starting up 20L - basic questions

psariandras

psariandras

AC Members
May 18, 2007
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I have 55 FOWLR, going to start up new 20L reef. I have spend a huge amount of time researching FOWLR and reefs but not so much time on nano reefs. Thus, I have several basic questions.


  • What clean up crew should I have in 20L reef? I am unsure about how many snails and hermits to have and if I should go for smaller ones b/c of smaller tank size.

  • Is it safe to go without a PS if I religiously do water changes say 10% a week?
  • How many green chromis can I put in the tank? I also will have a yellow watchman goby and a firefish.
  • Are there any particular corals or inverts I should not consider for some reason b/c of smaller tank size? I have read that some corals that are sold cheaply are frowned upon by experienced reefers b/c they dominate more desirable species or damage others. I have also heard to watch certain ornamental shrimp will harm very small fish.
  • I am unsure about sand depth in case I want to get a pistol shrimp. I was thinking of 2" deep in the front and maybe 1" more towards the back.
  • Water movement - I am thinking LPS corals (do I need to be more specific in livestock selection before this can be determined)?


Thanks
 
20 gallon long tank.

1. CUC is going to depend on the LR amount. I try and stay away from Hermits. Shoot for like 3 turbo snails and 5 margarita or astrea snails.
2. You could get away with out a skimmer. I have a 55 and a 10 reef without. Just change more like 25% weekly. I change 35%.
3. Why do you want Green Chromis? 3 or 4 should be okay. They dont get all that big.
4. Just research before you buy. Dont make an inpulse purchase. It could screw everything up and usually does.
5. Do you want a Deep Sand Bed? Shoot for like 5 inches atleast if you do. Will help you cut down on filtration needs.
6. Shoot for 25x turnover. Alittle more or less is okay. Also go for a Koralia powerhead. They are cheap, reliable, and diffuse the movement.
 
  • What clean up crew should I have in 20L reef? I am unsure about how many snails and hermits to have and if I should go for smaller ones b/c of smaller tank size.
  • Is it safe to go without a PS if I religiously do water changes say 10% a week?
  • That would be fine
  • How many green chromis can I put in the tank? I also will have a yellow watchman goby and a firefish.
  • None of those fish are suitable for a 20 gallon tank really as they all require a minimum 30 gallon tank
  • Are there any particular corals or inverts I should not consider for some reason b/c of smaller tank size? I have read that some corals that are sold cheaply are frowned upon by experienced reefers b/c they dominate more desirable species or damage others. I have also heard to watch certain ornamental shrimp will harm very small fish.
  • A lot will depend on lighting but certain corals do give out quite a potent sting to other corals (ie Torch corals, Galaxea)
  • I am unsure about sand depth in case I want to get a pistol shrimp. I was thinking of 2" deep in the front and maybe 1" more towards the back.
  • The chances are the sand would never stay at that levels due to powerheads shifting it around. Personally, due to the tank being quite small I would go for under 1/2" sand bed.
  • Water movement - I am thinking LPS corals (do I need to be more specific in livestock selection before this can be determined)?
  • For most LPS you would be looking at around 30x tank turnover and moderate to high lighting
 
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