New guy here looking for tank advice

[rusty5387]

Hey guys this is my first reef tank. I have been wanting one for the past 15 years and finally decided to give this a shot. I picked up a 40 gallon tank with stand and canister filter and 1 powerhead from a coworker for $60. I figured this would be a great starting point without breaking the bank to bad. I have had the tank running for about 5 months now and I have 3 pieces of coral and 4 fish and 1 shrimp. Also a few snails and hermit crabs. My tank is not a breeder size its more tall and narrow so I feel like I am limited as to how to setup my rock. I put 50lbs live sand and 28 lbs of rock. I made the mistake of putting the sand down first followed by the rock and then made my next possible mistake and purchased a sand sifting goby. He quickly started moving alot of sand around my tank and undermined a few rocks. At first I was upset but now all my rocks have settled and I did some minor moving with some and I am pretty happy with it now. Thanks to the goby I have tunnels under all the rocks and my other fish really seem to enjoy it. Do you guys think I should try building the rock up more or should I continue to add some corals a little at a time and let them fill the tank out?

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/rusty5387/embed/slideshow/"></iframe>

 

[mcgyvr]

Well depending on the corals they will need room to grow..
Other than that aquascaping is mostly a personal preference..
Do what looks good to you..

 

[Sk8r]

Pyramid is a good shape for a tall tank.

The canister is going to give you some trouble: ultimately, with corals, you'll want a sump. But you can do a hang-on skimmer that will give you some wiggle room (if you get a Coralife, for gosh sakes ask me how to prevent a flood with it in your living room: involves two tubes routing back to tank)...but if you get softie corals, you'll be good for quite a lot of growth: they don't mind 'rich' water and higher nitrate.

 

[Buddy55]

Softies are a great way so start corals as mentioned above. I can attest to canister filter contributing to high nitrates. Your tank looks good however.
If it were me I'd remove the goby and stay away from sand sifters. I had a goby when I started. I hadn't missed that fish. The starry Benny fills that void well.

 

[mcgyvr]

Now seeing the pictures I'd definitely add more rock..
And I read 50lbs of rock first..
I'd at least double the amount of rock too..

I think there is a general rule of like 1 or 1.5x tank gallons in pounds of rock..
The more the better as far as surface area for bacteria to colonize,etc...

 

[rusty5387]

Thanks guys. I'm worried about adding more rock as my tank is not very wide its only 12 inches. So I can really only keep building the rock up higher and I am worried it may get to be to unstable. I am considering picking up a 40 gallon breeder next time they are on sale and moving everything into that tank that way I will have a much wider tank to work with. Do you guys think this would be a good idea?

 

[rusty5387]

Also my tank only has 1 florescent light. I have an actinic bulb but have to switch the bulbs out to use it. I want to upgrade my lighting very soon but won't have a lot to spend. Would the Current USA Orbit Marine LED Saltwater Reef Lighting System be a good choice for my tank? Since my tank is narrow but deep I think 22 inches from top to the sand bed will that be enough lighting for my tank and to grow corals?

 

[Buddy55]

I'm not sure what size or kind of florescent light you have but many corals won't thrive without more than one bulb depending on depth. I recommend ati bulbs if your fixture will accommodate them. I had a 40 breeder for awhile but I quickly was ready for an upgrade. Maybe you can pick up a 60 wide or cube.

 

[heathlindner25]

Thanks guys. I'm worried about adding more rock as my tank is not very wide its only 12 inches. So I can really only keep building the rock up higher and I am worried it may get to be to unstable. I am considering picking up a 40 gallon breeder next time they are on sale and moving everything into that tank that way I will have a much wider tank to work with. Do you guys think this would be a good idea?

YES....the 40 breeder is a perfect footprint for a mini- reef.