Reef Tank Ideas...

[Clownen]

Hi all,

Im finally getting back into my reef tank vibe/build, and would like some opinions and ideas. I am in the process of picking up a 29g tank with a stand, sump, skimmer, all filtration, etc. and would like some ideas for the fish to go in. Im very much fasinated by Goby's, and clowns. When I had my first Saltwater tank, I had a Manderin Goby that I fell in love with, But only survived for about 5 months due to the fact that I had liverock, But not the appropriate lighting. The kit Im looking into is fully complete and reef ready. Has a CoralLife lighting system. Looking to build a full reef tank.

Any ideas, or personal favorites from you guys would be awesome!

Thanks again,
Kyle

 

[Grouperhead]

In a 29g tank, you could do a watchman goby/shrimp combo and a pair of skunk clowns...that would be nice.

 

[Clownen]

Heh, I realize Im pretty limited to the amount of fish, But I like that Idea. I always thought Skunk clowns where fasinating.

As so far as a Manderin Goby, is there any tank size requirements for them? I realize they are pretty delicate and you have to have quite a bit of rock for them to munch off of. I would think that with a well stocked tank of live rock and corals, they should thrive under the right conditions. Am I wrong?

 

[Recty]

Well stocked with live rock, yes. You dont need to stock corals to keep a mandarin alive. In fact, some corals will be munching on the small critters that will eventually grow up to feed the mandarin.

But regardless, 29g is a pretty small tank for a mandarin. If you were going to do it in a 29g, you should probably hook it to at least a 29g sump to constantly be breeding copepods and what not in.

 

[Clownen]

Heres kind of a list I was thinking of. After the tank is up and running, I would get all the rock situated and aclimated. After a few weeks of close observation of water quality, throw a damsel in and see how he does for a week or so. After that, I would really only like about 4 fish total, since I do relize this is a pretty small tank. Its well supplied equipment wise for soft corals and such. I was looking into 2 percula's, 1 small flame angel and after about 6-8 months, a Manderin Goby. Ive been told by a few friends of mine, one is a marine biologist, that after the tank is well aclimated and growing, that it should have no problem housing a Goby of this sort. Any other feelings? Please keep in mind ive really been out of this for near 5 years now, and Im a little rusty on my knowledge, but Im gaining it back.