Newbie questions

[sistergolden]

I think I lucked out. I have learned so much about the art of marine aquariums lately but still have some questions. We started a 12 gallon marine aquarium with 12.5 lbs live rock and some sand (okay I KNOW 12 gal is ridiculous to start with but we're doing everything right, I guess). I have some questions that I hope some of you can answer.

We've had the live rock for about 3 weeks and now have some nice coralline algae growing. We added some snails today. Added 2 peppermint shrimp and 2 hermit crabs about 1 1/2 wks ago. Everyone is happy. Too happy.

One of our peppermint shrimp is carrying some new green eggs. Research says that there will be 500 - 1000 baby shrimp in my tank soon. I wanted to wait another 2 weeks to add 2 maroon clowns but now don't know what to do. Should I add fish early so that they can eat the babies? I don't know how I'm going to handle this as I like babies. Should I add fish sooner? Should we keep the babies? I think our filter will get them.

Also, we have about 6 small brownish-maroon anemones. They are able to move about the tank but mostly stay where they are. Their tentacles have bulbs on the end and I'm hoping these aren't bad guys. We figured if they were the pesky kind, our shrimp would have started on them already.

Suggestions? Thanks for the help!!

 

[Anonymous]

the shrimp fry will be too small to raise.
fish will appreciate the hatch as will many coral species.
what goes uneaten your filter will suck up so be prepared to clean it soon after.

 

[tazdevil]

2maroon clowns in a 12 gallon? Sounds like it would be a bit tight on space. These guys can get up to 6 inches or more in size. I think you'd be better off with two perculas false, true or black. If I recall correctly, average dimensions on a 12 is about 20" L x 11-1/2" W x 17-1/2" H. Don't worry about the impending hatch as said before. The parents may even dispose of them.