what to do??

[los2008]

I have a new 20gal what or how many fish will be good for this new setup?

 

[stingythingy45]

Think small fish and not more than a couple.

 

[THE ROOK]

Once fully cycled with live rock & sand, 1 or 2 clowns & a sixline wrasse would be an good combo, imo. Make sure to get tank bred clowns as they are very hearty fish. A small cleanup crew & a scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp would also be good adds.

 

[los2008]

okay with my light can i put maybe a small reef, rock or coral? I have a T-5 CORALLIFE. I know it is not the best light i'm just a cook at the cheesecake factory don't have good money right know doing my best.

 

[stingythingy45]

It really depends on the type of corals you want.Stony coral or SPS might not do too good under that lighting.But then again they might do fine.Is this a 20 long?

 

[los2008]

NO 20 high

 

[stingythingy45]

The longs work a little better for reef tanks as they're not so deep.
But if you stack your rock you'll have different depths in the tank with more or less light penetration.

 

[KarlBob]

Your best bet in terms of rock would be to purchase at least 20 lbs of live rock. The typical recommendation is 1-1.5 lbs of rock per gallon of water, so you could end up with 30 lbs or more, but if money is tight, start with 20 lbs. Another money saving tip - look for people in your local reef club forum who are selling live rock. It can be a lot cheaper than the Local Fish Store (LFS).

Live rock is not only decorative, it actually helps to maintain good water quality. Microbes on the surface and inside the pores of the rock will help convert ammonia to nitrate, and nitrate to nitrogen gas. This is the nitrogen cycle, what everyone is talking about when they say you need to "cycle" your tank.

 

[los2008]

how do i join a reef club?

 

[KarlBob]

Depends on the local club. From this forum, go to the top of the page and click on Reef Central Online Community. Scroll down past all the Sponsor Forums to where it says Reef Club Forums, and click on that line. Assuming you're in Miami, FL and not Miami, TX or something (yes, there is a Miami, TX), you'll want to click on SouthEast Region - Reef Club Forums. From there, look for a club near you.

Some clubs are strictly organized, with dues and fees. Others are more relaxed, taking up a collection only when needed for something like a guest speaker. Check out the clubs near you, and see which one appeals to you.

Edit: Yeesh! Assuming you are in Florida, you've got a ton of choices. Some states have one or two reef clubs for the whole state. Florida has bunches of clubs, and Miami has several, too.

 

[stingythingy45]

Pick one from this list that appeals to you or is close to your location.
Then do a search for their forums or Home site and sign up,just like R.C.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=535

 

[stingythingy45]

This looks like a good one,assuming you're in Miami Florida.

http://fmas1955.org/index.php