Feedback on 36g Bowfront - Thanks for looking!

[Lopez713]

Hi there,
I wanted to share my tank with the community. I am new to the hobby, so I am open to all advice, suggestions, and even criticism. I look forward to learning from the forums and hope to enjoy the hobby as much as everyone here.

Tank: 36g Bowfront Saltwater
Plan: Fish Only, Live Rock and Sand (moderate set up)
Live Rock: 16-18 lbs
Live Sand: 40 lbs
Lighting: Stock LED
Filter: 50 Fluval HOB
Livestock: saddle puffer, yellow angel, 3 hermit crabs
Latest parameters-
PH: 8.2 - 8.3
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate:0

This is my second shot at it after initial mishap. I have had it set up for about 3 and half months and did not want to get discouraged. Testing and water changes are on a weekly basis.
Any suggestions on next fish, rock amount or arrangement, maintenance, or equipment will be greatly appreciated and considered.
Thanks!

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[mcgyvr]

Looks nice...so clean...

While I think your rock work looks nice I would suggest adding more so you have sufficient surface area for bacteria which does most of the work in these tanks..

Fish only tanks are quite easy to maintain so I wouldn't suggest any additional equipment.. Just manage it with water changes (unlikely that you need to keep up with the weekly water changes)..
Algae issues can be managed by keeping nutrient levels fairly low but more importantly just limiting light.. Thats simple with fish only tanks as fish don't need light so you can easily leave it off most of the time..

Powerheads? I would get some in there to get more water circluation/flow/oxygenation.. While the HOB is helping its not sufficient.. A few small powerheads will go a long way to a healthy tank..

Again.. Looks good.. Keep it simple and enjoy..

 

[Lopez713]

Thank you so much on feedback! I was patiently waiting for someone to chime in. Any help on the following questions:

When adding rocks to an established tank, what is best- live rock or dry rock?

Power head- any suggestions on what to go with it considering what I have? Size? Brand?

Any suggestions on what fish would be ok to add next? I was thinking a pair of ocelleris clowns, royal gramma, and maybe a bottom goby.

Thanks!

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[mcgyvr]

As you have an established tank then you either want to use clean dry rock or "cured" live rock.. dry rock is going to be cheaper and will become "live rock" in a short time..
The "live" just means its just got bacteria living on/in it..
"cured" so that it doesn't have any die off to cause an ammonia spike..
IMO just get some nice dry rock..
reefcleaners.org has some good stuff..
https://www.reefcleaners.org/aquarium-store/rock (15lbs@$42 shipped wouldn't be a bad idea at all)

Powerheads--36g fish only you will want something totaling around 750-1000GPH
(Typically good to start at 20-30x display tank size)
2 x hydor koralia 425 nano wouldn't be bad at all..
A single Jebao OW-10 if you want a low cost "wavemaker" type which can be fun..
Or a single Jebao PP4
You pick.. Something in the range I stated above..

Fish--Personal choice... All up to you really.. research and find what YOU like..
A starry blenny is a very cool fish with a cool personality.. (yes.. personality)..