration in the tank. They also give the invertebrates and fish a nice cozy place to burrow and hide.
Doing a water change at least weekly is also good for water quality. You do not have to do a complete water change, but rather 10 to 20%.
How to Set Up a Nano Reef Tank?
Not all nano reefs are created equal. Some might be easy to set up while others would need a bit of modification to start working. It is necessary to ensure that the setup is done properly for the health of the fish in the tank.
Depending on the kit that you pick, you will have everything in one place or might need to add a few things. Let us get to the setup process below.
1. The first thing you have to do is pre-mix your water to get it ready to use in the aquarium. In this case, you need to have saltwater for the aquarium. It is recommended that you prepare the water night before so that is ready for use when the aquarium is set up. You might want to add a heater to the water to keep it within the recommended reef aquarium temperature.
2. Next is to find a suitable location for the aquarium. Finding the perfect location should be the same as deciding where to set up any other aquarium type. Make sure that the location does not get direct sunlight, as that might unnecessarily raise the water temperature. Also, the area should be okay for occasional spills because it is an aquarium.
3. It is important that you properly level the aquarium. It is important that the aquarium remains level, otherwise you risk stressing one side of the aquarium. Some aquariums even break due to unevenness in the surface, although this is not something to worry about, as it happens mostly in extreme cases.
4. Next is that you have to add cured live rock. Arrange the rock so that it is stable and looks good from the transparent windows. Add sand to the bottom of the aquarium together with the rock. The sand comes in handy for providing a playing ground for the fish and invertebrates. The two also help with natural biological filtration.
5. You can now proceed to set up the additional equipment that comes with the tank. This will include heaters, powerheads, and more. Make sure to follow the setup instructions as given by the manufacturer.
6. Time now to add the pre-mixed saltwater. Add the water up to the recommended levels as stated by the manufacturer.
7. Connect the lighting and turn it all on. Your tank should be ready to receive new residents.
What is Considered a Nano Reef Tank?
The Kit Components
As stated earlier, most nano reef aquariums available on the market today come as a kit, which makes setting up easier and faster.
However, do not buy one just because it is a kit. You have to consider the components that are in the kit.
If all the components you need are included, that is an aquarium that will be easy to set up and use. Important components include lights, filtration, sand, and more.
Lighting System
For the aquarium to look its absolute best, the lighting system has to be considered.
Good light is important for both the appearance and performance of the aquarium. The plants or animals in the reef need constant light to grow.
The best part is when you get a model that has adjustable light intensity. You will only need to use additional lights if they are needed.
See also: Best Nano Reef Light – Lighting for Coral Growth
Temperature Regulation
Most models come with a heater. This is to help in maintaining the water at the temperature needed for the health and comfort of the aquarium inhabitants.
It is important that the temperature is regulated for that reason. Look at the options that you are given for doing that.
Some models come with the very best available temperature regulation controls and fans to maintain the right temperature, while other models do not.
Filtration Media
Keeping in mind that you may have to filter the water at some point, it is crucial to pick a model that offers quality filtration media.
Most of these reef tanks have a 3-stage filtration mechanism. There is no doubt you will be pleased with the result, which will be consistently clean, clear water.
Conclusion
So many people would have wished to get an aquarium but because of limited space, they always postpone the project. That does not have to be the case always as you can now get the best nano reef tank and use it instead.
For all the models we have reviewed above, they all have the best features to change the look of your office. The small sizes make it easy for you to keep them on the desk or shelf without taking up a lot of space.
Considering that they come self-contained with all the filtration and lighting system, you will always end up with a performance aquarium that you also like.
Diane D. says
Water always turns yelliw in 2 days when adding water to my Cubey tank. I’ve tired everything to clear it up. I may have to return it.
andrew orozco says
love the article! would appreciate if you left me credit for my reef tank 🙂 @drewslagoon and drewslagoon on youtube
Alfonso Rosales says
looking for a cover for my 20gal Nano tank with pump on the side of tank.
VERÓNICA says
Hi i am looking for GankPike Saltwater Aquarium Marine Reef Tank, please let me know if you have available?
JamesPNgo says
Hi, You can buy it from the GankPike website.link
Bella Smith says
helpful article! I’m looking for a 20 nano gallon fish tank with mordern design. It seems that a Red Sea Max Nano Aquarium might suit me but the price is not available.