new to reefs

[BMcK]

Hey all, new to this forum. I've been keeping aquariums for about 10 years on and off, both freshwater and FOWLER. I currently have a 75 gallon and and a 10 gallon planted. I recently picked up a 20 gallon long, and would like to set up a reef. this will be my first time with corals and I would like some help, so I decided to make a build journal for it.

I'm thinking low maintenance (as low maintenance as a reef tank can get), so Zoas, mushrooms, etc. what kind of lighting and filtration will I need? will a high turnover HOB work? and what about a circulation pump? my friend has a hydor koralia 850 laying around that I can have, would that be too much flow?

for stocking I'm not quite sure yet, maybe a goby and a royal gramma or firefish, or maybe a pair of clowns. I know I want a few inverts. are emerald crabs reef safe?

thanks for any advice in advance.

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[BMcK]

tank is taped and ready to paint

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[BMcK]

back is painted, playing with shapes


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[BMcK]

finally was able to get some sand and filled with water.

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[BMcK]

What kind/how many CUC would work? thinking a couple peppermint shrimp, and possibly a couple of snails, but not sure on what kind or.how many.

the light looks pretty dim, but it's just what I had laying around so it's only temporary. possibly thinking a pair of par38?

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[Fiver]

Nice start. I'm a newbie myself, so I don't have great advice. I will say that I run a 33 long reef with just live rock, a wavemaker and water changes. Also have a Current LED, but am looking to swap it out sometime soon.

Go small with your CUC. I started with a 24-30 snails and hermits each (TBS package), and probably have less than 10 of each a year later. They kill each other or don't have enough food in a new tank. Check out a Bulk Reef Supply YouTube video on the matter: https://youtu.be/UjXHq6oie6s

Good luck!

 

[BMcK]

Nice start. I'm a newbie myself, so I don't have great advice. I will say that I run a 33 long reef with just live rock, a wavemaker and water changes. Also have a Current LED, but am looking to swap it out sometime soon.

Go small with your CUC. I started with a 24-30 snails and hermits each (TBS package), and probably have less than 10 of each a year later. They kill each other or don't have enough food in a new tank. Check out a Bulk Reef Supply YouTube video on the matter: https://youtu.be/UjXHq6oie6s

Good luck!

thanks for the reply. what fish do you keep in your tank? have any pictures? I'm planning on a small CUC, maybe only 4 or 5 total.

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[BMcK]

thinking of doing a refugium with an ac70, what kind of lighting does Chaeto need?

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