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Which nano reef tank suits you, what does it cost in total and how do you set it up step by step? A buying guide to the Red Sea MAX NANO G2 covering equipment, cycling, corals and care.
In short: A nano reef tank is a small reef aquarium of up to about 200 litres. In all-in-one tanks like the Red Sea MAX NANO G2, all the equipment sits in a rear chamber, so you do not need a separate sump. For beginners we recommend a little more volume, because water parameters stay more stable in larger tanks. Cycling usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, after that the first hardy corals can go in.
As of: October 2026. Dimensions and volumes according to Red Sea manufacturer specifications.
You can find all tanks, equipment and accessories for your nano on our Nano aquariums page, including a configurator and a shopping list for every step.
Which size is right for you?
The Red Sea MAX NANO G2 comes in four sizes. All of them are rimless, include a ReefLED with mount and are available with or without a cabinet.
| Model | Total volume | Display volume | Tank (W × D × H) | Lighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAX NANO G2 Cube | 75 l | 62 l | 45 × 45 × 45 cm | 1× ReefLED |
| MAX NANO G2 Peninsula | 100 l | 87 l | 45 × 58.5 × 45 cm | 1× ReefLED |
| MAX NANO G2 XL | 125 l | 110 l | 50 × 60 × 50 cm | 1× ReefLED |
| MAX NANO G2 XXL | 200 l | 168.5 l | 90 × 55 × 50 cm | 2× ReefLED |
The more water, the slower temperature, salinity and nutrients change. That is why the XL and XXL are especially beginner-friendly. If you are short on space, the Cube is a good choice, but then an auto top-off and regular testing are all the more important. The Peninsula can be viewed from three sides and works well as a room divider.
What does a complete nano reef tank cost?
With us, the MAX NANO G2 starts at €849 without a cabinet and at €1,099 with a cabinet (Cube). On top of that comes the initial setup: rock, sand, salt, starter bacteria, tests and usually a heater. Depending on the size, this adds a few hundred euros. You buy corals only after cycling, one by one. In the nano configurator you see your total price right away.
What additional equipment do you need?
Lighting, filter chamber, protein skimmer and pumps are already included with the MAX NANO G2. Useful additions are:
- Heater: keeps the water at 25 to 26 °C. For 75 to 125 l, 50 to 100 W is usually enough, for example a Schego titanium heater.
- Auto top-off: replaces evaporated water with RO water. Otherwise salinity fluctuates quickly in a nano. Good options are the Red Sea ReefATO+ or the AutoAqua Smart ATO nano G2.
- Additional flow pump: more movement and fewer dead spots, especially in the wide XXL.
- NanoMat: the fleece filter replaces the filter sock that you would otherwise have to wash regularly. The MAX NANO G2 Pro Kit includes NanoMat, ReefATO+ and ReefCan together.
Setup in 5 steps
1. Aquascaping
Build your reef structure dry before filling the tank. For nano tanks, 3 to 8 kg of rock is usually enough, for example Aquaforest AF Rock. Glue the rocks in place with reef cement or adhesive. 1 to 3 cm of sand is enough for the bottom.
2. Mixing the water
Mix RO water and sea salt to a specific gravity of about 1.025. If you do not have your own RO unit, use ready-mixed saltwater. Check salinity with a refractometer.
3. Cycling with starter bacteria
In the first weeks, bacteria settle on the rock and sand and break down waste products. Starter bacteria such as Équo BACTERYA or the Red Sea Reef Mature Pro Kit get the biology going faster. Cycling usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, test ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and KH regularly.
4. First corals
Once ammonium and nitrite are no longer measurable and the parameters stay stable, add hardy soft corals, zoanthids and mushroom corals. After that come LPS corals such as Euphyllia or Acanthastrea. In a nano, keep enough distance between stinging species.
5. Care
Plan about 20 minutes per week: a partial water change of around 10 %, cleaning the glass, checking the filter sock or fleece and testing the most important parameters. For the rimless glass, the Flipper Platinum Nano Scraper and a small magnetic cleaner work well.
Frequently asked questions
Is a nano reef tank suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you keep a few things in mind: preferably 100 litres or more, an auto top-off, regular tests and patience during cycling. Small tanks forgive mistakes less easily than large ones.
Which fish are suitable for a nano aquarium?
A few small species such as gobies, blennies or cardinalfish. A pair of clownfish fits from about 100 litres. Active swimmers like tangs do not belong in a nano.
Do I really need starter bacteria?
It works without them, but cycling then usually takes longer. Starter bacteria such as Équo BACTERYA speed up building the biology and help you get through the first weeks more stably.
Nano or large tank?
A nano needs little space and costs less. A large tank is more stable and offers more room for corals and fish. Our large reef aquariums range from around 120 to 880 litres. Find out more in our guide Buying a reef aquarium.
Not sure which tank is right for you? Message us on WhatsApp and we will be happy to put together your nano personally.
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