Archivarium 2004

Enlighter · Members Joined: 17 Apr 2005

Wanting to make a 10gal hex coral tank with 2 clown fish and possibly a shrimp or 2.

I know about the live rock and sand, would love to hear recomendations for both. I am going with the Eheim compact 300 powerhead pump (possibly 2), and the hydor theo 50w heater.

Now as far as other things needed? What else is needed to make this a happy coral tank? The live rock/sand acts as a filter along with weekly water changes. Is anything else needed such as additives, some other machine, or something?

I will only be keeping hardy corals at first to get the hang of gorwing them, and keeping the tank alive and happy, but I am pretty serious about this so any advice would be appreciated.

I am going to purchase the tank and some other things tommorow I think.

Thanks in advance for any advice and warnings.

Enlighter · Members Joined: 17 Apr 2005

Also is an RO system worth it? I was reading up on them, and given I want to eventually have a fairly serious coral system would purchasing one be worth it?

The tap water here is less then trustworthy and I am more then willing to invest the money in an RO unit if they really do a good job for this type of aquarium set up.

aurther_dent2001 · Members Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Location: NJ

TheVillageIdiot · Regulars Joined: 23 Nov 2004 Location: Roswell, GA

maybe just ONE clown in that 10 gallon, unless they are going to be a mated pair...
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20g planted - 1.5 wpg - pea gravel/sand/laterite - DIY co2

Enlighter · Members Joined: 17 Apr 2005

I would like to have a pair of them unless thats inhumane to have 2 in a 10gal?

TheVillageIdiot · Regulars Joined: 23 Nov 2004 Location: Roswell, GA

they'll fight, one will dominate the other leaving him stressed... if you have to have 2, make sure you get a mated pair!
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20g planted - 1.5 wpg - pea gravel/sand/laterite - DIY co2

Enlighter · Members Joined: 17 Apr 2005

Will do. Also I didn't know that about them I am still reading up on them and their behavior. They always seemed like a very social fish that liked company, but that does not seem to be the case.

Also firefish caught my eye. I know saltwater tanks can't take as many fish as freshwater, so I assume for a 10gal 1 fish is prolly the max and then a cleanup crew to handle any unwanted algee etc etc, and then the corals.

Or would a firefish, and clownfish combo work for a 10gal?

I certainly don't want to crowd them seeing as the 10gal is allready somewhat small for the clown. I know they do like to swim, but also stay close to their homes.

TheVillageIdiot · Regulars Joined: 23 Nov 2004 Location: Roswell, GA

given that it's a coral tank, I'd stick w/ one fish, either the clown or the fire fish will do... the fire fish is neat as they just like to "chill" in the water column and dine on little guys in the water... clown fish are cool too, what type are you considering?
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20g planted - 1.5 wpg - pea gravel/sand/laterite - DIY co2

Enlighter · Members Joined: 17 Apr 2005

Just got back from the LFS and was talking about different fish. Would prolly go with a bigger tank. And possibly have a gobby (the one that chills with the blind crab), or a black (maroon clown), or purple/yellow firefish.

TheVillageIdiot · Regulars Joined: 23 Nov 2004 Location: Roswell, GA

the one that chills is a watchman gobby, if you can get a shrimp that has "bonded" w/ the gobbie then you are a lucky individual and will have hours of enjoyment watching their symbiotic relationship... good luck!

imo, go w/ a bigger tank, a 30 gallon or even a 40 is generally a good starting size, but also get a 10 gallon for quaranteen.
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20g planted - 1.5 wpg - pea gravel/sand/laterite - DIY co2