In The Beginning

[Alamo183672]

Setting up a "new" reef tank. I'm using a UNS 60U (24" x 14.5" x 14.5") apx 20 gallons total, after sand and rock 16.5 gallons of water.
The light is a Maxspect Jump MJ-L260 w/diffuser. Filter is Sicce AquaFiltra 40, I ditched the cartridges and put filter floss and Seachem Matrix in it.
Heater is Oase Heat Up 150 watt( I keep my house pretty cold). ATO is Tunze Osmolator Nano 3. Wavemaker is a Hygger 1321gph.
The tank is in the first week of a fishless cycle using Dr Tim's and ammonium chloride. Lights are off during cycling.
My plan is to have a pair of cool Clownfish, a Tailspot or similar blenny and a Goby/Pistol shrimp combo. A clean up crew and an oddball invert or two.
I'm interested in soft coral and some east to keep LPS, I like torches, zoas etc, nothing crazy. Since it's a small tank, I am thinking a 25% water change once per week and changing filter floss every other day should keep nutrients in check. I'm familiar with testing so that shouldn't be a problem. I am also interested in some cool macro algae in the tank, I have heard that red species do the best. I'm open to any suggestions or comments.

 

[phatwill]

I think you have a solid plan. You’ll always run into species of coral/fish you struggle with and you’ll have to learn wha you are doing slightly wrong and adjust or stop keeping that coral/fish. Be patient and don’t too much too fast is the best advice. It’s one of those things you’ll get to really really enjoy after 6 months to a year