20 gallon Tank DIY

[newreefer20needshelp]

Hello, I have a 20-gallon tank, and I am a new owner. I am trying my best, but sadly, I have suffered a loss. I have lost 2 clownfish and one mandrian goby, thanks to Ichs, and I still have corals, Zoas, and a Candy Cane, but they don't look like they are thriving. In the tank, I also have one firefish and one perrpermet shrimp. But looking for some tips. Thanks In Advance!

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

 

[kevgib67]

How long has the tank been up? Did the tank completely cycle? Mandrians eat thousands of pods a day and need a well established tank. You can’t get that amount in a 20g tank unless you dose them every day. As much as I love those fish I wouldn’t attempt one in my 32g. It’s common to loose fish in the beginning, don’t beat yourself up.

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

How long has the tank been up? Did the tank completely cycle? Mandrians eat thousands of pods a day and need a well established tank. You can’t get that amount in a 20g tank unless you dose them every day. As much as I love those fish I wouldn’t attempt one in my 32g. It’s common to loose fish in the beginning, don’t beat yourself up.

The tank has been up for about 3 months and took 3 weeks to cycle, but I got my two clownfish right after, and for 2 months, they seemed to do well; they were eating well. When I got my mangernian goby, my fish store said they were fine for a 20-gallon tank. Last night, I got some calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium test kits. I only test alkalinity it was 9.6. Do you have any tips for the coral that I have

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[Flake]

Can you describe what makes you think they aren’t thriving? Do you have closer pictures of the corals?

Are you testing ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates?

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

One of the zoas is open and doing fine, but the other one is closed, and I thought I was water flow, but I have not fully opened yet. It's the same thing with my candy cane coral. I test for ammonia, but not for nitratesa

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

I will have closer pics soon

 

[kevgib67]

The tank has been up for about 3 months and took 3 weeks to cycle, but I got my two clownfish right after, and for 2 months, they seemed to do well; they were eating well. When I got my mangernian goby, my fish store said they were fine for a 20-gallon tank. Last night, I got some calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium test kits. I only test alkalinity it was 9.6. Do you have any tips for the coral that I have

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Fish stores don’t always give good advice and can be less concerned with their animals than making a sale. Last request, could you post your parameters?

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

Yes, no problem thank you guys for the advice

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

DO you have any good fish for this tank?

 

[kevgib67]

I would leave it fishless for at least six weeks to allow all three stages of ich to die off. Unlike your experience, clowns are pretty hardy. I really like the personality and colors of my royal gramma. With good maintenance you could probably get away with one more small fish. I love my tailspot blenny, small fish with a small bio load and a huge personality. I would recommend a small hospital tank, a cheap starter tank from Walmart and get some copper treatment just in case.

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

Ok thank you for advice but do you have any good corals

 

[kevgib67]

Ok thank you for advice but do you have any good corals

Click on the blue “ My Tank Thread and you can see what I have and then let me know if you have any questions.

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

DO you like your zoa garden I am thing abotu starting one once I get thecoral problem fixed

 

[newreefer20needshelp]

I am thinking about starting a zoo garden Do you like yours?

 

[kevgib67]

I am thinking about starting a zoo garden Do you like yours?

Yes and they are very hardy!

 

[hugopapi24]

This is my 20 gallon with some neglect and staying on top of it.

 

[hugopapi24]

My 20 gallon