nano reef tank...ten gallon

[Kiersten]

hey guys, i have a couple of concerns with the new nano reef tank my boyfriend are setting up. we are wondering if we need a protein skimmer in that small of a tank. if so, where can i get one small enough for this kind of tank?
i currently have a ten gallon brackish tank that i am gradually converting to full salt as my puffer fish get older. i have three green spotted puffers which are doing great. they're so playful. i don't have a protein skimmer in this tank and everyone is getting along fine...but should i get one anyway? also, when i do get it to full marine conditions, would i be able to but a little scooter blenny in it? i'm afraid to put anything in there becuase the puffers can be viscious.
so, the second question i have about the new reef tank. i want to get a pair of clown fish, a shrimp and watchman goby, possibly a mandarin dragonet, and a couple of hermit crabs. would that work out?
any advice would be greatly appreciated!
thanks
Kiersten

 

[HarlanAshmore]

get a skimmer GSP's need at least 30 gals so if i was u i would get rid of the puffers and get them a bigger tank in the ten gal you probs get a pair of clown fish but im no expert on marine fish

 

[mercury904]

if i were to be ask id make a sump subtank and put a turbo skimmer in it(along with crushed corals,live rocks&sand) then make an overflow pipe from the main tank

 

[kydsexy]

ok you have a few problems with this. im not sure why GSPs were mentioned? Green Star Polyps? if so, they'll fit in a 10 gallon but not with the puffers. it'll be too hard to keep nitrates in check etc. the stocking list for your new reef tank is too high. 2 clownfish, perculas, will make more than enough waste for your LR. mandarins should not be purchased until you have a mature tank, at least a few years. they eat copepods and usually ONLY copepods. do some research on nano tanks. there are a bunch of sites out there dedicated to the keeping of a nano aquarium

 

[JIM]

I dont really think you need a skimmer in a tank that small regular water changes should suffice, but if you want a real expert opinion look online for Inland Aquatics in Indiana, send an email to Morgan, he is VERY knowledgeable and will help you out

 

[andyjs]

ok you have a few problems with this. im not sure why GSPs were mentioned? Green Star Polyps?

Green Spotted Puffers....

 

[kydsexy]

you can join any other forums.

nano-reef.com or nano-reefs.com (it's one of them)
reefcentral.com


those are both AMAZING sites

 

[jworth]

stock list is too high. to make it easier just rule out scooter blenny and mandarins. unless youre an expert they almost certainly will die in short time. a pair of clowns (ocellaris) should be ok til theyre bigger, a small cleaner shrimp wont give you any problems and a couple hermits will do. the puffers should be taken in for credit to get you on your way.

if you must keep a puffer then maybe just one and that list minus a clown and the shrimp bc they WILL eat it.

protein skimmer would help but is not necessary if you have a good cleaning schedule. good luck.

 

[Kiersten]

by the way...
my green spotted puffers are in their own tank. the tank i was asking about is a new one i am setting up. i know they would annhilate any other fish i put in with them.

i think i have narrowed down the stock list for the new nano reef tank. no mandarin dragonet. that was only a whim to begin with. i would hate to buy one then have it die. they're so beautiful.

thanks for all the help so far guys!!!!