Hey folks 
After years of freshwater, I finally decided to give saltwater a shot.
I’ve got a 40-gallon tank going, mixing my own water with Tropic Marin Pro. Running a Fluval 307, an AI Orbit 2 for flow (still going back and forth on adding a second one or just putting an AI Nero 3 on the other side), auto top-off, and a 100w heater. I’ve got a Sicce Shark 300 skimmer ready too, just waiting to turn it on until there’s actually something in the tank to skim. Lighting will be two AI 30” Blade Coral Grow fixtures once I get to that point.
Planning on a pretty simple mixed reef—mostly softies and LPS to start, then maybe an anemone down the road once things are stable.
Stocking plan right now:
• Pair of clownfish
• Fire goby
• 1–3 Banggai cardinals
• Watchman goby + pistol shrimp (really looking forward to that pair)
After the cycle finishes, I’m thinking about starting with the goby/shrimp combo, or possibly a small pair of clowns if I find the right ones.
If anyone has suggestions on stocking order or anything you wish you did differently starting out, I’m all ears. Also curious what people think on flow—second Orbit 2 or go Nero 3?
Appreciate any advice. Looking forward to getting this thing going. Also, the heater in the pic has been swapped for an Inkbird-controlled setup, and the lights were just on for the photo.
After years of freshwater, I finally decided to give saltwater a shot.
I’ve got a 40-gallon tank going, mixing my own water with Tropic Marin Pro. Running a Fluval 307, an AI Orbit 2 for flow (still going back and forth on adding a second one or just putting an AI Nero 3 on the other side), auto top-off, and a 100w heater. I’ve got a Sicce Shark 300 skimmer ready too, just waiting to turn it on until there’s actually something in the tank to skim. Lighting will be two AI 30” Blade Coral Grow fixtures once I get to that point.
Planning on a pretty simple mixed reef—mostly softies and LPS to start, then maybe an anemone down the road once things are stable.
Stocking plan right now:
• Pair of clownfish
• Fire goby
• 1–3 Banggai cardinals
• Watchman goby + pistol shrimp (really looking forward to that pair)
After the cycle finishes, I’m thinking about starting with the goby/shrimp combo, or possibly a small pair of clowns if I find the right ones.
If anyone has suggestions on stocking order or anything you wish you did differently starting out, I’m all ears. Also curious what people think on flow—second Orbit 2 or go Nero 3?
Appreciate any advice. Looking forward to getting this thing going. Also, the heater in the pic has been swapped for an Inkbird-controlled setup, and the lights were just on for the photo.
