Tropical Fish Forums

[TJ]

I have been looking for ideas for my 20 gallon. I am pretty satisfied with my 15 gallon planted so I am considering salt water. I know its better to start with 30+ but I don't have room for anymore tanks and I already have the 20 gallon.

How many fish would I be able to keep in a 20 gallon? I plan on using 35? pounds of live rocks. How much live sand should I use? I plan on using a coralife 65 skimmer with a needle wheel. For water changes, maybe every 2 weeks.

[sirreal63]

a pair of small clowns would work...but only two small fish.
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Out on the road today...I saw a DeadHead sticker on a Cadillac...
Jack
110 Gallon DSA Pentagon

[TJ]

What shrimp is the best for cleaning? How many should I purchase? can't you have 3 small fish in a 20 gallon? I have hear 2 for 10-15 gallons and something like 2 small clowns and a small goby for a 20 gallon.

[sirreal63]

In a small tank you want the smallest bio-load possible. I wouldn't do 3 fish. Look at it this way, you have about 20 gallons of water. Subtract the volume taken up by the sand. Subtract the volume taken up by the rock and equipment. How much actual water do you think you have in that tank? That is why you do not want to follow fish per gallon or inch per gallon rules. Your volume may vary.
_________________
Out on the road today...I saw a DeadHead sticker on a Cadillac...
Jack
110 Gallon DSA Pentagon

[Mike612]

I agree with sirreal. Also, the best shrimp that cleans is, well, the Cleaner Shrimp. If you want one, it's best to just have one in a tank that size; however, it's not really a necessity to have a Cleaner Shrimp for a tank with just a pair of clowns. Clowns generally don't like to be cleaned by shrimp and will often swim away whenever the shrimp tries to do its job.

[TJ]

OK, I see now. 2 seems like a bit much now . Thanks for the help.