FishChannel Forums / Saltwater Forums / A Place for Beginners

My new 29g eclipse tank

Conner — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 08:53:56 GMT

Well, I don't have the tank yet (probably getting it next weekend). It doesn't look like it comes with a protein skimmer, and I don't think it even includes a good powerhead.

I don't think I'm going to have the spare cash to invest in everything I need to even set up a decent FOWLR tank right away, but I was thinking I could set up an interesting system anyways. Let me know if I'm just sounding cuckoo, but I think it would be cool to try:

I will set the tank up with 1-2" of live sand, plus several pieces of live rock (whether from my lfs or bought online, I'm not sure yet). I will probably buy a powerhead to use as well, but otherwise just use the built in filter just to cycle water (and maybe filter out some particulates every now and then). I will maybe add a couple of inverts, but no fish (at least not yet). I will probably just run it like this for the foreseeable future, to see what kind of little creatures crawl out of the rock and sand, and such.

I read an article in FAMA Feb 09 titled "Tanks with Nada" (page 88). It seems like a very neat, fairly inexpensive way to work your way into saltwater. And I could eventually add everything that I need to keep a FOWLR or reef tank as well. But this would get the tank aged, the sand and rock very well populated, and I'd get to see a lot of interesting little critters most sw tank keepers probably don't ever see due to the fish/inverts in the aquarium.

So what do you think?

EDIT: My brother lives on the gulf coast, so I might even have him collect some sand and rocks from the ocean and bring them/ship them to me. That way I'd really get some interesting lifeforms for the tank. (Only if its legal. Don't want to get in trouble collecting, right?)

Totally new aqurium.

yellowtang — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:43:45 GMT

i was thinking of starting a saltwater aqurium. But i don't know what equipment is NESSESARY. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Your favorite type of SW fish

Neowolf242 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:15:22 GMT

Which is your favorite of these types? I prefer the Lionfish

clown fish

pufferrocks — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:59:14 GMT

Whats the minimum tank size for a clown fish?

stocking a 12 gallon nano cube for beginner

saltwater guy — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:25:33 GMT

i am a beginner at saltwater aquariums and recently got a 12 gallon nano cube.i have done a lot of research and i've made a stocking list. i want to know if it is a good list and if not feel free to correct me. i was also hoping if you could give me some advice about setting it up. i would also like to know if i can keep any coral.
Thank You,

1 HAIRY MUSHROOM

2 PERCULA CLOWNS

1GREEN CLOWN GOBY

1CLEANER SHRIMP

16 LBS. LIVE ROCK

Nano Cubes???

smelsfyshy — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:10:56 GMT

Salt Water looks really complicated, the nano cubes SOUND easy...ARE THEY???:unsure:

Possible tank conversion in future?

Conner — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:58:21 GMT

Hey everyone, I have a few questions.

Right now I have a 125g aquarium with overflows and a sump. It is currently a FW planted aquarium with a sand substrate (play sand). It has never been treated with any kind of medication other than a little bit of salt.

I am probably going to be moving in a year or two, and rather than deal with trying to break down, transport, and immediately set back up my planted tank, I was thinking I might just re-home all of the livestock, break it down, and set it back up at the new place as a Saltwater Reef aquarium.

Does this sound like a plausible idea? If so, I've got a wish list of fish I'd like some feedback on if you've got the time. This isn't an all-inclusive list, its just a list of possibles. If you could tell me which ones would be good, and how many I could keep of each, that would be awesome.

Also, any suggestions for coral/inverts would be greatly appreciated, as I don't really know what needs what. I am thinking I will probably use metal halide lighting if I do switch it to a reef setup.

Right now the sump is a wet/dry trickle sump combo. Would this basically work for SW if I took out the trickle filter and bioballs, and replaced them with a live sand bed and live rock?

Here's the list:
125g Reef Conversion (currently FW)
Ocellaris/Percula/Maroon Clownfish (pair) (Tank Bred)
Swissguard Basslet (1-2)
Yellow-headed Jawfish (1)
Spotted Cardinalfish (5-7)
AND/OR Blue/Green Chromis (5-7)
Court Jester Goby (2)
Falco Hawkfish (1)
Six-Line Wrasse (1)
Firefish (2)
Fridmani Pseudochromis (Orchid Dottyback) (T/B) (1-2)
Sailfin/Lawnmower Blenny (1)
Green Mandarin (added after tank is well established) (1)
Tang (Blue, Yellow, or Sailfin) (1)

*Emerald Crabs!
*Astraea Conehead Snails
*Banded Trochus Snails
*Banded Coral Shrimp
Nerite Snails
Nassarius Snails
Brittle Stars
Red or Blue tip Dwarf Hermit Crabs (maybe)

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!
Conner

Coelacanth

Neowolf242 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:01:41 GMT

There is one fish that i have always wanted to have known as the Coelacanth because of its status as a "Living Fossil" I was just wondering if they have ever been succesfully kept in captivity, and if so what kind of setup would be required. I'll try and get a picture of one posted.

paired pecula clow question

Corona — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:47:38 GMT

so after I got my thank stablize I've decide it is time to add a new fish in the tank (got boared of looking at the chromies and rocks), so we puchase a pair of pecula and a single yellow tang. I'm not sure if the chromies will bully the two so I've decide to try and take them out, but after an hour with no luck I finally gave up and left alone. They seemed to be doing fine with new addtion to the tank. but this morning I notice the pair stop swiming together, one was in the rock not far and the other swiming side to side as if its rubbing it self on the sand on the same spot for about 45 minnute. The two chromies are next to it as if they are guarding or waiting for someting. the clown look too sall to be pregant but I dont know..what do you make of this?

live rocks turning white

Corona — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:37:23 GMT

Any idea why my live rock's are turning white? I just notice this yesterday, the water temp is at 78/80 degree, I have one 250w metal halide with a 14k bulb and 4 24" actinic lamp on my DIY canopy and my calcium is at 450 now. I also notice the small mushroom's are shrinking. :unsure:

what do I need

justin30 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:36:01 GMT

Im thinking about geting into salt water. can anyone tell me the very basics of what I would need.. do I have to have coral or could I use live rock. I get the fresh water thing Im now gething curious about sw. :D

changing substrate

DSchuyler — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:39:07 GMT

I have a oceanic cube and want to change my bottom material from crushed coral to sand so that i can get some sand sifting Gobi. I already have three clown fish an anemone some hermit crabs and some Mexican turbo snails. How do i go about changing substrate without harming my tank.

Dwarf Seahorses

TGV1963 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:01:08 GMT

I am starting a dwarf seahorse mating tank. My question is if a 2 1/2 gallon tank big enough?

Good SW fish/reef books?

Conner — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:36:48 GMT

Hey, I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good book on saltwater aquaria for a beginner? I'm looking for something dealing with setting up an aquarium, fish, invertebrates, etc. Something relevant, but not exorbitantly expensive either.

Thanks,
Conner

How do you prevent blackness?

GlitterGuppy2008 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:00:05 GMT

My former piano teacher had this big saltwater tank in it, with a yellow tang fish, and blue tang(?). Um, the only problem was that the rocks and stuff would get all covered in this disgusting black algea like stuff... frequently. What causes this? And what is it? If I ever got a saltwater aquarium, I wouldn't like it to have this happen to it!

Idea's for first saltwater tank.

Conner — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:17:12 GMT

I'm thinking about starting a FOWLR tank sometime in the near future. I'm not sure when, it will depend on available funds. Here are a couple of stocking idea's, and a list of equipment I think I'll need. Please dissect and criticize as much as you will. I want to make sure that if I try this, I am as prepared as I possibly can be to do this successfully.

I am thinking of getting a tank between 30 and 55 gallons, and leaning more towards the 55g tank. I also think I might like to eventually convert this tank to a reef setup, so keeping reef-friendly fish would be good to start with, although that isn't necessary. I can be happy with FOWLR only fish (since I especially like the Coral Beauty Angelfish).

Here goes:

Saltwater FOWLR Tank Option #1
Ocellaris Clownfish
Court Jester Goby
Green Mandarin
Firefish (2)
Six-Line Wrasse

Saltwater FOWLR Tank Option #2
Ocellaris Clownfish
Coral Beauty or Flame Angelfish
Green Mandarin
Blue/Green Chromis (2-4)

Saltwater FOWLR Tank Option #3
Ocellaris Clownfish
Coral Beauty or Flame Angelfish
Flame Hawkfish
Green Mandarin
Cardinalfish (1-3)

Cleanup crew:
Turbo snails
Red or Blue tip Dwarf Hermit Crabs
Banded Coral Shrimp
Brittle Stars
Nassarius Snails
Emerald Crabs?

Live Rock
Part Live Sand, part regular depending on cost?
Salt mix
Eheim Ecco Comfort Canister Filter- 2236
Coralife Super Skimmer-Needle Wheel-65 Gallon
Sybon Refractometer
Hydor Theo Submersible Heater-300 Watt
2 x Hydor Koralia 1 - 400GPH
Power Compact Light

Planted Aquarium

Aruray — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:34:21 GMT

Hi! My PH has been consistently 7.0 ever since I used Phos Zorb in my filter media. However the highest my KH has been is 1. I change my water 2 times a week and I over night the water and add stress coat right before i pour it into the tank. Does stress coat affect the KH?

Carribean Reef Octupus in an 85 gallon tank?

Neowolf242 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:36:19 GMT

I would like to get an Octopus in my 6-sided 85 gallon tank. I know they aren't allowed to have tank mates (they'll eat them) but what kind of Reef set up would be good for them, I also need to find out if I can get a secure cover so it can't get out, from what I understand they're very clever creatures.

Ideas for New Tank

Butch2693 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:25:23 GMT

Here are a few ideas for my new tank. I want a reef tank that includes:

Idea 1:

1 Firefish

1 Canary Fang Blenny

1 Redbanded Shrimp Goby w/ shrimp

2 Unarmed Perchlet

Idea 2:

2 Sailfin Blenny

1 Purple Firefish

2 Yellow Clown Goby

1 Blackray Shrimp Goby w/ shrimp

Idea 3:

2 Yellowstriped Cardinalfish

1 Tailspot Blenny

1 Royal Gramma

I am willing to change any of these fish for others and feel free to let me know your ideas and input. Thanks for you time!

What about a setup for a 5-gallon hex tank.

JW — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:18:08 GMT

My 5-gallon hex is my last tank and infact I won it off of this July's issue of Aqauarium Fish International i'm Johnny W.The same goes this one as the other two!Thank's!

Buy New Tank or Keep Old One?

Butch2693 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:14:40 GMT

I currently have a 25 gallon empty tank that I would like to set up a reef tank in. I'm in the early stages of setting it up and I don't have any lights for it. I was looking at Dr. Foster and Smith's magazine and I came across a 24 gallon nano cube (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10677). The link shows the 12 gallon but I was thinking of buying the 24 Deluxe. It runs for 256.98 including shipping. Do you think it would be smart to buy the nano cube and have everything in one neat package or stick with the empty 25 gallon and mix and match pieces? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and I'm working on a limited budget.

How about a setup for a 10-gallon tank.

JW — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:01:51 GMT

I also have 10-gallon and the same goes for this one as what I said about the 1-gallon.Thanks!

starting a nano cube

saltwater guy — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:11:37 GMT

:P:cool::w00t:;)

I dont have any experience in saltwater aquariums but I am fascinated by saltwater fish.I recently got a 12 gallon nano cube for my birthday. I know that it is better to start off with a big tank but i am determined to keep a successful FOWLR aquarium. So i was wondering if you could give me some tips on keeping a FOWLR nano cube. And also the best fish to pick and subtrate. I am currently interested in keeping a clown fish(any type).
Thanks the help

:cool::w00t:;):P:D:):D;):P:w00t::cool:;):w00t::P:):D:P:cool:

is this list of fish good
1 clown fish

1 fire fish

1 green clown gobie

2 dwarf hermits

1 skunk shrimp

i would also like to know if i can keep coral and if so what kind

Setup for 1-gallon tank

JW — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:06:11 GMT

I've got a 1-gallon tank and need some setup ideas.This will be my first saltwater tank and I will do whatever it take's to have a stunning display!Thanks.

Gamma UV Sterilizer For 29 Gallon

jayedwood — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:13:35 GMT

I've been hearing good things about UV sterilizers. Does anyone have any recommendations for a 29 gallon Saltwater Aquarium? Are they difficult to setup?

Thanks!

Jim

Angels Eating Eggs

LucyAngel — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:19:31 GMT

Greetings!

I have a pair of breeding Angelfish, and they eat their eggs soon after fertilization. I have recently taken out the spawning tube and put it, along with the eggs on it, into a hatch out tank. This is the only way I can think of to save the eggs. Is this an ongoing problem once started?

Thanks!

Damsles

idahosalty — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:09:08 GMT

So I recently lost three blue-green chromis I had put in my tank and it has come to my attention that this is probably from the damsels that are already in my tank beating up on them. Well I have no problem removing them now that my tank is cycled and up and running but I don't want to just flush them or anything. I was wondering if my LFS will take them back or even trade them from me? Is that even something they ever do?
If i cant get rid of them I might set up a hospital tank and put them in there for now but any other ideas would work.

Cleaning an acquired tank

PinchofSalt — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:18:40 GMT

I am preparing a 100 gal. aquarium that I acquired from a friend some time ago. However, the old tank has a number of stains from former use that I'd like to clean before I begin to use the tank. I know I should not use soap and water. However, is water (only) the only solution? Are there any suggestions for other combinations to use with water that won't harm the tank for aquarium use? Do you recommend any other cleaning approaches for an acquired tank?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Converting From Freshwater to Saltwater

Butch2693 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:43:42 GMT

I have a 20 gallon tank that I want to convert into a saltwater tank. I want to start out easy with just an anemone and a few clown fish. I just want to run down a list of things that I have gathered and see if anyone has any opinions.

These are the things that I have/going to get:

Titanium Heater, Canister Filter, Powerheads x2, Light Timer, Protein Skimmer, Bio-Wheel, Live Rock and Live Sand.

If there is any suggestions please post them, it is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time

Two dead fish

idahosalty — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:14:48 GMT

My first post on here looking forward to many long discussions and help. I have been undertaking a new tank my first saltwater a 75 gallon and its going great. But last week I purchased 3 blue-green chromis for the tank. All looked healthy and were doing great in the tank. Left for the g/f house for the night came back and two of the three were floating upside down, still alive but gilling and looking bad. I put them in a separate container to see if they would not come back, to no success. I noticed they both had what looked like a burn or something on their backs. I do have a Condylactis Anemone and have read about how they may sting and kill fish, but all the others have done fine in the tank. Has any one ever experienced this problem with these anemones, the anemone is really neat but the fish are much more important to me. Thanks.

Live Corals

Delvor — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:52:48 GMT

What kind of Live Corals does everybody have in there tank, and what's a good recomendation on types of corals that are fish safe and easily kept.

Feeding herbavores

Delvor — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:46:42 GMT

Hey all,
Recently i picked up a chocolate chip starfish, a scooter blenny, and a shrimp of which i cant remember the name. I was wondering what to feed them and how to go about feeding them, the blenny im sure you can just give some sort of plant food that sinks, but the starfish and shrimp im not so sure about, any tips and advice would be great! Thanks!

Tank location

Pam — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:58:16 GMT

I want to move my tank in to a room I am setting up as my office for reflexology and massage. Is it ok to burn oils in the same room with the tank? I really want it in there for its soothing look as it will add to my customers relaxation and they will love it. However I do burn oils and candles too. Sure hoping this will work.

STARTER FISH

saltwater guy — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:24:04 GMT

im starting a new aquarium

new tank

saltwater guy — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:05:14 GMT

im setting up a 12 g with 2 clowns ,royal gramma, and a neon goby. i havent bought evry thing yet so i could use some advice.its a nano cube
ino its harder fot a smaller tank but i didnt have enough $ to get a bigger tank.

thanks

tank setup

saltwater guy — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:11:22 GMT

im setting up a 12 g with 2 clowns ,royal gramma, and a neon goby. i havent bought evry thing yet so i could use some advice.its a nano cube

thanks(':D');
:D

Critters on my live rock!

jadedfalcon — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:53:27 GMT

I've been keeping freshwater fish for quite a while and finally am getting a saltwater tank. I've done lots of reading and research, but I can't find anything on these little critters. I have no fish in my tank yet. Just live sand and live rock. (and some base rock that isn't live yet!) On my live rock is about 20-40 little critters! (hard to count) They're VERY small, maybe an 8th in. They are clear/white. They crawl around pretty quick but i haven't seen them swim. They have some kind of arms they use to push each other around. Any idea what they are? Will they be a problem?

I just started a 55g saltwater tank

cope05 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:32:07 GMT

Hi I am new at the hobby been doing this for about months. I started with a 10g (to many problems) then started a 20g and then finally my 55g got here and I have started it up its been running for about 2 weeks. I have used my live sand and live rock from the 20g and the filter. By using the existing sand and rock and filter media will this speed up the process of cycling. I have test my water everyday and all is good. I do have 3 crabs and 2 snails from the old tank also and they have been doing fine. When can I add a few hardy fish??. I am not interested in corals, not yet, but when can I add a chromis or clown fish??? any advise would be greatly appreciated have a cprbakpak 2r on order and have started putting together my sump. Can I add more sand over the existing sand???

THank you

Freswater question for saltwater experts!

felixpaws — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:04:03 GMT

Hey! I have a question regarding the dried seaweed used to feed Tangs, and the like. Does it fall apart very quickly in water? I bought some sushi nori(which is basically, the dried seaweed used in the making of sushi, and comes in sheets, just like at the pet store), and I bought vegetable clips to put in my freshwater tanks, to feed my herbivorous/omnivorous fish, and it fell apart within a few minutes! I was wondering if the $7.98 kind at the pet store does the same thing. If so, I'll stick with the $1.98 package at the local grocery store. Thanks!

New reefer light question.

SeanS — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:41:17 GMT

Okay I know there are a million questions about this everywhere, but I want to ask mine. I am setting up a new tank from scratch.

I have a 30 gallon finnex M tank. 24" across x 18" deep (not sure about the width with the dividers). I plan on having a shallow sand bed, probably 2" at most. Its more for asthetics.

I have a Outer Orbit 250w MQI lighting setup. There is also 4 T5's with this setup and the most awesomest blue and white lunar lights. Total wattage is 355. I got this from a friend of a friend for a good price (cheaper than a good PC setup).

I plan on keeping SPS in this tank at some point in the future, which is another reason I wanted the 250w HQI.

What are your thoughts on using this light for soft corals and zoa's to begin with? From what I have read it is way to powerful, so I am probably going to be using some diffuser to cut back the MH output and putting some distance between it and the tank. Will this work good for SPS in the future?

Any other suggestions for using this setup with the softies and zoa's?