Newb Questions/ Introduction

[ballet ninja]

I have been interested in making a saltwater tank for quite sometime, and I think I might finally do it.
I understand there is allot of commitment and that is why I have been hesitant, but I think I am ready. I just have allot of questions. So, moving right into it.
Prep
Salt water master test kit (Ph, Alkalinity, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate, Calcium, Metals.)
Tank
40 gallon....(I am moving next year, should I hold off and keep doing research until I have made the move? It would be less stress on my fish that is for sure. Plus I could get a bigger aquarium maybe 125gallons.)
Protein Skimmer (??)
Live sand 6/8"
Live Rock 15-20lbs
Submersible heaters (??)
Two thermometers (one on either end)
Single strip light
Eheim canister filter
Cycle
Allow the tank to cycle 2-3 months before introducing fish.
Fish (after cycling)
Month 1
Emerald crab x2
Cleaner Shrimp x1
Month 2
Percula Clownfish x2
Green Carpet Anemone x1
Fromia Starfish x1
It would also be during this time I would establish my Quarantine tank, which would be 30gallons. Now what are the problems in my plan? Am I adding stuff to quick? Am I adding too much? I might hold off on the starfish until my tank is rolling for half a year.
Am I allowing enough cycling time and acclimation time for the tank, also if you would be so kind; if I missed a question please feel free to answer that to.
~Ballet Ninja

 

[andy51632]

If you hold off you would have alot more options with a 125 gallon but it would be alot more expensive.
You won't be able to keep any anemone with a single strip light. You would have to at very least have power compact lighting and better yet metal halide.
If you are wanting to jump into the hobby here is what I would do. Get cheaper model skimmer and maybe 40 to 80 lbs live rock. Cure this rock and start your cycle. You could then add some smaller hardy fish and inverts to keep you busy and practicing until you move. Then switch them over to the 125 or bigger tank. If you do this I would not invest a ton of money on equiptment that would not switch over to a bigger tank. Also continue to do research and learn as much as you can during this time.

 

[trigger11]

I would agree. I would put the 40g together but try to use equipment that can switch over later or is not all that expensive. It will give you a good feel for what you need to do.
No anenome unless you get stronger lighting. Anenomes require really strong lights in order to thrive.
I would avoid getting the starfish. They need a big tank with lots of sand. This is the reason I have avoided getting one myself.
Other than that your list looks pretty good to me. Welcome to the boards.

 

[ballet ninja]

Awesome! Thank you for your response, the reason I was going to get the anemone was because of the clownfish. Will they be okay with just live rock and sand?
I have mixed emotions really, I love sea animals and studieing them. I will do an amazing job of taking care of them, but I want to make sure they are 100% happy.
What are the best fish to start with? I have been reading, and clown fish seem to be good, as well as crabs. What are your thoughts. I can read and read but real life experiance in my opinion is better.
Also, Will my cleaner shrimp get bored if I don't have something for him to clean? and is 40g big enough for 2clown fish, a crab and the shrimp?
~BalletNinja

 

[hutchinson]

Hello,
Welcome to the boards. The clown fish will be fine with no anemone, Damsels would be good to start with but get agressive, However clownfish are pretty hardy.....
You want to get a clean up package first. Then Gradually add fish.
I would also suggest More Live rock as it is your best source of filtration.

 

[ballet ninja]

So, after further research.
Fish
Month 1(after cycled)
Cleanup crew (?? What would you suggest ?? 15hermits, 15snails, 15 emeralds seems like a bit of over kill for a 40 gallon tank, and wont the crabs take the snails shells?
I was thinking
Emerald crab x2
Cleaner shrip x1
Scarlet Hermit Crab x1
Horseshoe Crab
Month 2
Percula Clownfish x2
Hawaiian spotted Puffer x1
Do you think month 1 is too much at once? If so what do you suggest?
~Ballet Ninja

 

[sleasia]

chromis are similar to damsels, or are damsels, but they are not aggressive and I think they are kind of pretty....try and go for the 125 though, this size will give you more options.

 

[puffer32]

You can always set up a fish only 40 gal now, buy a package and the strip lighting would be good for fish only. Then when you move and get a larger tank, you can use the 40 gal, and the lights for a sump/fuge. Having an already established tank when you get the larger one will help the new one cycle because you can use the LR, and water to jump start the new one. Then you can get the better lighting and skimmer.

 

[neptunes ghost]

No horshoe crab, they get huge. I started with an Ocellaris Clown and he's been doin great since January. BG Chromis are great starters too, but get at least 3 or more, they are much happier in a shoal.