Size Matters

KnH · Jan 23, 2021

My goals is to have a small desktop setup,
1 BTA & 2 clowns

Light will be Prime 16 HD

I have been dry for a few years and going through my project closet I have
most if not all I would need other than the Prime 16 HD

A Marineland Portrait 5 Gallons 10 x 10 x 14 with the all in tank filtration pulled out
I will Drill it for a overflow, return & 29g sump,
Small tank size, large overall size with sump
Or
Buy a All in one, tank size?
Looking for the smallest footprint for 1 BTA 2 clowns
I will trade out the BTA when it gets to large

So what would be the Minimum tank size & footprint?
This will be a babied setup, high maintenance
Thanks

Idoc · Jan 24, 2021

5g is pretty small for a couple clowns. They like to explore the tank and don't always sit in an anenome...especially if they feel safe and secure without other fish for competition. I would think 10g minimum.

John Bolden · Jan 24, 2021

TriggersAmuck · Feb 10, 2021

I'm assuming since you are talking about a sump that it is not necessarily a requirement that this be so small as to fit on a desktop? I have a 14 gallon cube (15" on each side) which houses a single Fire Clown and many other critters (see my build thread). Sure, you can try to go smaller, but with the BTAs you want to provide them with a measure of stability. While they are one of the hardiest of the 'nems, I have lost quite a few in getting my anemone specific tank to where it is.