My head needs to get organized

Okay, so I’ve restarted writing this post about three times now.  Why? Because a lot has happened the last two days and I also forgot some important information in my first post.  So, expect this blog to be fairly active the next couple of days.

First big thing I forgot to tell you is the size of my project.  I will be creating a ten gallon nano reef.  I know most experienced folk would say, “Sweetie, you should probably think bigger so everything won’t die in a weekend.”  And I understand that argument.  

For those of you at the beginning of your research, allow me to explain the somehow strange sounding logic that larger reef tanks are easier than small ones.  This is one example among many: let’s compare my future ten gallon reef tank to someone’s hundred gallon.  Both of us are in the process of mixing salt for the tank and let’s say that we make the same measurement mistake on the salt.  Well, my buddy’s tank salinity is only going to be thrown off by 2%.  My tank however will die because of the same mistake that caused salinity to be thrown of 20%. 

A larger tank means a larger system that can absorb small mistakes.  My ten gallon will not have that luxury.  This is why many experienced people caution the inexperienced against smaller tanks.  You will have a more difficult time keeping everything alive.

That being said, I am still interested in a ten gallon system.  This is primarily because I believe that it will cause a steeper learning curve and cause yours truly to pay closer attention.  In the future this will allow me to have a greater understanding of larger systems and hopefully increase my success rate.  Additionally, I don’t have the money or space required for a larger system... 

Speaking of money, I will be doing a nano reef tank on a budget of thirty dollars a month.  Why thirty dollars? Because after paying for a wedding, finishing school and buying a house, it is all hubby and I can afford as individual fun money. Now, it is not completely set in stone for reasons I will go into later, but don’t expect any spending of a hundred dollars on a LED light system either.  However, if you’re trying to do a nano on a budget, this is the blog for you!

For reasons of space and organization, expect each post to focus on a specific topic regarding my system, especially this early on.  I have a lot to share on the great many things I’ve been learning and I don’t want to be a clutterbug.  

I promise the next one will be about plans and set ups!

Happy swimming!