10 gallon reef tank

[EricR]

Slight tangent:
Are you just considering 10 gallon tank as an option to start with or are you confined to that?

Only mention because I noticed my local PetCo is having their Aqueon tank sale right now.
Could get a 20 gallon long for $35 for a bit more swim room.

 

[X-37B]

Slight tangent:
Are you just considering 10 gallon tank as an option to start with or are you confined to that?

Only mention because I noticed my local PetCo is having their Aqueon tank sale right now.
Could get a 20 gallon long for $35 for a bit more swim room.

Good call. Take a look.at the IM 15.

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

Slight tangent:
Are you just considering 10 gallon tank as an option to start with or are you confined to that?

Only mention because I noticed my local PetCo is having their Aqueon tank sale right now.
Could get a 20 gallon long for $35 for a bit more swim room.

This sounds like a great idea for stock options you want. And being long means more swim room and space.

 

[abaraka55]

Firefish might be a little big for that size of a tank

Im reading that with clowns its really up to the personality of the specific fish. This may be a stupid question but IK saltwater fish are a lot more finicky and dont really have warranty like freshwater. But if i get a clown that ends up being too aggressive do you think the fish store would let me trade it for a different one?

 

[abaraka55]

Good call. Take a look.at the IM 15.

Yeah its cause I have limited space in my apartment and had an old 10 gallon lying around from an old setup. I do have a 20 gallon Im currently using to grow out fry and if everything goes according to plan I will make that my new reef tank. This is kinda like a trial to see if I like SW or will stick to freshwater

 

[abaraka55]

Slight tangent:
Are you just considering 10 gallon tank as an option to start with or are you confined to that?

Only mention because I noticed my local PetCo is having their Aqueon tank sale right now.
Could get a 20 gallon long for $35 for a bit more swim room.

Yeah its cause I have limited space in my apartment and had an old 10 gallon lying around from an old setup. I do have a 20 gallon Im currently using to grow out fry and if everything goes according to plan I will make that my new reef tank. This is kinda like a trial to see if I like SW or will stick to freshwater

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

While it

Im reading that with clowns its really up to the personality of the specific fish. This may be a stupid question but IK saltwater fish are a lot more finicky and dont really have warranty like freshwater. But if i get a clown that ends up being too aggressive do you think the fish store would let me trade it for a different one?

is possible, you would need to work that out. However, a fish can be perfect for months and suddenly change. They can be unpredictable. Usually if something can go bad it probably will. And with smaller tanks come sacrifices. It is very hard with all the wonderful things available. Even coral can outgrow or be to aggressive for smaller tanks. I would get a clear vision. Write out a list hear of all things you want
Then pick out the size tank. Since you really want a lot of fish

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

Yeah its cause I have limited space in my apartment and had an old 10 gallon lying around from an old setup. I do have a 20 gallon Im currently using to grow out fry and if everything goes according to plan I will make that my new reef tank. This is kinda like a trial to see if I like SW or will stick to freshwater

Since you are just trying out and unsure, go simple. A few cheap coral and a clown or another fish. How ever, the lighting I do recommend getting the biggest and best you can afford this way you don't waste money on another if you do go bigger than planned. This is one of your most expensive and important purchases. You can always turn down brightness. You can only turn it up so far.

 

[abaraka55]

Since you are just trying out and unsure, go simple. A few cheap coral and a clown or another fish. How ever, the lighting I do recommend getting the biggest and best you can afford this way you don't waste money on another if you do go bigger than planned. This is one of your most expensive and important purchases. You can always turn down brightness. You can only turn it up so far.

So I got this Hygger light off Amazon and at 12 in depth of my tank it seems like itll do the job. I was thinking if I end up going to the 20 gal Id just get another one next to it. Good idea or should I just go crazy from now even if I dont upgrade tank size?

 

[BryanM]

Trying to decide between a single Designer OC Clown, Royal Gramma, Yellow tail blue damsel, or maybe some type of blenny and a Goby/Shrimp pair. Any reccomendations? what order to add them in? what specific goby and shrimp pair? Its my first reef tank so any help would be great

I like the idea of a goby shrimp pair for this tank.

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

So I got this Hygger light off Amazon and at 12 in depth of my tank it seems like itll do the job. I was thinking if I end up going to the 20 gal Id just get another one next to it. Good idea or should I just go crazy from now even if I dont upgrade tank size?

I don't know much about this light but companies do tend to over state capabilities at times. How about before jumping into anything get a list going. What you want to keep will be first. List fish you must have. Then we can go from there. If there is a possibility to go bigger or that is the direction, I recommend doing it up front. As you risk paying twice. Let's start from there. Get ideas everyone here can help and look for options but may take a bit of time. Get a clear picture of how you want it to look like at end. This will include when things grow out as well. Let's make sure what you want is successful and possible. You will be much happier. I have plenty of bad experiences lol. So first, if your set on clowns and goby pistol, I already recommend the 20 at least.

 

[abaraka55]

I don't know much about this light but companies do tend to over state capabilities at times. How about before jumping into anything get a list going. What you want to keep will be first. List fish you must have. Then we can go from there. If there is a possibility to go bigger or that is the direction, I recommend doing it up front. As you risk paying twice. Let's start from there. Get ideas everyone here can help and look for options but may take a bit of time. Get a clear picture of how you want it to look like at end. This will include when things grow out as well. Let's make sure what you want is successful and possible. You will be much happier. I have plenty of bad experiences lol. So first, if your set on clowns and goby pistol, I already recommend the 20 at least.

So Im not set on the clowns and goby pistol but I do want the goby pistol pair. From my research and asking people the goby and shrimp dont even really move from the front of their cave so I thought it would be fine to add another fish? If the clown would be too much Im fine with another "center piece" fish. I really just want something cool and interactive thats different from freshwater. Im still learning about corals but mainly going to do softies to start and if I feel comfortable maybe a hammer or duncan coral down the line. The fry I have growing out still need a month or 2 before they are sellable size but I definitely think Ill probably end up having the 20 gal be a reef tank as well and maybe use the 10 gal as a sump once its time

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

So Im not set on the clowns and goby pistol but I do want the goby pistol pair. From my research and asking people the goby and shrimp dont even really move from the front of their cave so I thought it would be fine to add another fish? If the clown would be too much Im fine with another "center piece" fish. I really just want something cool and interactive thats different from freshwater. Im still learning about corals but mainly going to do softies to start and if I feel comfortable maybe a hammer or duncan coral down the line.

For unique fish, yasha will be out more, there are also other smaller goby shrimp pair as well. I think a tailspot blenny would be ok to add and give you a bit of movement. They are not shy either. Now if your lucky, you might be able to find a tank raised Catalina goby if any are still around. While wild caught need cooler water to love longer, the tank raised are ok in warmer water. But I think something happened to who ever was breeding them.

 

[BriDroid]

I have an 11 cube, and I have a Springeri damsel and an azure damsel. I started with the Springeri and he didn’t poop enough, so I added the azure. They get along fine. I did use an acclimation box and kept the azure in that for a few days until the Springeri didn’t seem to mind him anymore. They do occasionally chase each other, but no fin damage or anything like that. I’m really happy how they have “liked” each other. I was really expecting the worst, honestly.

 

[abaraka55]

For unique fish, yasha will be out more, there are also other smaller goby shrimp pair as well. I think a tailspot blenny would be ok to add and give you a bit of movement. They are not shy either. Now if your lucky, you might be able to find a tank raised Catalina goby if any are still around. While wild caught need cooler water to love longer, the tank raised are ok in warmer water. But I think something happened to who ever was breeding them.

https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/74703-lgreens-ultimate-guide-to-nano-fish/Is this an accurate list to help me stock?

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/74703-lgreens-ultimate-guide-to-nano-fish/Is this an accurate list to help me stock?

Sorry, that is a long read and don't have time at the moment. but going through some of fish as he stated are controversial. But still have some ideas we haven't mentioned.

 

[NWAquarium]

Good call. Take a look.at the IM 15.

Yeah its cause I have limited space in my apartment and had an old 10 gallon lying around from an old setup. I do have a 20 gallon Im currently using to grow out fry and if everything goes according to plan I will make that my new reef tank. This is kinda like a trial to see if I like SW or will stick to freshwater

You prob won’t enjoy saltwater in a 10 gal as your first tank. Nano tanks are like walking a tight rope.
Having switched from a long freshwater career to salt I’ll tell you that, while the cycling chemistry is similar with NH3, NO2, and NO3; the pH balance, stable salinity, and actual seasoning of the tanks is much more involved. If you don’t have an ATO, you have to top off manually to maintain correct salinity level. And that’s with just fish, dry rock and sand.
If you want any corals, anemones, or inverts at all you have to maintain stable pH, dKh, phosphates, ca, and Mg at minimum. Even the daily/weekly maintenance is PITA.

Prob minimum size for a beginner SW tank is going to be 40-50gal.
If my hubby hadn’t gotten me my RedSea350 G2 Max and paid for it to be set up as a “surprise”, I’d have thrown in the towel 3 mos in. It was a thoughtful gift so I’m working my butt off to make it work, but I’ve never had a more stressful or expensive hobby in my life and I own and show horses that are boarded, in full training , and constantly trying to find ways to die.

 

[X-37B]

You prob won’t enjoy saltwater in a 10 gal as your first tank. Nano tanks are like walking a tight rope.
Having switched from a long freshwater career to salt I’ll tell you that, while the cycling chemistry is similar with NH3, NO2, and NO3; the pH balance, stable salinity, and actual seasoning of the tanks is much more involved. If you don’t have an ATO, you have to top off manually to maintain correct salinity level. And that’s with just fish, dry rock and sand.
If you want any corals, anemones, or inverts at all you have to maintain stable pH, dKh, phosphates, ca, and Mg at minimum. Even the daily/weekly maintenance is PITA.

Prob minimum size for a beginner SW tank is going to be 40-50gal.
If my hubby hadn’t gotten me my RedSea350 G2 Max and paid for it to be set up as a “surprise”, I’d have thrown in the towel 3 mos in. It was a thoughtful gift so I’m working my butt off to make it work, but I’ve never had a more stressful or expensive hobby in my life and I own and show horses that are boarded, in full training , and constantly trying to find ways to die.

Nanos are very simple if set up right.
I dose 2 part, simple if set up right.
Filter floss, and carbon.
2g's WC every 2 weeks.
Live rock is the key.
Most make it harder than it is.
Beginners should know the basics before even getting a system.
No plan, no success.
My 2 part system.

 

[NWAquarium]

You prob won’t enjoy saltwater in a 10 gal as your first tank. Nano tanks are like walking a tight rope.
Having switched from a long freshwater career to salt I’ll tell you that, while the cycling chemistry is similar with NH3, NO2, and NO3; the pH balance, stable salinity, and actual seasoning of the tanks is much more involved. If you don’t have an ATO, you have to top off manually to maintain correct salinity level. And that’s with just fish, dry rock and sand.
If you want any corals, anemones, or inverts at all you have to maintain stable pH, dKh, phosphates, ca, and Mg at minimum. Even the daily/weekly maintenance is PITA.

Prob minimum size for a beginner SW tank is going to be 40-50gal.
If my hubby hadn’t gotten me my RedSea350 G2 Max and paid for it to be set up as a “surprise”, I’d have thrown in the towel 3 mos in. It was a thoughtful gift so I’m working my butt off to make it work, but I’ve never had a more stressful or expensive hobby in my life and I own and show horses that are boarded, in full training , and constantly trying to find ways to die.

Nanos are very simple if set up right.
I dose 2 part, simple if set up right.
Filter floss, and carbon.
2g's WC every 2 weeks.
Live rock is the key.
Most make it harder than it is.
Beginners should know the basics before even getting a system.
No plan, no success.
My 2 part system.

Exactly my point though. Beginner’s need a big clue before they start a nano tank. It requires planning and research.

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

I have been successful keeping pico. They have been the easiest and I owned a 90g and odd 45g. My easiest have been 3 gallons and under. 100 percent weekly water changes and done. Simple. Now when you start getting above 5 gallons, 100 percent water changes and pulling everything out to not suck up love stock becomes a pain and mess. But it is still quick and simple.

I fight EVAP with a tight fitting lid with just enough gap for air exchange. If no lid then you will need an ATO or daily top offs. You may also need to dose.

Water changes and dosing will depend on your stock. Some don't do any and dose, some do them 100 percent all the time and don't dose and there is everything in between.

Setup the tank with how much time you have and maintenance you want to do.