Brandon,
I'm sorry I didn't get back to the forum again sooner to reply to your post. I started with my first 3 1/2 gallon reef tank in 1998/99 and that tank has been dragged across the country with us as we moved from WV to CO to WA. Although naturally I have changed things along the way my one tank has been running since 98/99, my second since shortly after we moved to WA in 2000. Both tanks are incredibly stable and are very good tanks for propagating coral. I am constantly looking for people with bigger tanks to pass on my coral to as it reproduces and outgrows my tank. My husband and I got started with reef aquariums after meeting a guy in WV. At that time I had freshwater fish in the 3 1/2 and mentioned that I would love to convert it to a reef and the guy said he would love to help me experiment with doing that and it has been running every since. No skimmers, etc. Just a hang on the back filter, heater and a Coralife mini light. Anyway, if you have any questions I would be happy to try to answer them. I am far from an expert on the subject, I simply love nano reefkeeping and am always trying to improve my system. One more thing I forgot was that I do have fish in both tanks and a variety of inverts, all of which do very well. Through lots of trial and error we have learned which fish and inverts and in what combination do best in these tiny tanks. My current research in this area is in finding a better lighting system and finding a way to increase the flow/water movement in my tanks. As you can see from my initial post I am also in the market for new acrylic tanks. I hope some of this info is helpful. I will try to check back soon to see if you have any questions.
Pam
