can saltwater fish be....

fedukeford

Active Member
yes but id say only one small one in a 10, and 2 small ones in a 20, unless you are very experianced, you could mabey have one or two more
 

danedodger

Member
Yes, one clownfish could live in a 20 gallon tank. I think a 20 reef with just a clownfish would be cool, personally.
The challenge you're going to have to be prepared for is a smaller tank takes more work to maintain. That's more frequent testing, more top offs, more partial water changes, etc. It's not out of reach, certainly, but do be prepared for what you'll have to do.
 

sly

Active Member
It would depend on the hospital. In ICU... no. In a regular room, maybe. If you want to take a fish to someone in a hospital in a 10 gal tank, you will have to do a water change every week. You will also have to visit them often not only to say hi, but to take care of the fish.
How much do you know about keeping fish? You have to maintain specific gravity, temp, pH, low ammonia levels, etc.
 

jeepman3sk

Member
I have a 10g with 2 clowns and im making it a reef tank. And it is working out pretty well. My clowns love to play with the power head and my heater. I couldnt be happier with my tank. Just watch the water conditions. Have fun with it.
 

danedodger

Member
For a 10 gallon stick with one. Two would work while they're small but as they grow they'll start to have problems.
 

uberlink

Active Member
Buy a new tank. The tank is probably the cheapest part of this hobby. If you're going to make the jump to saltwater, get a larger tank.
I am using my 28 gallon tank from freshwater days, and I've already spent close to a thousand dollars on other stuff (live rock, live sand, protein skimmer, lighting, powerheads, etc.)--all of which is pretty much a necessity. Now the only thing holding me back is this darned small tank, which will probably get replaced in the next year or two (along with some of the other more expensive equipment, unfortunately).
Just as an example, my 28 gallon tank cost something like $100 or so. My light and protein skimmer--both necessities--cost about three times that combined.
 

uberlink

Active Member
No, not gold...bow front. And it was probably more like $89...it's been a couple years. Gold trim would have been nice, though, now that you mention it.
But your post only strengthens the point: A person could purchase a really decent 55 gallon tank for under $100, and the lighting and other accessories would hardly be any more than they would for the 10 gallon tank. Given how much easier it is to work with a larger tank, I'd say deep six the ten gallon (well, save it for use as a QT) and move up a notch.
 

danedodger

Member
A person could purchase a really decent 55 gallon tank for under $100
That's certainly true! My store is notorious for having prices higher than most around here and a 55 is still only $99.99. Although some people do enjoy the unique challenges of smaller tanks! And there's still a big difference between $100 for a 55 and $14 for a 10! I've done the big tank (130 gallons) and actually I'd like to try the small one now myself! But on another hand I don't think anyone could argue that the bigger the tank is the easier it is to maintain overall either. I'd say it's really all up to what you want to do with it in the long run, what you're willing and able to do to maintain it, and where the most enjoyment lies with each individual.
 

pfitz44

Active Member
Ok... that makes me feel a little better for you.... :joy: Can you post a pic of the tank???
I purchased my 55 at Petsmart. It had no hood/light, so it was 20% off. It was on the shelf for $119 with light, so i got it for about $80. Good deal if you ask me. My dad had his old 55 hood still, so i just ploped that on to it!!
Definitly upgrade that tank. If you dont, you will be kicking your self later. I wish i had bought a bigger tank, and mines only been set up scense late oct!!
 
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