20g or 37g?

[nekomi]

Hi everyone,

I've been planning on setting up a 20 gallon (24" x 12" x 16") mini reef for the past three months. Space is limited, so that's why I was considering such a small setup. I've been keeping FW cichlids for about 4 years, and planted tanks for a year.

Well, as always happens, I realized while I was researching that I would like to keep a couple more than the 3-4 small fish that would work in the 20 gallon I was planning. So while at my LFS today, I saw a 37 gallon Oceanic tank - same length as the 20 gallon, but 18" deep and 21" tall.

So now I'm trying to decide whether or not to go for the 37 instead of the 20. I'm planning on having a 10 gallon sump for either setup. The fish I'm interested in potentially keeping are:

Pair of occelaris clowns
Firefish/fire goby
Royal gramma
Dwarf flame angel (I know they are not entirely "reef safe")
Yasha goby/pistol shrimp
Orchid dottyback

Of course, I don't expect that all those fish could fit in the 37 gallon. But stocking recommendations based on those fish would be nice!

My main question is - I was planning on using 130watts of PC light over the 20 gallon in order to keep soft corals, mushrooms, zoos, and some hardy LPS. Will I need more lighting if I do the 37 instead? Would 260watts suffice (ordering two fixtures instead of just one)? I know that upgrading to a 37 would be more expensive, but I am on a budget, so I'm trying to weigh the added cost vs. added benefit.

Thanks for any info, I really appreciate it!!!

 

[Anonymous]

I would think that 260 watts over the 37 would let you keep any kind of soft coral or LPS you wanted. I wonder if you will have enough room to cram all those bulbs on top of the tank though? Do look into it and make sure they will all fit if you buy two fixtures. I *think* the 130watts would be adequate for most softies too, but get some more opinions on that. It can be so hard to give advice on lighting when I haven't seen the combo in question you know?

Me, I always think the bigger tank is the best option.

If you decide to get the angel, put him in last. My flame angel is a little on the sassy side, so it's nice to make sure the more shy fish get established before you get him in.

 

[nekomi]

Thanks so much for the help, especially on the flame angel. I checked into the fixtures and two will definitely fit without a problem - the tank is 18.5" deep and each fixture is only 7.5" wide - so I'm looking at about 2 inches of free space on either side - I'm not going to use a canopy.

Anyway, your comments on the flame angel are very much appreciated. What do you think of this stocking plan?

Pair of occelaris clownfish
1 yasha goby
1 firefish
1 flame angel
1 six-lined wrasse, royal gramma, or orchid dottyback (which do you think would be best?)

Of course, I'd add the fish VERY slowly over time with careful monitoring after each addition. But this is what I'd eventually like to do with stocking.

Thanks again!! Your suggestions were very helpful.

 

[nekomi]

Oh, and by the way, I think I've decided to go with the 37 gallon. The price difference between the two is only about $150, including the difference in price for lighting, live rock, sand, etc.

 

[Len]

Good choice I'd have gone for the 37 too. You'll appreciate the extra volume, I promise ya!

And .....
:welcome:

 

[nekomi]

Thanks!!! What do you think of the fish stocking? Is that OK, or too heavy?

 

[Anonymous]

If you are not going to have the tank covered, the six line wrasse is really out. I have had two, and I have found them both dried up on the floor from jumping out. Actually, I have lost several wrasses that way. Even when the tank is covered it is so easy to leave the lid open one night.

I am pretty sure firefish are notorious jumpers too. How would you feel about a banggai cardinal instead if the firefish? I know they are not as colorful, but they kind of hover around like firefish, and are very peaceful tank mates. They can also put up with a little bullying here or there from other fish.

I far prefer open top tanks, but you do have to be careful about fish selection. It's pretty heartbreaking to find your favorite fish dried up behind the tank.

What about:

Pair of occelaris clowns

flame angel

yasha goby (and shrimp?) I have never kept these so I don't know if they jump, but they seem like they would prefer the substrate to me.

orchid dottyback OR royal gramma (I suppose you might be able to do both, but I generally avoid fish that are similar shape and color, they MIGHT argue. I would choose the orchid dottyback!)

I think that would be a real cute bunch of fish, you have an active swimmer with the angel, a couple clowns to wallow around wherever they host, a gorgeous orchid dottyback (they really are beautiful), and the yasha goby who will be just the cutest little thing.

 

[nekomi]

I agree, that would be a nice stocking list! I didn't know much about the swimming patterns of the fish since I haven't seen them in person too often, so your description sounds really nice. I'm not sure yet if I should have the tank covered or not... I do love the six-lined wrasses and the firefish. I can definitely see the pros and cons to having it covered, and I've read some threads on the topic. Gotta do more research...

What about a very fine mesh screen cover? I could probably make one quite inexpensively with materials from Home Depot - do you think that would block too much light? Maybe my reptile-keeping experience is showing through here...

In any case, so 5 or 6 fish in that size range would be OK? That's really good to hear. I agree with what you mentioned about the royal gramma and dottyback not getting along - I've been keeping FW cichlids for about 4-5 years and they are well-known for conspecific aggression. Don't want to risk it in my reef.

Thanks again!! I really appreciate your help!

 

[Anonymous]

You might just have to experiment with different tank covers, since it is hard to recommend something without having the tank in question to look at. A trip around the hardware store usually yeilds some good ideas.

My mom uses fine mesh to cover her tank because she has some very small jumping fish. She made it into panels that can be easily lifted out for feeding and glass cleaning.

 

[SnowManSnow]

OH..

If your setting up a new tank.... stock it SLOW. Don't get all those fish in within the first couple of months. Make haste slowly!

B

 

[nekomi]

Thanks for the advice! Yes, stocking will be extremely slow... probably along the lines of 1 fish per month or so, and only after the parameters have been stable for a few months. I'm working with a small monthly budget, which is actually kind of nice because it forces me to wait longer period of times between purchaes.

 

[bookfish]

Welcome to RDO!
I have a few random thoughts.
First, dottybacks are pretty bad-tempered and might well view a shrimp as food, especially during a molt.
Also, I think that is a high maintenance bioload for the tank.
Definitely possible but crowded imho.
Also, you might consider MH lighting for the tank since you're in that price and watt range anyway. 2X175 w would be sweet on that tank.
Are you in a club yet? Great resources blah blah....!!
Good luck w/ the tank.-Jim

 

[HClH2OFish]

You might just have to experiment with different tank covers, since it is hard to recommend something without having the tank in question to look at. A trip around the hardware store usually yeilds some good ideas.

My mom uses fine mesh to cover her tank because she has some very small jumping fish. She made it into panels that can be easily lifted out for feeding and glass cleaning.

Just a thought..instead of Home Depot, head to your nearest Michaels or craft store and look in the cross stitch section (or one of those hobbies..I get the names mixed up)

They have plastic screening in different sizes so you should be able to find just what you're looking for. I prefer this over screen material, but that's just my preference.