Starting my first Saltwater tank and need help setting up

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Pettyrocker

New Member
Hello, I am wanting to start a simple clownfish tank. im thinking a 20 gallon Long tank. What all do i need for this tank? I was thinking a filter for a bit more than 20 gallons, some live rock, & aragonite. im going for a simple clown tank 1-2 fish and i just need to know what I need. I never used skimmers on my freshwater tanks and i dont know what else I may need. Any suggestions would be awesome! im going for a simple system that works. I like clowns, and I know they are hardy. Thanks! P.S. Cycle suggestions would also be good!
 
jay0705

jay0705

Well-Known Member
Filter, heater, lights. Cycle w some live rock and ghost feeding. You don't need a skimmer. Use ro water not tap
 
lmforbis

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
If it were me I'd go for a 29 gallon. Same foot print as a 20 long but almost a third more water. The more water you have the easier it is to keep stable. You will need test kits for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate to monitor your cycle.
As long as you don't want an anemone a clown fish tank is pretty easy.
 
jay0705

jay0705

Well-Known Member
Good point on the 29. If you want a single clown I would go maroon. However if you only want clowns in the tank, a pair of percula or occ would give you more eye appeal
 
lmforbis

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
I'd have to disagree on the maroon. As beautiful as they are, They can get to 6" and need a bigger tank. I'd go with percula or oscelaris.
 
beaslbob

beaslbob

Well-Known Member
I recommend you use macro algae much the same as plants are used in FW tanks.

The macros will make it look nice plus balance out and stabilize the system.

When first starting the tank you can use a male molly acclimated to saltwater. Once you get him to live for a couple of weeks then try the more expensive marine only fish.

my .02
 
jay0705

jay0705

Well-Known Member
You and those dam macros lol.
Imforbis, even as the only fish you think a 29 is too small for a maroon?
 
lmforbis

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
Definitely. A 6 inch fish in a 20 or 29 gallon. They grow fast. It would also make it unlikely another fish of any sort can ever be added. In a 29 with a pair of percula or oscelaris clowns a goby, fire fish or basslet is possible in the future but not with a maroon.
 
jay0705

jay0705

Well-Known Member
Hmm, now my maroon is in a 29, its going in the 75 but has been in my 29 for about a yr now. Doesn't bother tank mates, but adding new one's I wouldn't try either.
 
lmforbis

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
I've had mine for a bit over a year. She started at less than an inch. Now she's almost 3 inches.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Once the Maroon matures and turns female in a 20 no other fish are safe. Female Maroons typically claim an area of four square feet. In a 29 that is the entire tank.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Regarding advice, look at tank pictures of people responding to your questions to see if they have a tank you would like to replicate or at least have something similar in mind. You're going to get dozens of different answers to your questions. I suggest you rely on the people that have the same goals as you.

If you don't see a tank picture in their gallery then just ask them for one. Most are happy to provide pictures of their success. The ones that don't have pictures... well, let's just say that's not the choice I would make for a mentor.
 
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