25 Gallon Caribbean Reef

[michael_cb_125]

Hello everyone,
I recently broke down a larger aquarium that was running for many years. I decided to go quite a bit smaller for the new tank, and went with an IM 25 lagoon. I liked the idea of having an all in one style tank, since it is in the living room. This is not a crazy high tech build, nor will I have crazy rare or expensive corals. My goal for this tank is to replicate a Caribbean reef.
As such, I am somewhat limited to my coral options. I plan on having all the commonly collected corals, but will also try to get some stony stuff by way of aquacultured rock.

Here is an equipment list:
IM 25 Lagoon
Maxspect Ethereal LED
AI Nero 5
Tunze ATO

I used rock that I have had for over a decade for this tank, and went with a very minimal aquascape.

As of now I only have some Astrea snails that I collected, Limpets, Ricordea and a Lantern Bass. So the tank looks pretty bare, but I have plans, lol..

 

[fishface NJ]

Good luck with the build! Post photos when you get a chance

 

[fishybizzness]

Definitely my favorite style! Being that this is the view from my deck, its what I'm used too! And yes, I may be bragging a little.. lol

 

[michael_cb_125]

 

[michael_cb_125]

 

[fishybizzness]

Looking good so far!

 

[michael_cb_125]

 

[Jeremiah G]

I like your scape! Make sure you get some Gorgonians

 

[michael_cb_125]

 

[michael_cb_125]

So the plan for livestock will consist primarily of gorgonians, mushrooms, rock flowers and paly/zoas.

The gorg placement will be tricky in such a shallow tank, but I will try to source smaller specimens and keep them pruned.

 

[Schraufabagel]

I like the tank!

 

[michael_cb_125]

Thank-You!
I have had many different setups over the years, including other Caribbean tanks.
Of all the tanks that I have had, the Caribbean setups have always been my favorite, so I figured that I will stick to what I know and like.

Also, since the majority of the species I will be keeping can be found in somewhat cooler waters, it makes it easier to run the tank seasonally regarding temps. I have done this in the past with great results.

I plan to keep several species of Macro Algae in the tank. I have pretty much decided on the species that I want, now I just need a good supplier for them. Any suggestions?

~Michael

 

[Schraufabagel]

Thank-You!
I have had many different setups over the years, including other Caribbean tanks.
Of all the tanks that I have had, the Caribbean setups have always been my favorite, so I figured that I will stick to what I know and like.

Also, since the majority of the species I will be keeping can be found in somewhat cooler waters, it makes it easier to run the tank seasonally regarding temps. I have done this in the past with great results.

I plan to keep several species of Macro Algae in the tank. I have pretty much decided on the species that I want, now I just need a good supplier for them. Any suggestions?

~Michael

Reefcleaners.org is a usual go to. I have codium from them that is flourishing

 

[WheatToast]

I plan to keep several species of Macro Algae in the tank. I have pretty much decided on the species that I want, now I just need a good supplier for them. Any suggestions?

~Michael

eBay has a massive selection of healthy macroalgae, some originating from the Caribbean.

 

[Sshannon]

I found a Caribbean native Scolymia at my local fish shop. Keep an eye out, you never know what might show up.

 

[michael_cb_125]

I am pretty certain that is a Pacific species, looks like Scolymia vitiensis . If not, I hope it came in on cultured rock).

But it is very pretty nonetheless.

 

[michael_cb_125]

 

[michael_cb_125]

The little basslet settled in very quickly, and within two days recognized that I am a source of food.

Now he has started showing a behavior that I am unsure of.

When I get in front of the tank he quickly swims to where I am. He the twitches his head and swims upward. He will follow me all around the tank doing this. I know he is not hungry, as he does this after feeding with no interest in food. I tried getting pictures but he does it so quickly that the above shots were what I got. Video will not upload.
I assume aggressive behavior, but part of mw want to get another and see if they will spawn.
They are synchronous hermaphrodite, so I could box one and hope for change, lol.

Anybody have much experience with this genus. All I am familiar with are Liopropomas..

 

[dennis romano]

Lantern basslets are one of my favorite fish. Mine always did well with royal grammas. They are voracious feeders and will gulp down smaller tankmates, both fish and invert.

 

[michael_cb_125]

I am aware of how voracious they can be. We have caught them on rod and reel while fishing patch reefs in Florida. Little guys were 3 inches long and manged to get through a live pogy to a circle hook.

That said, they have amazing personalities.

I found this video of these fish showing spawing behavior



This is exactly what mine is doing minus the color change. My little guy doing push-ups in from of me is pretty interesting. I doubt he wants to spawn with me or my phone, so more than lively an aggressive behavior similar to the breeding dance...