15 Gallon Build Help

[itscal3b]

Hello! I have some questions regarding stocking and light requirements. I'm not new to fishkeeping, just saltwater specifically- so I wanna make sure I do this right the first time without bothering the same people I know over and over again.

I have a Waterbox AIO Peninsula 15 gallon tank running. I currently have quite a bit of Macro on order (hopefully they ship soon), but I am considering adding fish in before my parameters & phosphate **** itself. Any fertilizer recommendations would be helpful as well!

Tank itself has 3 chambers, the first chamber is supposed to have a filter sock, but I opted in for a protein skimmer instead (not currently running), second chamber has my filter media, and the third chamber houses the return pump, and my heater. All my oolite+aragonite, rock, and water were all taken from my LFS and has been doing its thing for about a week now.

I would really prefer to keep all my livestock AC, but I'm aware I run into some issues with that. I have no plans/want to add any Coral. I would also prefer to stay away from Shrimp/Goby pairings as I've read that the smaller shrimp species are not guaranteed Macro safe. I won't be adding everything all at once, but here are some stocking lists I've made so far:

1)
Scooter Blenny x1
AC Ocellaris Clown x1
Clown Goby x1
Feather Dusters x2
Fire/Cleaner Shrimp x1
Rock Flower Anemones x2 (or Bubble Tip Anemone x1)

2)
Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse x1
Pink Bar Goby x1
Firefish x1
Feather Dusters x2
Fire/Cleaner Shrimp x1
Rock Flower Anemones x2

Honestly, I'm really into the Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse, LiveAquaria states minimum for them is 15 gallons, as well as some other research I've done also seems to agree with, which is what I have. I also really like the Clown Gobys, I think they're neat. Since I'm leaning towards those two, I'm unsure if I should add a third eventually or not, or even what else I should. They both seem Macro safe, which was my main concern. Any recommendations/advice is greatly appreciated.

Secondly, I bought a light from a buddy of mine who upgraded his tank. I have a Fluval Sea Lightbar, full spectrum and bluetooth. I need help figuring out the best 'set-up' for macro specifically. I'm kinda lost with how I should be tuning the different colors, for how long, when, and how bright. If someone could explain how that works that would be fantastic.

(please ignore the lid, I have one on order, it has not arrived yet)
Thanks!

 

[Tahoe61]

Hi and Welcome to Reef2reef.

I prefer option 2 with the Yellow Banded Wrasse, and others. In a 15 gallon I would not add a BTA, because they can go on the move causing multiple issues. With regard to Clowns, as they mature they often become extremely territorial and aggressive.
I would not house the heater in the same compartment as the return pump. The compartment with the return pump will be the 1st one to run dry if the water level gets too low. Consider an ATO, it really is an essential item. Gravity feed top off works as well.

 

[itscal3b]

Hi and Welcome to Reef2reef.

I prefer option 2 with the Yellow Banded Wrasse, and others. In a 15 gallon I would not add a BTA, because they can go on the move causing multiple issues. With regard to Clowns, as they mature they often become extremely territorial and aggressive.
I would not house the heater in the same compartment as the return pump. The compartment with the return pump will be the 1st one to run dry if the water level gets too low. Consider an ATO, it really is an essential item. Gravity feed top off works as well.

Even though the heater comes with an automatic shutoff/manual display I'll still move it for safey. I'm unsure if I have enough space to install an Gravity/ATO but I'll definitely look into it.

Do you have any suggestions regarding my lighting situation? I appreciate your reply!

 

[Rhetoric]

would not house the heater in the same compartment as the return pump.

I second this as it will definitely lead to problems.

as for fish and lights, I cant contribute.

Good luck!

 

[Tahoe61]

Even though the heater comes with an automatic shutoff/manual display I'll still move it for safey. I'm unsure if I have enough space to install an Gravity/ATO but I'll definitely look into it.

Do you have any suggestions regarding my lighting situation? I appreciate your reply!

I have the Fluval Maine 30 watts (not in use), and I have never used it specifically to grow Macro but I am sure it will. I would increase the red and white percentages, and turn down everything else.

 

[itscal3b]

I have the Fluval Maine 30 watts (not in use), and I have never used it specifically to grow Macro but I am sure it will. I would increase the red and white percentages, and turn down everything else.

I'll do a little bit of tuning, thank you for the suggestions and help! I much appreciate it.