whats the next best addition?

[autofreak44]

ive been having problems with my tank lately, due to the fact that i have been adding to many fish, and too fast. im looking more to build a social, hard working cleaning crew for my tank. i have a fire shrimp and a sand sifting star right now, but the star is to small for the tank, and the shrimp is very unsocial. I want something cheap, small, hard working, entertaining, and social. so what do you have for me? im trying to research before i buy now because it seems everything i buy is bad for the tank, and im going to straighten that out with you ppls help. thanks!

 

[lion_crazz]

What size is the tank?
What are the fish in the tank?
How much live rock do you have?
Do you have sand or crushed coral?
How long has the tank been set-up?

 

[autofreak44]

12 gallon
1 percula clown
1 green chromis
fireshrimp
sand sifting star (im getting rid of it i found out it needs 55+gallon tank)
6 lbs live rock (want more)
i have sand
tanks been up for 1 1/2 mo
i plan to add 1 more clown, 2 more chromis, coral and anemone

 

[lion_crazz]

Well, if you add the things you are planning to add fish-wise, you will be very overstocked and battling constant nitrate/cramping issues.
Glad you know about the starfish.
I would start with 5 snails and 5 hermit crabs and definitely another 7-10 lbs. of live rock.

 

[autofreak44]

ok thanks for the advice

 

[autofreak44]

Originally Posted by lion_crazz
Well, if you add the things you are planning to add fish-wise, you will be very overstocked and battling constant nitrate/cramping issues.
Glad you know about the starfish.
I would start with 5 snails and 5 hermit crabs and definitely another 7-10 lbs. of live rock.
also, ive heard that sally light foot crabs are very social, but how will they siut my tank if i get one. would you suggest it?

 

[uberlink]

I really would avoid adding those extra fish. At most, I'd add the clown. You're going to have a lot of trouble keeping an anemone, though, if you have too many fish. And at 12 gallons, you're probably already pretty close to where you can be.
Sounds like a fun setup, though!

 

[lion_crazz]

Sally light foot crabs have the tendency to pray on smaller fish, especially in smaller tanks where food is limited. For this reason, I would stay away from them.

 

[autofreak44]

Originally Posted by uberlink
I really would avoid adding those extra fish. At most, I'd add the clown. You're going to have a lot of trouble keeping an anemone, though, if you have too many fish. And at 12 gallons, you're probably already pretty close to where you can be.
Sounds like a fun setup, though!
ok so maybe one more clown and a bubble tip anemone, but what about coral, what environmental impact do they have, how much can i add, and whats the best one for beginers

 

[aztec reef]

well if i were to add corals to your tank i would say you're already overstock. i wouln't add any more fish.
As for beginers corals ; start with mushrooms & polyps. and i would avoid the anemone if it was me.
corals require great water quality for optimal growth

 

[autofreak44]

how can i get my gravity up to 1.025 effectively, and keep it there?

 

[aztec reef]

doing 1.025 gravity water changes regularly & top-off with fresh ro/di water to replenish evaporated water.

 

[450rguy]

Originally Posted by autofreak44
how can i get my gravity up to 1.025 effectively, and keep it there?
An easy way to slowly increase sg is to simply top off with salt water. Each time you top off, check the specific gravity and when you reach 1.025, start topping off with RO again.
You mentioned wanting an anemone, but you didn't say what type of lighting is on your tank. Anemones require strong lighting, much like some corals, clams, etc. Unless you've got good lighting, most corals and anemones will perish.
As far as stocking, I would trade your chromis in on another clown, and leave it at that. Two clowns will be plenty for a 12.

 

[teresaq]

are you wanting an anemone for you clowns to host?? they will host anything. get a nice rock with some fuzzy shrooms. My clowns love them , and snuggle down in them all the time. you prob dont have enough light with a 12 gal even if its the delux.

 

[autofreak44]

whats the best way to increase my lighting? here are some pics of the stuff i have now, it came with the kit, and i dont mind replacing the whole fixture if i have to