[ReefLady]

I agree that a nano tank can be done (and done very well), but I would have to agree that it is much more of a "difficult" enviroment to maintain - in that it requires more careful watching and maintenance. There's definitely a much higher margin for error. Now, if you're aware of that, and realize it's (space) limitations, it can be a very cool and beautiful environment.

Having had almost every tank size from a 10g to a 180g tank/300g system, I would have to say that our current tank (180g) is the "easiest" tank we've ever had. Is that because my level of expertise has increased over the years? Sure...but this is also a tank that pretty much runs itself. I don't think you could ever say that about a small tank.

I don't think I'd have as much of an issue with LFS's pushing smaller tanks (they do introduce people to the marine environment at a lower cost level), but I wish they'd be up front about what *should* go in them. If their promos included 8-10 "suggested small tank enviroments" - maybe people would understand up front that this is a tank for one small fish, and a couple inverts. The LFS should also make the buyer aware of inherent small tank "issues" (water topoff, temp swings, etc.). Of course, that makes the assumption that the consumer will actually listen to the reponsible LFS owner - definitely not always the case.