20 Gallon Saltwater Tank

[Akefl0328]

Hello All,

I've had numerous freshwater aquariums before and 3 years ago I experimented with a 4 gallon Pico Reef that housed 2 emerald crabs. I took down the tank when they one day disappeared. My friend who has a beautiful 180 gal reef tank convinced me to try my hand at a another salt water tank since I have lots of equipment collected over the years and he had a few things he could give me that he has collected over the years.

Yesterday I set up a 20 Gallon tank, I have attached a CPR Aero Force Protein Skimmer, Eskim350 Surface Skimmer and a ViaAqua Quartz Glass Submersible Heater. Pics are from yesterday.

I am going to go out today to get a piece of raw shrimp to jump start my tanks cycling process.

I am still fairly new to the saltwater hobby and I am still trying to decide what life to add into the tank so any suggestions on corals, fish, crustaceans, other life or even my set up it is appreciated.

 

[amperidot]

20 gallons doesn't leave a lot of options, since so many critters need more space. But once you get it stable and provided you have good lights, you should be able to at least keep some softy corals. A pair of ocellaris clowns might be nice, they will do okay in a 20 gallon reef if they're the only fish. Personally, I avoid crustaceans because they seem to just tear things apart and kill each other. I'd go get some neat liverock to start the cycle though, it will work out better and look nice in your tank. Good luck!

 

[Akefl0328]

20 Gallon Saltwater Tank

20 gallons doesn't leave a lot of options, since so many critters need more space. But once you get it stable and provided you have good lights, you should be able to at least keep some softy corals. A pair of ocellaris clowns might be nice, they will do okay in a 20 gallon reef if they're the only fish. Personally, I avoid crustaceans because they seem to just tear things apart and kill each other. I'd go get some neat liverock to start the cycle though, it will work out better and look nice in your tank. Good luck!

Thanks! I am using http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aqua-illumination-nano-sol-super-blue-led-module.html this light since I had it laying around. I figured i could not do much in the realm of a 20 gallon but I have seen so many really cool pico reef tanks and my space in my current apartment is a tad limited. So i figured its a good place to start experimenting with a bigger saltwater tank.

 

[jonny05]

I second the live rock. It will definitely help your tank. I have a 20 gallon cube with about 17lbs of live rock, a clownfish, a couple of acan corals, a duncan coral, mushrooms, blue xenia, and some polyps. They are all good starter corals. You are limited to fish somewhat, i actually have a small yellow tang as well. I got him temporary to combat a nuisance plant issue and he did the job. My lfs will take him back for credit but i like him and he's doing great with nemo. They're best pals. I would check out liveaquaria.com They have a nano section under the marine fish. Should give u some ideas. Wrasses are nice if u go that route make sure u have a top of some sort because they are jumpers

 

[Akefl0328]

20 Gallon Saltwater Tank

I second the live rock. It will definitely help your tank. I have a 20 gallon cube with about 17lbs of live rock, a clownfish, a couple of acan corals, a duncan coral, mushrooms, blue xenia, and some polyps. They are all good starter corals. You are limited to fish somewhat, i actually have a small yellow tang as well. I got him temporary to combat a nuisance plant issue and he did the job. My lfs will take him back for credit but i like him and he's doing great with nemo. They're best pals. I would check out liveaquaria.com They have a nano section under the marine fish. Should give u some ideas. Wrasses are nice if u go that route make sure u have a top of some sort because they are jumpers

Thanks for the suggestions. I made a top out of an acrylic lighting sheet [emoji3]. I have to read up on corals. I know nothing about them. Thanks for the suggestions "beginner corals" is just what I need.

 

[cloak]

You might want to think about getting rid of that acrylic top. This will promote better gas exchange and keep your pH from falling. Some type of netting would be a much better option if you decide to go with a jumper. Those sponges are something you can do without too, but until your cycle is complete it's probably best to continue running them. GL.

 

[Akefl0328]

You might want to think about getting rid of that acrylic top. This will promote better gas exchange and keep your pH from falling. Some type of netting would be a much better option if you decide to go with a jumper. Those sponges are something you can do without too, but until your cycle is complete it's probably best to continue running them. GL.

Thank you. Will look into doing this.

 

[bashment]

Skip the crustaceans for the most part. They tend to be a nuisance, without doing very much for the tank

 

[Akefl0328]

Skip the crustaceans for the most part. They tend to be a nuisance, without doing very much for the tank

Yea I've been reading that a lot.