My 36 gal budget build

SR52012 · Jul 12, 2016

This is the start to my 36 gal budget build, so far I have a tank, light, and hob skimmer. I have ordered a circulation pump and will be getting live rock and sand. Here are some pics of the stuff i got.

So like i said this is a budget build, so i bought a used light since I dont have the cash for a new led right now. The light I bought would fit on top of the tank if I laid it on the lid, but then i have no room for the hob or anything else. So I had to come up with something else. I am going to use the fitting above and run a piece of 3/4 pvc from front to back of the tank with those on each side to sit on top of the tank. then the light legs will sit and be ziptied to the pvc. This is because the light isnt long enough for the legs to go from side to side. I am going to be cutting the pipe and painting it black tonight. I will post pics of the finished product.

Let me know what you think, this is my first SW tank and if I am doing something "wrong" please let me know! Thanks everyone!

LetItReef · Jul 12, 2016

Hello there! What are your stocking plans?
Maybe look into Dry rocks if you are in a budget.

SR52012 · Jul 12, 2016

Im going with Macros for my "filter" and so far im thinking about a pair of snowflake clowns and possible a mandarin thats all i have for fish so far. As for corals i want zoas, and other easy things... And im getting a deal on live rock.

R_C · Jul 12, 2016

On a budget dry rock is the way to go and personally I prefer it. Then I know for sure that my rock does not have any unwanted hitchhikers. You should start a build thread for your progress.
Welcome!

SR52012 · Jul 12, 2016

R_C said:
On a budget dry rock is the way to go and personally I prefer it. Then I know for sure that my rock does not have any unwanted hitchhikers. You should start a build thread for your progress.
Welcome!

This is my build thread. lol

SR52012 · Jul 14, 2016

So I came down with a cold and im trying to kick it, but i finished the light stands and painted them black. I will post pics when i have a free min. I am also working on getting the sand and rock this weekend so the tank can start running. I will post more updates soon!

shollis2814 · Jul 14, 2016

You may have shared this, or have a plan, but without a sump I think it's going to be hard to keep a mandarin fed in a 36. Those things go through a lot of pods.

SR52012 · Jul 14, 2016

Im starting with live rocks so i will have some that come on it, also when i shop for one im going to ask the store if it is eating pellets or frozen. You have to think, the tanks at the stores dont have rocks and pods right?

shollis2814 · Jul 14, 2016

SR52012 said:
Im starting with live rocks so i will have some that come on it, also when i shop for one im going to ask the store if it is eating pellets or frozen. You have to think, the tanks at the stores don't have rocks and pods right?

This is true, but they also don't have the mandarins for years. It's a short turnaround for them. I think you are wise to make sure it's eating something other than pods, but be aware that I have seen some eating frozen in the store go back to refusing anything but pods once they get put into a tank.

Not telling you not to, just be aware.

SR52012 · Jul 14, 2016

Thanks for the advice! I will def keep that in mind. What other fish would you recommend?

Mandrew · Jul 14, 2016

I've always wanted a mandarin as well, and I thought if they ate frozen food when I bought them that I'd be all set. The problem is many people have told me over my time as a "reefer" mandarins eat all day long. So unless you can feed them directly like 5-6 times a day they still aren't getting enough food by eating frozen. Just something to keep in mind. A large pod population is definitely a must have. I bought a mandarin that ate frozen food a few months back and it was half dead looking in the bag before I got it home unfortunately it didn't make it or I could have tested the theory myself. Plus side is, if you can afford it you can always buy pods once or twice a month and dump them in at night so the fish don't gobble them up all at once.

shollis2814 · Jul 14, 2016

In my 36 I have a percula clown, diamond goby, hector's goby, and tailspot blenny. It's a peaceful tank and none of those guys bother one another. I would advise staying away from some of the more 'standard' fish if you ever want to try to keep smaller goby species. I love royal grammas, but they are jerks. The same can be said for some basslets, as well as 6-lined wrasses. All beautiful fish, but all severely limit what else you can have in your tank.

Rainsford goby, firefish, bangai cardinals, neon goby, longnose hawk (if you don't mind replacing your CUC). There are a ton of options. My advice for folks starting tanks has been to decide which fish you can't live without, and plan the tankmates around it.

SR52012 · Jul 14, 2016

shollis2814 said:
In my 36 I have a percula clown, diamond goby, hector's goby, and tailspot blenny. It's a peaceful tank and none of those guys bother one another. I would advise staying away from some of the more 'standard' fish if you ever want to try to keep smaller goby species. I love royal grammas, but they are jerks. The same can be said for some basslets, as well as 6-lined wrasses. All beautiful fish, but all severely limit what else you can have in your tank.

Rainsford goby, firefish, bangai cardinals, neon goby, longnose hawk (if you don't mind replacing your CUC). There are a ton of options. My advice for folks starting tanks has been to decide which fish you can't live without, and plan the tankmates around it.

What do you mean "longnose hawk (if you don't mind replacing your CUC)" I dont know what CUC is lol. I will be wanting corals so i need fish that wont mess with them. Also my wife and i saw a pair of snowflake clowns and we really want those now... she is demanding all kinds of stuff lol.

shollis2814 · Jul 14, 2016

CUC= clean up crew - small hermit crabs and snails. Hawkfish are predatory on smaller crustaceans. They will slowly whittle down your hermits and you will have to restock.

Just remember nothing good happens in a reef tank overnight.

For example, general rule of thumb is that corals don't go in until your tank has been up and running *at least* 6 months. Your tank water will go through some changes during that time (sort of a 'breaking in' period) that corals won't survive. It will like flushing money, lol.

That will also help you save up for some LED lights. You will need lighting if you want corals.

If you want a pair of snowflake clowns, I would plan for 2, maybe 3 other fish and possibly put the clowns in last (depending on what other fish you select)

I would suggest going to liveaquaria.com . You can filter their fish by tanks size and level of care. It's a good start to look for fish you might want.

Any other questions, just ask. This is a very friendly forum, and we want to see people's tanks succeed.

SR52012 · Jul 14, 2016

Thanks!

I just bought a used light cause leds are to expensize right now, as for corals i would get zoas first, i heard they are good starters.

Putting the clowns in last, i heard they can become territorial so i was thinking of adding them last so they arent jerks.

shollis2814 · Jul 14, 2016

Zoas are easy and beautiful. Still need to wait until your tank has gone through that 6 month break-in period. Use that time to get your rock situation the way you like, lights ordered (those T5's should be fine, but I imagine once you replace the bulbs twice (they need replacing every 6 months, not when they go out) you will have paid for a decent LED system. Get your fish population in and settled and your parameters where you need them (calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, etc.) You are looking for stability in your water parameters before you put corals in.