What are my choices (if any) in a 10 gal?

[CoralReeferGal]

I'm seriously considering a fish only tank... I currently "help" with my fiances 55 gal (he recently told me I have become obsessed with it lol) and the more and more I think about it, I really want one of my own. I just know I can't afford a large tank and equipment right now... I have a 10 gal setup from when I upgraded to a 55 gal FW... so from what I understand, I can use the HOB and pretty much everything I already have for a small tank, no sump or skimmer (true, or no?) Anyway, I was first considering a seahorse tank (scratched that idea already) but don't want to spend a lot on MH lights for such a small tank, so corals are out too. Do nems need special lighting? (if so, I may suck it up and do it anyway) but mainly, can I do a pair of clowns (if so, what kind) in a 10 gal, as well as a nem (again, if so, what kind/s?) This is now my top choice for doing a 10 gal, but want (need) to know my options before making a final decision. TIA!!

 

[Patricklong]

How about no fish and just sexy shrimp.....mmmmm sexaaayyyy

 

[Whip316]

Any occy or perc type clowns will do great in that tank. It's to small for a nem even with good lighting. Could always do some lps like frogspawn or torch or hammer and they might host in that.

 

[bradleym]

I would say that (depending on what light you currently have) a maxi mini could handle a 10g if you keep the water clean, but they don't host clowns. All hosting anemones get too big for a 10g, and have stronger light and water quality needs, so I would say those are out.

 

[auem]

keep a small percula pair and a artificial tentacle anemone/real torch coral...

 

[velvetelvis]

If you don't have your heart set on clownfish, but want anemones, you could have a really beautiful maxi-mini carpet anemone "garden" (they often split), and maybe one or two small fish that wouldn't be at risk of blundering into the anemones, such as one Banggai cardinal (or a mated pair). I actually have thought of doing something like this before...

 

[CoralReeferGal]

Thanks so much for the info guys! The light I have is whatever came with the 10 gal setup. I'm not sure off hand, but I'm pretty sure its nothing fancy if I got the tank, filter and light (brand new) as a set up for $30.

 

[StaghornE]

If its the one that comes with two incandescent bulbs you can snitch those to cfl screw in type lamps. Petco carries them. That would give you enough light to keep some mushrooms and zoos. Or you can get a 24" t5 lamp pretty cheap on eBay.

 

[Islandfever]

You mentioned about upgrading to a 55g in the future. Maybe you can invest in some equipment that you are able to use for your 55g. Led lights with dimable function. This way you can have a nem. I am certain you can keep a nem with a pair of clownfish if you can maintain the optimal water parameters.

My biggest concern is temperature swings. since you already have your tank, get a thermometer and note down the temps throughout the day. 1-2 degrees is fine. 4 degrees or more, just dont even try.

Good luck.

 

[CoralReeferGal]

You mentioned about upgrading to a 55g in the future. Maybe you can invest in some equipment that you are able to use for your 55g. Led lights with dimable function. This way you can have a nem. I am certain you can keep a nem with a pair of clownfish if you can maintain the optimal water parameters.

My biggest concern is temperature swings. since you already have your tank, get a thermometer and note down the temps throughout the day. 1-2 degrees is fine. 4 degrees or more, just dont even try.

Good luck.

Thank you! I do have a submersible heater that I used when I had the tank up, as well as a thermometer. I upgraded all of that when I got the 55 gal FW. Most likely, I will eventually switch my 55FW to a SW, but don't want to start out on my own with such a big tank. (ha, big to me, I bet many of you are thinking 55? big? LOL) Will I be able to get lights that will work both for a 10 gal and a 55? That, or perhaps when I do upgrade, I will just keep the 10 running and use a QT, since it will be established (as of now, we have never QT'd anything)

 

[Islandfever]

IMO keeping a 55g is easier to control the water parameters. Of course equipment can be expensive but keep in mind the amount of money you will drop on live stock is faaar more valuable. 55g is not big. I run a 60g. 400g is big.

Your best bet for lighting is diy led for ur 10g. Youtube is a great teacher. Cheap and sufficient light.
Having a qt is always a plus especially if u buy corals from an lfs.