im going to have a empty 10g soon. i have a fluval 204 for filtration. i wanted to know what i needed to go salt water. i have never had a salt water set up before. Also what can i stock it. i was thinking a small clown fish. thanks in advance.
FW to SW
- Thread starter Eleven Bravo
- Start date
10 gallons doesn't give you much room for error, stocking options or anything like that. Although you have enough filtration GPH wise, its not the most efficient filtration. IMO a simple HOB filter is more the plenty for a tank that size. You could go all coral if you want, because as far as space requirements for most corals, 10 gallons is fine.
Nano fish such as Watchman gobies, Clown gobies and other very small fish is about all you will be able to keep in a tank of that size. Although a single clown (occelarus) would work, its not ideal conditions for such fish. careful planning should be exercised when starting this system to avoid any possible casualties. Be sure to read and fully understand the process of cycling and aquarium, properly, before fish and other livestock is added.
My best advice for tank of this size, is to go larger. 29 gallons is my favorite size only because there not to big and overwhelming, but also not to small. this in turn allows you more error room and just a bit more stocking option.
Nano fish such as Watchman gobies, Clown gobies and other very small fish is about all you will be able to keep in a tank of that size. Although a single clown (occelarus) would work, its not ideal conditions for such fish. careful planning should be exercised when starting this system to avoid any possible casualties. Be sure to read and fully understand the process of cycling and aquarium, properly, before fish and other livestock is added.
My best advice for tank of this size, is to go larger. 29 gallons is my favorite size only because there not to big and overwhelming, but also not to small. this in turn allows you more error room and just a bit more stocking option.
Eleven Bravo;2603255; said:
"Heya mate...
If you have never run a marine system before, yeah, i would recommend a skimmer, they do help to maintain stability as a whole..
Lighting depends on what kind of corals you want to house in the system, as they each have their own needs...
Filter wise, a 405 would be "OK".. But if you go for 1 - 1.5lbs of live rock per gallon of tank water, a filter aint really needed.
Shopping list wise..
Lights
Live rock - 1 to 1.5lbs per gallon
Sand - Aragonite sugar grade reef sand ( caribsea is good)
Heater
Thermometer
Refractometer
Test kits - Ammonia, pH, Nitrite, Nitrate, Calcium, Alk and Mag
RO water source - either purchase from LFS or buy a good RO Unit."
I'm doing the same with a 29gal. This is the info that Reefscape gave me.
I to would like more info on this matter.
i've been looking through the SW threads for a few weeks,
not a whole lot of action over here on the darkside, at least to what im used to on the fw ray forums.
always love to hear peoples opinions though...
not a whole lot of action over here on the darkside, at least to what im used to on the fw ray forums.
always love to hear peoples opinions though...
Well unfortunately, I will be the voice of reason.
While I will say that a 10 gallon tank will be something that is more prone to having quicker swings because of the size, do not let something like this discourage you. You are and would be able to keep 1 clown or maybe a pair for a small while.
There are plenty of fish out there that you can put into small tanks. Just do a search for nano fish.
Keep in mind that while a clown will not usually exceed 4" it still would not be right to keep them in there for life.
If you choose to keep coral, you will need sufficient lighting to provide coral with as most are photosynthetic like plants. But more information on that if you choose is readily available if you search.
Most of the other information you are asking for is located at the top of the forum in the stickies. If you are willing to really get into the hobby that is something I highly recommend reading. Especially if you do not know where to start.
While I will say that a 10 gallon tank will be something that is more prone to having quicker swings because of the size, do not let something like this discourage you. You are and would be able to keep 1 clown or maybe a pair for a small while.
There are plenty of fish out there that you can put into small tanks. Just do a search for nano fish.
Keep in mind that while a clown will not usually exceed 4" it still would not be right to keep them in there for life.
If you choose to keep coral, you will need sufficient lighting to provide coral with as most are photosynthetic like plants. But more information on that if you choose is readily available if you search.
Most of the other information you are asking for is located at the top of the forum in the stickies. If you are willing to really get into the hobby that is something I highly recommend reading. Especially if you do not know where to start.
Thanks for all the great advice. i decided im going to get a 12g nano cube. do you think sea horse would work? what other fish work well with them? thanks
it'd work but they are definitely not good begginer fish
if you wanted to get some starter fish than in a while change them out for a seahorse or two you could do that, but i DEFINITELY wouldn't start with horses off the bat
if you wanted to get some starter fish than in a while change them out for a seahorse or two you could do that, but i DEFINITELY wouldn't start with horses off the bat
nor house them with any other fish or inverts. Sea horses are very very hard to get to feed. If your lucky and you can obtain captive breed species near you then you will have a better chance, but still do not suggest them. There habitat has to be very similar to that in the wild, very low current but yet extremely efficient filtration. They are very senitive to poor water quality, which can quickly happen in smaller systems.
i would start off slow with one fish and some live sand only. until you get better at saltwater.
things you will need for the most basic of set-ups are:
quality salt mix,liverock and or sand,quality hydrometer(fish only)or refractometer,powerhead,nano skimmer,and LOTS of water changes!(until you master how to keep the tank stable)
things you will need for the most basic of set-ups are:
quality salt mix,liverock and or sand,quality hydrometer(fish only)or refractometer,powerhead,nano skimmer,and LOTS of water changes!(until you master how to keep the tank stable)