Help a newbie figuring out a tank

[lohman446]

Ok, I know how annoying these posts are from other hobbies and message boards I have been on. I have tried to do my own homework and spent days reading these boards. It has not gotten me close to knowing what I should, but, I have to start somewhere. I have like no knowledge, and am just trying to put together a "simple" tank
I think that starting with a nano-cube may be the way to go in getting everying "simple" on the mechanical end to start with. And a 24G deluxe seems to fit my needs I think I need:
20lbs of live sand for 1.5" bottom
12lbs? of live rock for structure - I have no idea if this gives enough structure.
For inhabitants I'm thinking
Longnose butterfly
biclor Angelfish OR Lemonpeel Angelfish (hybrid)
Black and white Percula clownfish
Percula Clownfish
2 Fire shrimp
2 Cleaner Shrimp
1 Orange Lincia starfish
I would like a bit more color in fish or in the tank. I dont know if I already have too many fish? Ideas? Anything I have not listed that I should have in there? Help?

 

[puffer32]

Originally Posted by Lohman446
Ok, I know how annoying these posts are from other hobbies and message boards I have been on. I have tried to do my own homework and spent days reading these boards. It has not gotten me close to knowing what I should, but, I have to start somewhere. I have like no knowledge, and am just trying to put together a "simple" tank
I think that starting with a nano-cube may be the way to go in getting everying "simple" on the mechanical end to start with. And a 24G deluxe seems to fit my needs I think I need:
20lbs of live sand for 1.5" bottom
12lbs? of live rock for structure - I have no idea if this gives enough structure.
For inhabitants I'm thinking
Longnose butterfly
biclor Angelfish OR Lemonpeel Angelfish (hybrid)
Black and white Percula clownfish
Percula Clownfish
2 Fire shrimp
2 Cleaner Shrimp
1 Orange Lincia starfish
I would like a bit more color in fish or in the tank. I dont know if I already have too many fish? Ideas? Anything I have not listed that I should have in there? Help?
I would go with at least 25 lbs of LR. Your tank is to small for a starfish. The angel would be good if your LR has plenty of algae to graze on, if not, make sure you hang a clip with nori or some type of algae sheet. I wouldn't try the butterfly until the tank was more established. Don't forget snails and hermit crabs.

 

[lohman446]

Originally Posted by puffer32
I would go with at least 25 lbs of LR. Your tank is to small for a starfish. The angel would be good if your LR has plenty of algae to graze on, if not, make sure you hang a clip with nori or some type of algae sheet. I wouldn't try the butterfly until the tank was more established. Don't forget snails and hermit crabs.

Are there any particular snails / crabs I should be looking for or is this a skim through and see waht appeals to me? Rough idea on number?
And waiting on an angelfish as well as the butterfly would not be an issue, to let the tank get more time to get established.
I know these are simple to those of you who have done it, but to someone new to the idea its pretty overwhelming

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by Lohman446
Are there any particular snails / crabs I should be looking for or is this a skim through and see waht appeals to me? Rough idea on number?
And waiting on an angelfish as well as the butterfly would not be an issue, to let the tank get more time to get established.
I know these are simple to those of you who have done it, but to someone new to the idea its pretty overwhelming
IMO the angel and butterfly WILL NOT live in this small tank. You are talking about a 24 gal. tank and then adding 25 lbs. of live rock. Go to walmart and buy their 55 gallon setup. You will be more happier doing that in the long run. larger tanks are easier to keep the water quality under control. Just my thoughts.

 

[lohman446]

Originally Posted by hot883
IMO the angel and butterfly WILL NOT live in this small tank. You are talking about a 24 gal. tank and then adding 25 lbs. of live rock. Go to walmart and buy their 55 gallon setup. You will be more happier doing that in the long run. larger tanks are easier to keep the water quality under control. Just my thoughts.

I'll look into that, I'm in a space quandry for the particular location, though I am listening to everything I hear about a "starter" tank being better to be a bit bigger. The Angel and the Butterfly are out by what I am told from people here though

 

[rykna]

Originally Posted by hot883
Go to walmart and buy their 55 gallon setup. You will be more happier doing that in the long run. larger tanks are easier to keep the water quality under control. Just my thoughts.
I second this

 

[petieaztec]

Originally Posted by Lohman446
I'll look into that, I'm in a space quandry for the particular location, though I am listening to everything I hear about a "starter" tank being better to be a bit bigger. The Angel and the Butterfly are out by what I am told from people here though
even the clown will one day out grow the tank so invest in the 55, i wish i would have, now i have to swtich everything over.

 

[bawood]

If you don't overstock, there is no reason a 55 gallon is easier to care for.
1/2 the size, 1/2 the fish, 1/2 the waste, the same concentration.
The problem is people try to squeeze too large or too many fish in a small tank.
Certain fish need a certain amount of room. Don't overstock.
As people have mentioned, your fish selections aren't best for the size you're considering. So consider if you want to get a bigger set-up or if you want different, smaller fish.
There isn't just one choice, but a few.