i have a tank with some substrate, live rock, a 5-15 gallon im going tommarow to buy a air pump no sump just that i want to house a couple clowns, a shrimp,a starfish but i need some help i know i need a better filter just not sure what kind. oh would i need lights for shrimp or starfish if so how many watts??are skimmers and sumps neccesary?? i want just some fundlementals ive been READING alot just want your guys advice.. well guys im going tommarow to the stare what would i need to buy?
clowns??
- Thread starter chema14
- Start date
BangkokMatt
New member
Ok...Firstly go for the 15g tank. Buy a powerhead, not an air pump. DO NOT buy ANY livestock tomorrow. Just get your sand, rock and salt. Fill your tank and then let it cycle (This will take approx 2 - 3 weeks). PC lighting will be fine for your requirements.
I assume the filter will be a wet/dry trickle filter. If so remove the bio balls.
A skimmer would be a nice addition but not necessary with weekly water changes on that sized tank.
You don't need a sump for this set up though they are always a good addition.
When you have done that post pics and we can go from there.
When the tank is cycling you will have time to read and read and read so you get some idea of how to care for your tank.
Also..this thread is probably better off in the 'New to the Hobby' forum.
I assume the filter will be a wet/dry trickle filter. If so remove the bio balls.
A skimmer would be a nice addition but not necessary with weekly water changes on that sized tank.
You don't need a sump for this set up though they are always a good addition.
When you have done that post pics and we can go from there.
When the tank is cycling you will have time to read and read and read so you get some idea of how to care for your tank.
Also..this thread is probably better off in the 'New to the Hobby' forum.
BangkokMatt
New member
Ther aren't the same but a regular hood light will be ok to use.
so what cant i use with rugular lights? what are the exceptions in shrimps,starfish,clams,corals,and fish.....are there any that need lights cause i dont want to go to a store and buy somthing that would not work with my lights for now but this in like 3 weeks.... i just want some examples i wold like to get a variaty i will definatlt post pics if you want
BangkokMatt
New member
Your original post never mentioned corals and clams.
If you want sps and clams then I recommend a 175w Metal Halide. If you want soft corals and lps then the MH would still be a good choice but you could also consider T5's. I would avoid PC's for those animals.
There's tons of info in the 'New to the Hobby' forum and the 'Reef lighting forum' about different set ups.
If you want to keep corals then a skimmer is highly recommended
If you want sps and clams then I recommend a 175w Metal Halide. If you want soft corals and lps then the MH would still be a good choice but you could also consider T5's. I would avoid PC's for those animals.
There's tons of info in the 'New to the Hobby' forum and the 'Reef lighting forum' about different set ups.
If you want to keep corals then a skimmer is highly recommended
