Aquarium tank volumes is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy reef environment, and the aquarium tank volume will provide the foundation for a thriving reef. A larger tank will help buffer the pH levels of the tank, especially during water change. Additionally, larger aquarium tank volumes will allow for the effect dilution of the waste that the fish creates from feeding in the tank.
The fish also requires sufficient space to patrol there territories, and having enough space will prevent the fish from fighting with each other. Finally, the owner must match the size of the tank to the needs of the fish that are to be added to the reef aquarium. Aquariums that contains between 10 and 29 gallons are referred to as nano setups, and they are suitable for the housing of very small fish species.
Choose the Right Tank Size for Your Fish
For example, clownfish or firefish species can be added to nano aquariums because they will remain small adult. However, nano aquariums require weekly maintenance to clear nitrates from the water. Aquariums that contain between 30 and 74 gallons is considered small tanks.
These tanks allow for the presence of larger fish species. For example, royal grammas, green chromis, and lawnmower blennies can live in these tanks. However, the tank must have open rockwork to provide hiding spots for the fish.
Otherwise, the more bolder fish will claim all the hiding spots and the more timid fish will begin to fight with them. Aquariums that contain between 75 and 149 gallons are consider medium volumes for fish tanks and allow for the housing of species that grow to be larger then small fish species. For example, yellow tangs can live in these tanks.
However, the yellow tangs will require significant swimming lanes in the tank because they can grow to be 8 inches in length. Additionally, hippo tangs can be added to medium sized tanks. However, a wide tank layout is required for these fish to avoid bullying among the fish.
Finally, tanks that contain 150 gallons or more are considered large tanks and are used for very large fish species. For example, emperor angels can live in these tanks because they can grow to be 15 inches in length. Additionally, naso tangs can live in these tanks because they can grow to be 18 inches in length.
Other fish that can live in these tanks are triggers and puffers because these fish are power and will require significant tank space. A very common mistake among reef aquarium owners is placing juvenile fish in small tanks. This is problematic because the fish will grow to become much larger than when they were juveniles.
Therefore, it is necessary to use the recommended tank volume rather than the minimum survival tanks for the species of fish that will be added to the reef aquarium. For example, powder blue tangs will be stressed out in a 100-gallon tank. However, the same species will patrol their territory with purpose in a 150-gallon tank.
Additionally, the temperament of the fish must also be considered. For instance, fish like Picasso triggers will need more space in the aquarium to avoid them attacking other fish in the reef. The shape of the aquarium tank is also important in the care of the fish in the reef aquarium.
The shape of the tank can be just as important as the total number of gallon of water that the aquarium can hold. For example, tang fish do better in a long rectangular tank rather than a tall and narrow tank for the reef aquarium. The order in which the fish are added to the aquarium is also important.
For example, it is better to add peaceful fish to the aquarium prior to the addition of aggressive fish like wrasses. Finally, the tank must be 10 to 20 percent larger than the minimum requirement for the fish species so that the aquarium aquarium will have an cushion in case the owner overfeeds the fish in the tank.
