Best Corals For Nano Aquariums
So you’re staring at your brand-new nano reef tank, a compact, saltwater aquarium typically under 40 gallons, just begging for some colorful corals to call home.
But here’s the thing: selecting corals for a nano aquarium is much like picking roommates for a tiny studio apartment. Choose badly, and you could spark chemical warfare. Get it right, and you will have yourself a slice of the Great Barrier Reef lighting up your desk or living room.
The nano reef revolution has taken the saltwater aquarium hobby by storm, and we can see why. These compact aquariums pack all the beauty and complexity of larger reef aquarium systems into spaces that conveniently fit in smaller spaces. However, do not let their size fool you. Nano reef tanks are like a fancy sports car - small, powerful, and unforgiving if you don’t know what you’re handling.
Why Size Matters For Aquariums
In the reefing hobby, smaller tanks are more challenging than larger aquariums. One wrong common aquarium mistake can quickly cause things to go sideways. In nano tanks, when water parameters swing, corals can quickly become stressed and start releasing toxic chemicals into the water.
The secret to smaller reef tanks is not overstocking your aquarium (understand how many corals you can add at once), and selecting corals that are best suited for smaller spaces.
Corals For Nano Aquarium
Zoanthids
Let’s dive right into the obvious choice for nano tanks. Zoanthids, or Zoas, are one of the most fascinating and colorful corals - they come in every color imaginable, from the vibrant Bam Bam Zoa to the unique Acid reflux Zoanthid.
At Reefco Aquariums, we have zoanthid corals for everyone. Their adorable button-shaped appearance matches their friendly nature, plus zoanthids are easy to care for. Over my many years in the hobby, I’ve seen zoa colonies survive power outages, water parameter swings, and even the classic “my kid dumped the whole fish food container” disaster.
The resilient nature of zoas is what makes them perfect for nano aquariums, where water conditions are known to sometimes fluctuate.
What also makes zoas perfect for nano life is their peaceful nature. While other corals are busy launching their sweeper tentacles, zoas are pretty happy chilling on the rocks. Plus, zoas grow in colonies, forming vibrant carpets of color, a visually striking feature for any reef tank.
Mushroom Corals
Mushroom corals are laid back, stunning, and almost indestructible. They have a soft and squishy appearance that comes in colors that Mother Nature probably invented just to show off. Looking for a sunset orange mushroom, the Jawbreaker Mushroom is a must.
For those who prefer deep purples and electric hues, the Orange Blossom Pincushion Mushroom may be the best choice for you.
Aside from their obvious attractiveness, mushroom corals are the ultimate peacekeepers. While other corals tend to throw chemical tantrums in aquariums, mushroom corals just go with the flow, literally - they are like that one friend who gets on with everyone at the party!
Acan Corals
Ready for more challenging LPS corals? Acan corals are a fantastic gateway into LPS coral care. These brainy-looking corals are vibrant and colorful all day, creating mesmerizing displays under aquarium lighting.
Acan corals are a great choice for nano aquariums because they are underwater introverts - they keep to themselves, don’t swing their tentacles too far, and they appreciate intimate lighting that most nano tanks have. Plus, we love watching them during feeding time - they extend their polyps like tiny flowers, it’s absolutely beautiful!
Duncan Corals
Duncans are one of the most graceful corals, which is why many hobbyists say they are underwater ballet dancers. They have long, flowing tentacles that move with the water flow like swaying arms, creating a stunning focal point that is better than any Netflix show.
Despite their graceful nature, they are known for space-hogging, so always give them plenty of space from other corals or a specific area in the aquarium.
Corals To Avoid In Nano Aquariums
Some corals may look beautiful, but in a nano aquarium, they can quickly turn it into an underwater horror movie.
Goniopora corals, in particular elegance corals, may look mesmerizing with their waving sweeper tentacles, but they are notoriously sensitive and release toxins when stressed. In the confined space of a nano tank, one stressed goniopora coral can quickly result in a full-blown tank crash.
Nano Aquariums For Pros
For those more experienced in the hobby, you may want to design your aquarium more like an underwater architect. This involves creating coral zones where corals are grouped by their care requirements and chemical compatibility. This is where many aquarium hobbyists create epic zoa garden displays or mushroom heavens.
Coral fragging plays a large part in creating coral zones, not for propagation reasons, but more about population control. In nano tanks, coral trimming is not just good practice, it helps with coral survival! If it is your first time fragging corals, we have a complete guide to fragging corals.
Lighting And Flow For Nano Aquariums
In the hobby, most nano reef keepers over-light their tanks. Most corals found in nano aquariums prefer filtered light from RGB (red, green, blue) LED aquarium lighting. We recommend the EcoTech Marine Radion G6.
Flow is where it becomes a little tricky. You want to aim for enough water movement to keep everything healthy, but not so powerful that your corals look like they are in a hurricane. We recommend 10X to 20X the tank’s volume per hour.
PRO TIP: Avoid aiming powerheads directly at corals. In nano tanks, you want to bounce the flow off the tank walls to create an indirect and random current that mimics the gentle movement of natural reef waters.
Coral Care Chart
|
Coral Type |
Care Level |
Temperament |
|
|
Zoas |
Easy |
Peaceful |
Low to Mid Rocks |
|
Mushrooms |
Easy |
Very Peaceful |
Bottom to Mid |
|
Acans |
Moderate |
semi-Peaceful |
Low to Mid |
|
Duncans |
Easy to Moderate |
Space Required |
Mid |
Build A Reef Tank Masterpiece Today!
Nano reef tanks are not about cramming as many colorful corals into a small space. It’s about creating a balanced marine ecosystem where every coral has a place to thrive. Remember, start small and be patient - less is more with nano tanks!
If you need help designing or installing your nano aquarium or are unsure what corals are best for your aquarium, contact the Reefco Aquariums Team today or visit our retail showroom to see our beautiful array of corals!
