I want to do a salt water tank but i don't know everything i need. i want to do like some clowns and like anemones or something and could i have a pair in a 10 gallon
Salt water tank
- Thread starter ElectricJackDempsey
- Start date
Yes and no. As a first tank a 10 is not ideal, bigger is always better. If you are wanting to do a pair of clowns (I am assuming the normal kind, either ocellaris or percula) and an anemone you should do at least a 20long. Anemones are very challenging though and even some of the most advanced reefers have trouble getting one to settle in and thrive long term. But some other people seem to have a knack for them.
Start with a saltwater aquarium handbook, read it cover to cover. Then read one specifically on clownfish, and one on either reef aquariums, corals, or anemones.
Most people agree that anemones should not be added for at least six months, or six months after any major issues. This will help increase the odds that the water is stable enough for anemones.
What I consider the modern reef tank is very natural in setup. 80% of the filtration is live rock, so have a lot of it (at least 1.5 pounds per gallon, preferably more). The other 20% is from the protein skimmer and a refugium. Any skimmer is better than no skimmer. You may skip the refugium if you only do a 10 or 20 and just do a HOB and keep it maintained.
On a tank as small as yours water changes will be extremely valuable. 10% every week will help you avoid 90% of the problems beginners inevitably face. However, you need to use a high quality salt and RO water, not tap water and the cheapest salt you can find. Any time you have any problems at all (algae, fish not acting right, corals not acting right, any death, etc.) you need to increase the frequency of the water changes, not the size.
Start with a saltwater aquarium handbook, read it cover to cover. Then read one specifically on clownfish, and one on either reef aquariums, corals, or anemones.
Most people agree that anemones should not be added for at least six months, or six months after any major issues. This will help increase the odds that the water is stable enough for anemones.
What I consider the modern reef tank is very natural in setup. 80% of the filtration is live rock, so have a lot of it (at least 1.5 pounds per gallon, preferably more). The other 20% is from the protein skimmer and a refugium. Any skimmer is better than no skimmer. You may skip the refugium if you only do a 10 or 20 and just do a HOB and keep it maintained.
On a tank as small as yours water changes will be extremely valuable. 10% every week will help you avoid 90% of the problems beginners inevitably face. However, you need to use a high quality salt and RO water, not tap water and the cheapest salt you can find. Any time you have any problems at all (algae, fish not acting right, corals not acting right, any death, etc.) you need to increase the frequency of the water changes, not the size.