has anyone gone from a larger tank to a nano?

[deansreef]

For reasons beyond my control, I must downsize from my current 90 gallon aga rr tank to a 20g long not rr tank., Anyway, will I still be able to use my 1/2 ss on it? Also will my 400w 20k pendant have to go? Any have a 20gallon long nano with halides and a seaswirl on it? Thanks Dean.

[Dazed1]

I downsized from my 46 Bow to a 10G. Some equipment I moved over :
CPR Bak pak skimmer
2 MaxiJet 600's,
1 250W HQI MH
and a 6" fan blowing over the surface to cool it.

[dsb1829]

I recently shut down my 72g reef in favor of a smaller and easier to keep up with 16g cube. I really set the nano up to keep some of my favorite peices until we get another big tank, but that is an undetermined amount of time from now so this nano was designed to be a permanent home.

At any rate, about your system. Sure, a 1/2" ss will work fine. I wouldn't push more than 200-300gph through it though or else it may bee too much flow for that size tank. 400w, while it is a lot of light is still fine over the nano. You will need to make sure that it is high enough not to fry the smaller tank. I would set it at 10-12" minimum.

:smokin:

[johnrags1234]

Sounds a bit like me...58g to 15g cube.

The seaswirl would rock. I have mag 7 on a SCWD ready for when my tank is set up.

The 400w pendent would be good assuming your keeping SPS and not all softies, as it would be overkill to the extreme.

And if you have a reactor, I would definately use it for the new nano.

John

[BUBBA9459]

I have 2 - 10 gal nanos

Each have 2-175w pendants hanging about 4" off the water

The other 10gal has a 175w halide, and 2- 96w smart lamps in the canopy.

I've never tried a seaswirl on a small tank, mine have SCWD's on them (closed loop )

[alexb]

i down sized from a 220 to a ten

[wetworx101]

I have a 60cube, but I really prefer the nanos...have had a 10, a 20H, and now I have another 10 setup again...with a 20XL and 18" cube on the way.

[Agu]

180,37, & 40 breeder downsized to a 6 gallon nano.

But now I have two 10 gallon tanks, I'm happy :D .

Agu

[wetworx101]

Overall it seems I am shrinking now that I think of it (forgot about the freshwater as well). I once had a 8' 360gallon, a 180gallon, 4x125gallons, 2x90s, 2x75s, 16breeders (40s, 50s and 30s), 33L, 40L, and an army of 10s and 20s for my freshwater african cichlid breeding. Now I am down to a 90 and 75 as show tanks that my parents wanted me to setup for them...and for myself only have a 40breeder (raising fry), and one 125 (breeding melanogenys). After I get done breeding these suckers, I even plan on taking down the big tanks and ending up with just a breeder, or maybe a couple 10s and 20s for keeping little shell-dwellers...thats it...Im done with the rest. Every month I am in awe over my constantly lowering electric bill...I didnt know electricity could be less than $150 a month!!!

[raddogz]

I now know I'm not the only one thinking about going down this route. A long time ago....we had five freshwater tanks (breeding discus), then consolidated to one fifty gallon saltwater and now moving onto a 7 gallon minibow.

[wetworx101]

this hobby goes in cycles for many...sometimes reflecting the changes in our lives. I've been in this hobby for over 15 years. Had over 20 tanks set up at once, then downsize, surge, then lull. Right now I am downsizing...I need to be more mobile than I was before (might be moving soon). I had wrist surgery for an accident and have trouble lifting right now. Im just getting smaller...but I am keeping all my aquariums in my folks basement...cuz I know...just like many times before...I'll get the next big idea and end up with 20 tanks in the basement again.

[RooFish]

Yeah, me too. I'm going from my 46g bow to a seven because my parents complain about me "covering the house with tanks." All I'm keeping is some rock, sand and water to start the new one, but all new equipment because i know someone who wants it. But, for you, I'd have to agree that if you want sps and such, keep what you have, if you just want softies, ditch the light for something cheaper.

[newbyreef]

I went through the same thing. I have been keeping reefs for just a little over 7-8 years now. I started with a 29 gallon, and then went to a 90 gallon. I loved my 90 gallon and it looked awesome. But ALAS, the 90 gallon sucked electricity, and way too much of my time away from my wife and children. So I was very very sad, but I sold the entire setup.

Now I am setting up a nice small 7 gallon minibow. very simple.

Newb

[want2reef]

Originally posted by newbyreef
I went through the same thing. I have been keeping reefs for just a little over 7-8 years now. I started with a 29 gallon, and then went to a 90 gallon. I loved my 90 gallon and it looked awesome. But ALAS, the 90 gallon sucked electricity, and way too much of my time away from my wife and children. So I was very very sad, but I sold the entire setup.

Now I am setting up a nice small 7 gallon minibow. very simple.

Newb

I am thinking of doing the same thing,after I seen our last electricity bill.

$75 a month just for my tank .

[kmu]

I had a 125g Reef, sold it for a 20g, much happier, very much happier, easier maintenance, better looking...

Did not regret it, even bought a 43" Philips HD tv with the money