Question from an eager, but impulsive fish enthusiast

So I came home from school a few days ago dead-set on getting a fish tank....and it wasn't long until my parents jumped on board.

My original plan was to purchase a 55gal tank and then slowly acquire all the parts necessary to start, and maintain a proper Saltwater tank....possibly using the tank as a 55gal betta tank in mean time

However, after talking through everything with my parents...they want to spend some more $$ upfront and just purchase a 12gal JBJ nano cube tank (w/ stand) and start our small reef tank sooner rather than later!

So in the opinions of the knowledgeable members of Fishlore, I should.....

Note:
-No one in my family has ever had a Saltwater tank, but my Dad has a lot of Freshwater experience (as do I)

 

Well, in my experience (which isn't saltwater), it's easier to maintain a larger tank as far as cleanliness is concerned. But, anytime one can get their parents to be on board, go with it. Since you are new to saltwater, it may be good to start off with a smaller, more manageable tank. And if your parents are fronting the cash, their opinion definitely carries weight.

 

I was looking into saltwater at one time, and I saw, almost everywhere, that it is easier to maintain a tank that is 30+ gallons because it is more stable. If you go with the 12g your fish options will be very limited and you will probably only get 1 small fish. Personally, I like neon gobies, and I saw one in a tank that was about 10 gallons at a reputable LFS.

 

I've done it temporarily with no problems, but usually it is not recommended to keep bettas in such deep tanks, since they have to reach the surface to breathe. If they're at the bottom and decide they need to breathe, they have quite a swim ahead of them!

 

What happened to the decision in your other thread about going Freshwater ???

start our small reef tank sooner rather than later!

"Nothing good happens fast in SW" it's the first lesson to learn.

I think it's great that your parents are onboard, but I read and hear too many stories about failed Saltwater setups, especially reefs, because the hobbyist went in "eyes wide open, and ears hard shut". A successful reef setup requires research, patience, consideration (never impulse purchase), planning and a willingness to constantly learn. If it were me, I would sit down with the folks and go through the articles that are available on Fishlore.
Starting A Saltwater Aquarium - Part 1 - Where To Start (research) | Saltwater Beginners 118422
Starting A Saltwater Aquarium - Part 2 - Bringing Nature Home (researching Equipment) | Saltwater Beginners 119039
Starting A Saltwater Aquarium - Part 3 - Designing, Setting Up And Running Your System | Saltwater Beginners 120421



Nano tanks can be done, and many start (and sometimes fail) with a nano. They are indeed more work to maintain stability and parameters, and per gallon, can end up costing more than a larger tank. Not to mention that your choice of live-stock is greatly reduced in nano setups. Don't get me wrong, nanos can certainly be done.

There is a great write-up on the Fishlore main page about setting up a nano. Saltwater Nano Cube Setup - Nano Reef Tank Aquarium

Make sure your parents (and yourself) are aware of what this tank is going to require, and then, if it's acceptable to all involved, go ahead and start it.