Wanting to start a 10 gal. saltwater aquarium setup

jdennysgir

jdennysgir

Member
Ideas as to the easiest way to set up a fish only aquarium for a 10 gal. I want to have a couple of jawfish in the tank along with a few other gentle fish. I tried to put a jawfish in my 44 gal. but the larger fish tried to kill it so I got it out and sent it back to the fish store. I used to have another one about a year ago and I just loved watching it make its little burrows. Can 2 be put in a 10 gal. together? And also, what other interesting, easy going fish would you recommend? I want to keep the 10 gal. as simple as possible but still keep my fish happy. I am putting enough money into my 44 gal. right now. So what do you all think as far as lighting and filtration. It will have live sand and live rock. It was a freshwater tank so I have an outside filter on it now and just a regular flourescent bulb in the hood. Thanks, again guys. You are all a great help.
 
vickicj

vickicj

Member
Hi, it will be difficult for you to keep the water levels healthy in a 10 gallon - 55 gallons is the minimum recommended for a saltwater tank - even a QT tank needs to be larger than 10 gallons (20? min.)- however, there are more experienced aquarists on these boards than me and that's just my singular opinion (arrived at by reading these boards and doing lots of other research!)
 
jdennysgir

jdennysgir

Member
Vicki,
Yes, I agree, but I also see where tons of people have those small Nano tanks too. Thank you so much for your opinion. That is what I am looking for.
 
jmick

jmick

Active Member
I think that a 10gal is too small for a jawfish…you will need a deep sand bed (7+ inches) and lots of rubble for it to build. Also, they can be territorial with each other and I don’t think it’d be wise to dump 2 in such a tiny tank. You may want to invest in a larger tank (50’s are only $100) and create a species only tank. Over time you may find this to be more rewarding!
 
fishmamma

fishmamma

Active Member
Hi- I think 10 is too small. I have used one long term as a QT/sick tank and it is VERY difficult to maintian. I run a 16 gallon display which is also high maintanance but much better then a 10. Maybe try a taller hex style 20 gallon set-up with one jawfish and another small peaceful fish and some shrimp. That might be cool for watching your jawfish and you could get a nice deep sand bed in there. h*
 
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