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Salty168

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Hello!

I am looking to get into the saltwater aquarium hobby. I'm very exited and have been doing a lot of reading both on reef central and other sites and books. I don't have a tank or any equipment yet but will be getting them this spring. I am hoping to get a 75 or 90 gallon tank. I have not decided on a sump or hang on yet. It really matters if I get a pre-drilled tank. It probably is a little soon for this but hear my livestock goals:

Yellow Tang (1)

Flame Angel (1)

Sixline Wrasse (1)

Anthias (Lyretail) (I think) (1)

Ocellaris Clownfish (1 or 2) have not decided yet

Orange Spotted Goby (1)


How does this look? Could I add anymore?

Is there enough swimming space? Bioload? Also what kind of filtration would I need? (Besides live rock.) What type of skimmer? Hang on and in sump answers would be awsome
 
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Hello!

I am looking to get into the saltwater aquarium hobby. I'm very exited and have been doing a lot of reading both on reef central and other sites and books. I don't have a tank or any equipment yet but will be getting them this spring. I am hoping to get a 75 or 90 gallon tank. I have not decided on a sump or hang on yet. It really matters if I get a pre-drilled tank. It probably is a little soon for this but hear my livestock goals:

Yellow Tang (1)

Flame Angel (1)

Sixline Wrasse (1)

Anthias (Lyretail) (I think) (1)

Ocellaris Clownfish (1 or 2) have not decided yet

Orange Spotted Goby (1)


How does this look? Could I add anymore?

Is there enough swimming space? Bioload? Also what kind of filtration would I need? (Besides live rock.) What type of skimmer? Hang on and in sump answers would be awsome

Getting a desired fish list together before you purchase is a wise idea.

IMO the yellow tang would do better in a 90g it is on the lower end size wise for a yellow.

The flame angel may nip at your corals if you decide to get any.

I am not a sixline wrasse fan. They can get pretty aggressive and limit any other additions.

I don't have any experience with anthias but I do know some are more sensitive than others and they do best with multiple feedings a day.

The clown fish and goby should be fine.

As far as skimmers a lot of manufacturers seem to over rate the size recommendations. So I would look for something a bit bigger than your actual tank size. I personally would stay away from coralife skimmers they are pretty finicky and not the best.

There is a sticky at the top of the forum that called setting up, look for the big red arrow. It is chocked full of info, I am sure it will be of use to you. Good luck.
 
Always add least aggressive to most so in the list you've offered I would probably start with the clowns and/or blenny.
I agree with all points above: YT needs at least the 90 (and plan to quarantine!!!!!), skip the six line, and be aware of the feeding requirements of anthias.

Good luck with your planning! It's great to have someone thinking and asking questions before making purchases!
 
Midas Blennys are terrific fish, and they make an "eel like" motion as they swim. They have been known to nip at firefish and gobies. It's suggested to house them in a 30+ gallon tank, so you'd be fine in that regard.

Have you checked our Craigslist for a setup? You may find that easier then piecing everything together one at a time.

It's generally suggested to buy the biggest tank you can afford the first time, so I'd opt for the 90 gallon. Both are nice size tanks. The only con i have heard for the 90 is it will be a little harder to reach the bottom for maintenance or aquascaping, but other than that....and lights need to be a little stronger to reach the greater depth.
 
your tank build sounds awesome!! keep up the research! check this out:
https://youtu.be/q0WwT4j86a0

check out craigslist for a used system then customize it your self, I recommend getting a system that doesnt have anything alive just equipment and then you can build your own eco system.
 
Good to be with a local club. Get the largest tank you can, and the largest sump. Given those, my advice is start with equipment---buy that first, and then you won't have to rebuy any demised fish. Have a qt tank---again, protect your investment.
Consider corals: they make keeping fish actually easier because they WARN you when your water's going off. Consider a skimmer 2x the water volume. And lights adequate for coral in case you change your mind along the way. Get a refractometer and get tests for alk as well as nitrate/ammonia/ And get individual tests that give you numbers where possible. Sorta-pink doesn't help us get you help. Some tests, however, don't have a numerical version.
 
Congrats on getting started in the hobby. I'd say go with as big of a tank as you can afford and have practical room for. I'd stay away from HOB filters, and just get as big of a sump as you can. Not only does it add extra water volume to your tank, but it will give you more filtration options, and I think you will be happier in the long run. It can also help keep excess equipment clutter away from the main tank.

As others have mentioned, start slow and add smaller, less aggressive fish first. Tangs are best added toward the end so they don't bully everything else. (Getting smaller ones to start with helps too.) Your fish list looks pretty good. Six-line and Mystery wrasses can be buttheads as they get bigger (I've noticed it more towards shrimp than other fish), but it just depends. Starry blennies are another neat fish. Very peaceful, hardy, and they have one of the best personalities.

Anyway, good luck with your tank!
 
Yeah I know that the sixline can get aggressive but my dad had one in his tank when I was young and it was my favorite fish. And I still like it today. lol
 
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