New Nano Reef Set Up

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
S

sizors

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jul 30, 2008
245
0
16
Orlando / Casselberry FL
This is my first salt water tank and I could use some advice. I have been doing a lot of research online the past month, but I would prefer to get some help from people who have first hand experience.

I just got done setting up a 30 gal tank 36x12x16. I have an AquaClear 70 and 2 hydor koralia nano pumps going on each end and it has 36lbs of live rock. Its been up and running now for 1 week. I will be purchasing a salt water test kit probably tomorrow so I can know when to add the clean up crew.

Right now I just have the simple florescent that came with the tank but I plan to upgrade it soon. Still haven't decided which way to go just yet. Right now looking at the Hagen Glo T5 HO Lighting System Double, the Coralife Aqualight Dual T5 Lamp High Output Fixture, and the Marineland Double Bright LED Light Fixture. I know that lighting is important for coral, but Im still trying to keep it fairly low, so if there is another option that is in the $100 - $150 let me know.

Ok, so now on to the fun part, stocking. The lady would really like 1 clown, 2 firefish (1 red and 1 purple), 1 Coral Beauty, and 1 flame angel. I have already talked her out of a mandarin dragonet because we dont have the proper size tank for one. I was also thinking about adding 1 or 2 fish from this list: 6 stripe wrasse, flame hawkfish, or longnose hawkfish. I was told that it might be a good idea to get a starfish, but I dont really like the look of the brittle starfish. Maybe someone can point me towards a different kind.

I will post pics in a little while
 
As for the lighting, PETCO in my area has the Coral life T5 x2 lamp assemblies on sale for $129. It's the 36" and not a bad deal. Not all stores have them on sale though so call around if interested. You are pushing the wattage with the tank depth but I suspect you could do soft corals fine. I am running T5 2x24W on my 20l 30x12x13 and my BTA has been doing fine, but I have only had it for a week, well see if it keeps doing fine.

To the stock list, I think you would be fine with a Mandarine in that size tank but you are waaaaaay far away from putting one in your tank. Manderines are VERY finicky and need a well established system with lots and lots of 'pods.

Firefish and Clowns will also do fine, I cannot speak to the others, just make sure you go slow and do a lot of research before adding stuff. Speed kills on the salt side.
 
Mazcote Yarquest;4083427; said:
As for the lighting, PETCO in my area has the Coral life T5 x2 lamp assemblies on sale for $129. It's the 36" and not a bad deal. Not all stores have them on sale though so call around if interested. You are pushing the wattage with the tank depth but I suspect you could do soft corals fine. I am running T5 2x24W on my 20l 30x12x13 and my BTA has been doing fine, but I have only had it for a week, well see if it keeps doing fine.

To the stock list, I think you would be fine with a Mandarine in that size tank but you are waaaaaay far away from putting one in your tank. Manderines are VERY finicky and need a well established system with lots and lots of 'pods.

Firefish and Clowns will also do fine, I cannot speak to the others, just make sure you go slow and do a lot of research before adding stuff. Speed kills on the salt side.
Click to expand...

I will my petco out this week and see if they have a similar sale. Yea, Ive read how unless you have a huge population of pods, the mandarin will kill off the whole population in under a week or 2. I am trying to avoid just jumping into things and going crazy. Trying to set this one up the right way.
 
I like the six line wrasse - which would do fine in a 30 gal. However, just know that those guys can get mean. Thus, if you want to keep one, I've been told by many to introduce them after you introduce the more docile fish.

I have a watchman goby in my 37. He rocks, and has a lot of personality.

sizors;4083377; said:
This is my first salt water tank and I could use some advice. I have been doing a lot of research online the past month, but I would prefer to get some help from people who have first hand experience.

I just got done setting up a 30 gal tank 36x12x16. I have an AquaClear 70 and 2 hydor koralia nano pumps going on each end and it has 36lbs of live rock. Its been up and running now for 1 week. I will be purchasing a salt water test kit probably tomorrow so I can know when to add the clean up crew.

Right now I just have the simple florescent that came with the tank but I plan to upgrade it soon. Still haven't decided which way to go just yet. Right now looking at the Hagen Glo T5 HO Lighting System Double, the Coralife Aqualight Dual T5 Lamp High Output Fixture, and the Marineland Double Bright LED Light Fixture. I know that lighting is important for coral, but Im still trying to keep it fairly low, so if there is another option that is in the $100 - $150 let me know.

Ok, so now on to the fun part, stocking. The lady would really like 1 clown, 2 firefish (1 red and 1 purple), 1 Coral Beauty, and 1 flame angel. I have already talked her out of a mandarin dragonet because we dont have the proper size tank for one. I was also thinking about adding 1 or 2 fish from this list: 6 stripe wrasse, flame hawkfish, or longnose hawkfish. I was told that it might be a good idea to get a starfish, but I dont really like the look of the brittle starfish. Maybe someone can point me towards a different kind.

I will post pics in a little while
Click to expand...
 
Taboojen;4084294; said:
I like the six line wrasse - which would do fine in a 30 gal. However, just know that those guys can get mean. Thus, if you want to keep one, I've been told by many to introduce them after you introduce the more docile fish.

I have a watchman goby in my 37. He rocks, and has a lot of personality.
Click to expand...
I have also read that it would be best to add the 6 stripe wrasse last. That will be the plan if i decide to keep one then. I was also noticed the watchamn goby and seems pretty cool at least in the pics Ive seen. Next time Im at the LFS, I will look to see if they have any in stock and see how they look in person.

How many fish would work for my 30? Is 5 or 6 going to be too much or can I have a few more?
 
I would think 5-6 fish in a 30 would be about right. You can still add inverts and corals though.

The Watchmen Goby has a nice relationship with a Pistol Shrimp for instance.

Again, I cannot emphasize this enough, research before you buy, save yourself a lot of heartache and $$$!
 
Mazcote Yarquest;4085600; said:
I would think 5-6 fish in a 30 would be about right. You can still add inverts and corals though.

The Watchmen Goby has a nice relationship with a Pistol Shrimp for instance.

Again, I cannot emphasize this enough, research before you buy, save yourself a lot of heartache and $$$!
Click to expand...
Sounds good, I will try to stay around 5 or 6 then, and I will definitely be adding coral as I go.
 
Looks good. Be patient and add fish slowly. Also think about getting some turbo snails and blue leged hermit crabs to keep your algea in check. You might not have any right now but you will get it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom