5g Reef Advice

[vqreefer]

I just started cycling my 5g tank on Monday. It is a Top Fin Retreat with Seachem Matrix, Purigen Blue, Asta 20 light, and sand and rock. What would be some good corals for this tank? I'll at least get some zoa's but I don't know what else is a good option based on size, difficulty, and compatibility. I will also get some sort of goby, either clown or green banded along with a cuc. Any recommendations on coral, livestock, and hardware are appreciated!


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[mcgyvr]

What corals do YOU like?
It is your tank after all..

But since you asked.. I think you should go with some zoas and ricordia..
I also think you should buy a red car and put on your blue shirt tomorrow..

 

[vqreefer]

Forgot to add photo. I also like sharknose gobies. I just need to decide and figure out total fish/inverts.


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[vqreefer]

What corals do YOU like?
It is your tank after all..

But since you asked.. I think you should go with some zoas and ricordia..
I also think you should buy a red car and put on your blue shirt tomorrow..

Since I don't have any experience with corals so I want to make sure that I make good decisions and don't get anything I'm not prepared for. Ricordea looks nice I'll read up on it. Thank you!


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[mcgyvr]

First thing to learn is that corals do best with very stable parameters..
The smaller the tank the harder that is to master.. A 5G tank will pose quite a challenge to someone new to corals..
You really need to learn to maintain stable parameters in such a small system before adding corals to the system.. Once you have a proven track record then proceed..
Even the first few months of a new tank come with some "ugly stages" that can cause problems for corals..

 

[vqreefer]

First thing to learn is that corals do best with very stable parameters..
The smaller the tank the harder that is to master.. A 5G tank will pose quite a challenge to someone new to corals..
You really need to learn to maintain stable parameters in such a small system before adding corals to the system.. Once you have a proven track record then proceed..
Even the first few months of a new tank come with some "ugly stages" that can cause problems for corals..

So once the tank is cycled, I should just add a cuc and later add a fish?


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[mcgyvr]

So once the tank is cycled, I should just add a cuc and later add a fish?

Yes.. Typically CUC goes in first shortly followed by fish and then see how it goes from there.. Get in the routine of doing water changes/maintenance,etc.. adapt/adjust/test/adapt/adjust/learn and go from there..

NOTHING good happens fast in this hobby..
Patience and knowledge (experience) is key to success..

 

[Orsamax]

Use the time while you are waiting for the "ugly" stage to end to research and view corals you like. View them in person at more than one store and in different sized tanks. In that small of a tank, consider how big some get, how fast/slow some grow, and then some can really suck up nutrients fast once they get going, and such a small volume will pose an increased (but not insurmountable) obstacle to providing calc/mag/alk, etc. Your dosing apparatus could quickly outgrow whatever space you have in your tank stand. Also, I know that one can always "frag" excess growth, but some corals grow in unique patterns that even once you prune them down, it does not have a desirable look in such a small tank.

 

[vqreefer]

Yes.. Typically CUC goes in first shortly followed by fish and then see how it goes from there.. Get in the routine of doing water changes/maintenance,etc.. adapt/adjust/test/adapt/adjust/learn and go from there..



NOTHING good happens fast in this hobby..

Patience and knowledge (experience) is key to success..

I'll have to learn more about dosing and adjusting parameters before I add anything.

Use the time while you are waiting for the "ugly" stage to end to research and view corals you like. View them in person at more than one store and in different sized tanks. In that small of a tank, consider how big some get, how fast/slow some grow, and then some can really suck up nutrients fast once they get going, and such a small volume will pose an increased (but not insurmountable) obstacle to providing calc/mag/alk, etc. Your dosing apparatus could quickly outgrow whatever space you have in your tank stand. Also, I know that one can always "frag" excess growth, but some corals grow in unique patterns that even once you prune them down, it does not have a desirable look in such a small tank.

I want it to stay simple so I'll try to stick to less demanding corals so I don't have a bunch of additional hardware. Worst case I could add kalkwasser.


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[mcgyvr]

I’ll have to learn more about dosing and adjusting parameters before I add anything.

It is highly unlikely that you will need dosing anytime soon..
Dosing is only needed when your water change schedule isn't sufficient to keep up with elemental consumption.. That usually takes a decent amount of hard corals before you get to that point and its unlikely to ever be needed on such a small system as water changes will keep all your elements balanced..

Water changes are not only about nutrient reduction but replenishment of elements..

 

[vqreefer]

It is highly unlikely that you will need dosing anytime soon..

Dosing is only needed when your water change schedule isn't sufficient to keep up with elemental consumption..

Water changes are not only about nutrient reduction but replenishment of elements..

It seems like even though parameters can swing easier I don't have to worry as much about nutrients since big water changes are easy. I'll have to test the water I'm using and see if that's enough by itself. I think the store I got it from used Red Sea.


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[sde1500]

I also like sharknose gobies. I just need to decide and figure out total fish/inverts.

1 fish, at most. And it will have to be one of the tiny gobies for a tank that size.
You can do anything as far as corals go. It just depends on your husbandry and what you like. At first easier corals like some common zoas, mushrooms and other softies will be a good start. As you get experience keeping the tank stable, you can expanding into tougher corals if you so desire. I'd actually caution against huge water changes. Its super easy to do on a small tank sure, but it is the opposite of promoting stability.

 

[scattered]

You should be researching an auto top off before corals. With a tank that small I would consider daily automated water changes as well. I am considering it myself and I have > 2X the water volume you are running.

Seriously an ATO is an absolute must on a tank of that size (any tank Is better off with it IMO).


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[vqreefer]

You should be researching an auto top off before corals. With a tank that small I would consider daily automated water changes as well. I am considering it myself and I have > 2X the water volume you are running.

Seriously an ATO is an absolute must on a tank of that size (any tank Is better off with it IMO).


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I've looked at them a little but they're expensive. Is there a cheaper unit or diy alternative?


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[vqreefer]

1 fish, at most. And it will have to be one of the tiny gobies for a tank that size.

You can do anything as far as corals go. It just depends on your husbandry and what you like. At first easier corals like some common zoas, mushrooms and other softies will be a good start. As you get experience keeping the tank stable, you can expanding into tougher corals if you so desire. I'd actually caution against huge water changes. Its super easy to do on a small tank sure, but it is the opposite of promoting stability.

So just test often and change as needed?


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[scattered]

I've looked at them a little but they're expensive. Is there a cheaper unit or diy alternative?


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You can DIY with a mechanical float switch. I recommend spending the money though. I am thinking about replacing my current ATO with one of these:

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/awc-...MIg9LZ_Yrx4AIVmCCtBh1TEAptEAQYASABEgJfIvD_BwE

 

[sde1500]

So just test often and change as needed?


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No test often and change consistently. Daily/weekly/biweekly, whatever works. But smaller consistent changes promotes more stability than random huge changes.