Newbie Start Opinions

A

alonergan11

New member
I have always wanted to have a saltwater tank for a long time, but I never really came close to actually attempting the journey. I have had 2 freshwater tanks, so I have as I know a fairly good understanding of the Nitrogen Cycle, Cycling, and care. I have done a fair bit of research in the past week, and I believe I could manage it. My idea was to start out FOWLR, but later I might attempt a hardy soft beginner coral.

My idea for a setup was:

-Cad Lights 4 or 8 Mini Series-II Reef system

-Hydor Koralia Nano 240 or 425

-50W Fluval Heater

-4-8 pounds of live rock

-Aragonite Sand


If any feedback comes to mind it would be great for any comments. I would like to not skip out on anything important.

I have a feeling some or many will say that 4-8 gallons is too small to start with, but I have limited space and the AIO system seems like a great deal, and it had great reviews.

I will cycle the tank per instruction from the How to set up a new tank guide.

One of many reasons I am attempting this is due to a certain fish.
The Black Ocellaris Clownfish
I have always loved clownfish, so I am willing to change to another variation of the Amphiprioninae if a Black Ocellaris is not an option.

I will attempt a coral once I am certain my tank is in pristine condition and that I have the proper experience to house it. Because of this, any feedback on the stock lights is appreciated. Will they be enough? Or will I have to upgrade?

Thank you for taking the time to read this, it means a lot.

Thanks again!
 
Personally I don't think starting with Pico/Nano tank is a bad idea, although many will say otherwise.

I've started my reefing journey with this type of tank for few reasons: mainly to test whether I have the skill/strong interest and mostly is because of the $$$; in general (in shorter term), bigger always mean more expensive.

I think you can be on the right track with small tank as long as you keep the water parameter in tact; ensuring that your WC is religiously done on a weekly basis.

But keep in mind, once you have succeeded maintaining small tank, you tend to buy more and more corals (or fishes), which in turn, will force you to upgrade to a bigger tank anyway.

I still say, do what you think you're comfortable with. If you think you want to start nano/pico, just do it.
 
I do think that is going to be too small for any full grown clown. Would be a good tank for a coral or two and a couple inverts, maybe a small goby.
 
Thanks for the feedback.

I'm guessing the clownfish is not an option? Although, I have seen many others including my neighbor host 2 clownfish in a 6 gallon tank. Any more info on that would be great.
 
The smallest clowns need at least 25 gallons to thrive. Imo pico tank is not the best way to start. You'll be chasing parameters.
 
I still believe it's possible to have 1 clownfish if I buy the 8 gallon mini system, which I'm willing to do. This article has a guide to nano/pico fish -

Igreen's Guide to Nano Fish

If you scroll down, under 6-7 gallon systems the Ocellaris Clownfish is listed as an available option.

Thanks
 
Well..... In this hobby we are all taught that keeping a marine tank means a lot of work.. At least at first, which on turn means keeping your parameters stable and within the exceptable limits.

I'm on the side of the fence that says the larger of the tank the easier it is to keep parameters stable and the more room for error, being new to this side of the hobby you will undoubtably make mistakes as we all have, so my opinion is, do what you can afford, but there are cheaper options that give you a slightly larger tank, than the all in one system you are looking at. I'd say at minimum 29 gallon, they don't take up a lot of room and all the equipment for it would be really cheap, you could even go on craigslist and find what you need for a fraction of the price ( if the person isn't trying to get all of his $$ back) lol
 
alonergan11 said:
I still believe it's possible to have 1 clownfish if I buy the 8 gallon mini system, which I'm willing to do. This article has a guide to nano/pico fish -

Igreen's Guide to Nano Fish

If you scroll down, under 6-7 gallon systems the Ocellaris Clownfish is listed as an available option.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Clowns are not nano fish, no matter what this guide says. The guide contains a lot of bad information.
 
Ok, I realize now it was foolish to think I could have a clownfish in a nano system. Sorry for the trouble. Since that is not possible, any recommendations on nano reef fish? Will a colorful goby work?

Thanks
 
I did some more reading and came up with the 14 gallon BioCube. Its 20 more than the 8 gallon Cad Lights. Has anyone had any experience with it? Would that be a suitable size for a clown? If not thats ok.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

E
What's Old is New Again
Replies
2
Views
493
Uncle99
Uncle99
S
Tank Update & Tentative Stocking Plan
Replies
2
Views
143
griss
griss
S
Tank is not cycling
2 3
Replies
44
Views
979
wvned
wvned
B
Left Tank for a long time, now want to reboot
Replies
8
Views
381
SantaMonica
S
S
Newbie!
Replies
2
Views
126
Uncle99
Uncle99
Back
Top