new to saltwater tanks

[splatdye]

Hi, i bought a 14 gallon tank from Wal-mart its the complete set-up. I bought gravel instead of sand just because i had a previous small 3 gallon tank and my horseshoe crab tended to always be hiding. I do have a heater and a 20 gallon filter. I was wondering what i could do as far as fish wise and will this filter hold up?

 

[robertmathern]

What kind of filter is it. Most I think will be fine. As far as fish is it going to be a reef tank. I would say a clown or 2 And a goby or something. Clean up crew. Just if your going to go reef make sure the clean up crew is reef safe. Also get a small power head or 2.

 

[splatdye]

i will get a clean up crew of turbo snails and such but do you think an engineer goby will thrive in this tank or would it be too small for him

 

[scottallert]

id put another 20 gallon filter in there.

 

[girlina4x4]

Dont want to burst your bubble, but your horseshoe crab was always hiding because thats what they do in order to feed and feel safe. Getting gravel will make it feel insecure because its now forced to be out in the open. Plus you had it in a THREE gallon tank. Do you realize how big these guys get? I wouldn't put one in anything less than 125 gallons with lots of open sand area. Please do some research on these cool critters.

 

[zshain012]

get some sand. power heads. LR. better lights

 

[bmorosco]

definately need a sand bed with live rock they work together. Natural is usually better!

 

[snakeblitz33]

Ditch the gravel and get live sand and live rock. Go to your local fish store, or order online.
I would say you could put a small goby in there OR a clownfish. 14 gallons isn't a lot of water, and a lot could go wrong. If you want a reef tank, don't even bother with fish.
Happy reefing!

 

[zshain012]

Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33
http:///forum/post/2849099
Ditch the gravel and get live sand and live rock. Go to your local fish store, or order online.
I would say you could put a small goby in there OR a clownfish. 14 gallons isn't a lot of water, and a lot could go wrong. If you want a reef tank, don't even bother with fish.
Happy reefing!
if you make regular water changes and keep up with the levels than you can have a fish or two

 

[ophiura]

I would not recommend gravel for the tank, especially colored gravel typically made for fish tanks.
Please do not force your horseshoe crab to be out. respect that animals have instincts and they are not simply there for your enjoyment..they are bulldozers, and need sand to really do well (a relative statement). Sad to say it is unlikely to live long term. But it is normal behavior for them to hide.
How long did you have your 3 gallon tank? Small saltwater tanks are difficult to keep, and it is important to guage the experience you had with the 3 gallon. I would still say a 14g tank is not easy and things can go wrong very quickly.

 

[splatdye]

I'm sorry everybody. I did not purchase gravel for my tank it is crushed coral from a local pet store my 3 gallon was established around 3 months before i started my 14 and moved the horseshoe crab. considering he is very small around 3/4 inch diameter i think hell thrive for a bit longer. I should change the water out most likely will do tomorrow but for a 14g what is the appropriate amount to take out? and i believe i should premis the water before hand and get it around the same relative temp. before adding?

 

[splatdye]

Oh, sorry one more thing to add i am lookin into 2 MH bulbs around 50W each do you think this would work out just fine? but i think i should buy a new powerhead and possibly mix the sand and crushed coral? or would that be a bad idea?