Soon to set up my first salt tank!!

[xRage10]

As the title says, I'm super stoked. I've have a 10 gallon sitting around for quite some time now and finally decided to turn it into a little salt tank. I'm very excited

Not sure what I want to do at the moment, though. I don't have the lights for a miniature reef, so that's out of the question (at least for now). I've been thinking of just a clown and maybe a goby of some sort for now, but still not sure.

Wondering if anyone has any ideas for a small tank? I'm open to anything really. I've got a 55 FW in my room and would just like to take a try at something new

 

[Greg31]

I have never done a salt water tank, but from the research I have done, I have heard the bigger then better, and setting up a small saltwater tank (less then 20g) is a bad idea unless you have extensive experience with salt water.

 

[xRage10]

I've heard that also. However, I have the 10 gallon along with pretty much the essentials (filter, heater, sand, etc.) and figured that it would be decently cheap to at least attempt.

I don't know, though. That's why I'm asking for advice/opinions. I figure that if I fail to get an environment set up well enough for fish to live in, at least I tried and know to wait on at least a 30 gallon.

 

[inssane]

There was another post where I gave more detail on starting a 10g reef for a beginner (not the best idea IMO)
Bigger is better - it is said that 55g is the "best" starter size. My first was a 45H FO tank. I didn't like it at all. Several years later I went with a 20g with LR, xenia, and a bubble tip with various smaller fish. Had it for 2 years, no water changes EVER and consistent biweekly water tests. The anemone died when I went away for only 2 days and the tank was trashed. Trashed as in everything died.

Prime example of when things go bad in a smaller tank they can go bad versus a potentially easier bounce back with a bigger one.

I understand space constraints so a 30 is a nice negotiation.
Also, don't skimp on equipment and I HIGHLY recommend live rock (natural filter) and lots of cool things you can "attach" to it.
In regards to equipment, I forget what brand, but it's a titanium heater with an EXTERNAL thermostat. Easier than sticking your hand in and disturbing your livestock and having salty hands. Plus it's low profile and easy to hide.
Good luck!

edit - main reason I say don't skip on equipment is if something breaks/malfunctions (heaters do that the best) you are risking a sizeable investment compared to fresh.

 

[TMartinez]

I have been on this forum consistently for like 2 weeks now and you are about the 3rd or forth person to mention doing something like this.

Can it be done? Yes
Is it recommended? No, especially not for beginners

The problem with small reef tanks or even fowlr tanks is small changes occur quickly whereas in a larger tank they happen more slowly. Thus making larger tank more "stable"

I am doing my first mini reef in a 29 gallon tank. Even this size is smaller than most would recommend. I have to constantly monitor water parameters (3 times a week) and I've already had 2 peppermint shrimp die and a crazy algae bloom. It's been set up for 2 weeks lol.

If you are willing to accept failure then do it. It IS possible to set it up you will just have to be very diligent, patient and careful.

I wish you all the luck and if you have any questions feel free to put it on here. Even though I'm new to salt, I'll be glad to help if I can

 

[inssane]

And I am rusty since it's been a while since my salts - 5 years experience nonetheless.

So you have nooby and rusty at your service.
Haha, I just pictured Mader from movie CARS

 

[nonstophoops]

I have been on this forum consistently for like 2 weeks now and you are about the 3rd or forth person to mention doing something like this.

Can it be done? Yes
Is it recommended? No, especially not for beginners

The problem with small reef tanks or even fowlr tanks is small changes occur quickly whereas in a larger tank they happen more slowly. Thus making larger tank more "stable"

I am doing my first mini reef in a 29 gallon tank. Even this size is smaller than most would recommend. I have to constantly monitor water parameters (3 times a week) and I've already had 2 peppermint shrimp die and a crazy algae bloom. It's been set up for 2 weeks lol.

If you are willing to accept failure then do it. It IS possible to set it up you will just have to be very diligent, patient and careful.

I wish you all the luck and if you have any questions feel free to put it on here. Even though I'm new to salt, I'll be glad to help if I can

Martinez gives good reasoning here. (Note to Martinez, your knowledge is coming along quickly, good to see!)

If you have most of the stuff you will need go ahead and try it. Set it up and get the water stable and cycled(this will take a while). Don't rush out to buy a fish, wait for it to fully cycle. You will then be able to choose one fish and one fish only(at least for months to prove you can keep it and water quality high). I would go with the clown just because they actually swim around more than the goby, so it won't look like you have an empty tank.

I agree with inssane that live rock is essential.

Keep your water flow high, it keeps wastes suspended for your filters to catch.(Your live rock is also a filter and will help more if you have lots of flow around it.) I recommend a couple powerheads pointed at each other from each end of the tank.

I disagree with inssane that a 55 gallon is the best tank to start with. I think it is the worst. If you are going to do a 55 gallon, do a 75 gallon. It is just as long just a little deeper(6 in) so it doesn't really take up more space. The depth makes it a lot easier to set up a tank well than the 55 gallon.

 

[TMartinez]

Martinez gives good reasoning here. (Note to Martinez, your knowledge is coming along quickly, good to see!)

Why thank you!

I also recommend picking up a book before you start anything. I got the Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook (after I started) and it goes over cycling pretty well. It says to let it run with the pumps on but lights off for SIX WEEKS before adding anything else... This wil help kill any nuisance algae and stabilize your water parameters...

Patience is a must!

 

[FLESHY]

+1 to the above...75's instead of 55's. 180's instead of 125's...this would save the world so much needless suffering.

I have gotten on my soapbox too many times about the nano reef...so I am going to save the rant because what really truthfully needs to be said has already been said here.

 

[nonstophoops]

+1 to the above...75's instead of 55's. 180's instead of 125's...this would save the world so much needless suffering.

I have gotten on my soapbox too many times about the nano reef...so I am going to save the rant because what really truthfully needs to be said has already been said here.

Ya those damn 125's....don't know why anyone would use one.