New 20 gallon

[jackcarp]

I am brand new to the hobby and I am interested in eventually owning a reef system. So far I have a 20 gallon tank with sand and about 30lbs of live rock, some snails, a decorator crab, and a dragon goby. I got a millenium hang on filter and was told that I may not need a protein skimmer. I tried a nano skimmer, but it didn't work very well. So, I am wondering if I need to have a protein skimmer if I eventually want to add more soft corals, inverts etc. I also am looking to buy a 24" orbit light with the actinics. I don't think I can afford metal halides at this point. Anyone have any good advice?

 

[trido]

:welcome:

With regular water changes and your hang on filter you can have a smaller tank without a skimmer. Just take it slow, learn as much as possible and remember,"nothing good happens quickly in a reef tank". Looks like you are on the right track. Feel free to ask questions.

 

[jackcarp]

Can anyone tell me what kind of corals, inverts etc. that I won't be able to keep in my tank without metal halides? Does the metal halides just produce a higher amount of light at a different wavelength than the high outputs?

 

[Anonymous]

Halides have a much higher output of light than any other. I keep softies in my tank without halides. I have VHO. I don't keep SPS but some have under VHO lighting.

 

[trido]

That is the fixture with two 65 watt lights correct? If so you could probably keep a couple of the lower light SPS like montipora Cap or digitata in there near the top. Also some LPS would do good in it. For example, frogspawn and hammer corals. YOu can keep any mushroom and zoa out there. Remember, leathers and SPS dont really mix well . Especially in a small tank.

 

[Anonymous]

A protien skimmer is a very worthwhile future investment jackcarp as it allows you to have more critters than without, and have higher water quality with less work IME.

 

[jackcarp]

Thanks for all of the input. My first choice in fish is a clown-mostly for my twin 2 year olds who love NEMO-but I want to get one that is compatible with a nice, colorful anemone. I have tried to find some good links and info, but I would like to know if anyone has a beautiful anemone and tell me what kind of clown you have as well. Thanks!

 

[EEric]

I would put the anenome on hold till your tank is at least a year old .And even then it will be hard to keep alive with the swings of your ph and water quality.

 

[Anonymous]

I would put the anenome on hold till your tank is at least a year old .And even then it will be hard to keep alive with the swings of your ph and water quality.

Why would you think that? With very little effort, smaller tanks are just as stable as larger ones. visit the Nano forum here for some great examples. Most tanks cycle in and stabilize much faster than a year unless you are doing something terribly wrong to begin with.

The true problem with trying to keep an anemone for the original poster is having enough light to support it, and IMO the 2 x 65w actinic fixture probably won't be adequate.

jackcarp,

As I said above, the setup you describe is not to be inadequate as far as lighting to keep a 'nennie, as those require a bit stronger light to truly thrive. There are other fixtures out there that you may want to investigate if possible.

 

[ChrisRD]

I would recommend avoiding anemones until you've got some experience in the hobby. There are other, far easier/hardier animals that can be used as a surrogate host for the clowns. For lots of detailed information I suggest checking out Joyce Wilkerson's book on clownfish.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... oduct=BKCF

HTH

 

[EEric]

I would put the anenome on hold till your tank is at least a year old .And even then it will be hard to keep alive with the swings of your ph and water quality.

Why would you think that? With very little effort, smaller tanks are just as stable as larger ones. visit the Nano forum here for some great examples. Most tanks cycle in and stabilize much faster than a year unless you are doing something terribly wrong to begin with.

The true problem with trying to keep an anemone for the original poster is having enough light to support it, and IMO the 2 x 65w actinic fixture probably won't be adequate.

jackcarp,

As I said above, the setup you describe is not to be inadequate as far as lighting to keep a 'nennie, as those require a bit stronger light to truly thrive. There are other fixtures out there that you may want to investigate if possible.

I'm shure they have a bit more experience.Smaller tanks are not as stable they take more work and attention.Go on vacation for a week and leave that nano with a newb and see what happens.The true problem for him keeping an anenome is not only the light but also a lack of experience in the hobby.IMHO

 

[EEric]

I would recommend avoiding anemones until you've got some experience in the hobby. There are other, far easier/hardier animals that can be used as a surrogate host for the clowns. For lots of detailed information I suggest checking out Joyce Wilkerson's book on clownfish.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... oduct=BKCF

HTH

My clown will host my ricordia,frogspawn ,my shrooms and sometimes even try to host my clam.

 

[jackcarp]

Well, perhaps I will have to get a clown before I can get an anemone, but will it "take" to an anemone if I don't add them together? I do want to plan ahead so I can add the appropriate anemone later. I want to add to my tank, but I guess I don't know what the next step is. Fish or more inverts. Perhaps some zoos etc? I can stare at the live rock in my aquarium for hours much to the ridicule of my wife and be fascinated by all of the activity. I think having another dweller would help my wife appreciate the new ecosphere in our kitchen and not notice the large gaping hole in my wallet as much.

 

[mr_X]

just make sure the clown you purchase is not tank raised without any anemone. i already bought one of these unknowingly, and he pays no attention to my anemone. if you go to a fish store and see a clown residing in an anemone, he a good candidate!

 

[trido]

just make sure the clown you purchase is not tank raised without any anemone. i already bought one of these unknowingly, and he pays no attention to my anemone. if you go to a fish store and see a clown residing in an anemone, he a good candidate!

Not to pick on you directly. But food for thought. Survival instinct is hereditary. Part of a clowns survival is finding an anenome for protection in the wild. Im sure if all tank raised clowns were known for not hosting it would be known in the industry. Maybe you just bought the bum clown that doesnt care. Lucky you, maybe it isnt such a freak.

 

[blackcloudmedia]

just make sure the clown you purchase is not tank raised without any anemone. i already bought one of these unknowingly, and he pays no attention to my anemone. if you go to a fish store and see a clown residing in an anemone, he a good candidate!

Actually I had this same problem with my male clown. But then I went out and bought a female clown. The female took right to the anemone and literally forced the male to stay in the anemone. Now they hardly leave it.