View Full Version : I'mma newb
jeffreyliu838
12/12/2007, 02:25 AM
Hey, I'm new to the hobby. I found a guy on craigslist, and I'm getting a CPR Bakpak skimmer, a 20 gallon tank, and a Rio powerhead (no idea about this one). I also have an unused 145 GPH powerhead my brother left behind (He used to be a freshwater tank guy). What kind of lights should I get? Will I need anything else? Anyways, I really don't want to change water more than once a week. Preferably even a little less often. I really like the looks of Green Chromis and Ocellaris clowns. How many at max will I be able to keep? Also, to breed Ocellaris, will I need an anemone in my tank? Thanks.
EDIT: What should I include in my clean up crew?
EDIT2: Forgot something. I also have a 10 gallon tank. Would that fit 2 Ocellaris, a goby, and a pistol shrimp? Then I could dedicate the 20 gallon to a school of chromis. Thanks.
Rosseau
12/12/2007, 08:20 AM
Welcome! Get ready to spend a lot of time tinkering with you tank...
-Lighting is an important choice which you should definitely read about a lot before you purchase. This will save disappointment and money.
What corals do you want to keep?
How much can you spend?
-You'll need a heater, salt mix, RO/DI water, a hydrometer or refractometer, some basic test kits, live rock, appropriate sand... maybe you'll want a skimmer however it is not always necessary, you may want to look into building a refugium - this will save you headaches in my opinion.
-No you don't need an anemone. They aren't so easy to keep anyways.
-C.U.C. .... I'm never good at this. Probably around 5 snails and a few blue legged hermits if you like them.... I like turbo snails.
-10G tank could fit those fish IMO... a small goby though.
-School of chromis may be tough in a 20. I haven't tried, but I'm pretty sure it is frowned upon as being too small... I don't know, maybe someone else can chime in.
gsusfreak
12/12/2007, 11:09 AM
ditto to what rosseau said.....also, i would use the 20 for the clowns, goby and shrimp pair.....and turn that 10 into a sump
<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>
I suggest you get a good book first.Natural Reef Aquariums (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1890087009/reeflink) is my recommendation.
racksteris
12/12/2007, 05:48 PM
Welcome!
jeffreyliu838
12/12/2007, 08:24 PM
I can spend as much as needed, but not all at once. It'll be like 50 bucks a month at the very very most.
Coral....I'm looking at frog spawn. They look pretty cool. Torches do, too. Not sure though. Any recommendations?
I really don't think I need a heater here. I used to have a betta fish, and it's tank (1 gallon) was at a constant 81 degrees. In the winter it dropped to maybe 78 or so. I live in California.
My brother has left a nitrate test kit. Does that fit the bill? Will around 5 pounds of rock suffice? I might be able to get my friend to give me some.
Should I keep the 2 Clowns, the Goby, and the pistol shrimp in the 20, and use the 10 as a refugium? I kinda want to try to breed clowns.
Thanks for the help.
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