I want to get a clownfish.

[Piranha86]

Hi guys, I don't really know anything about marine fish tanks and figured this would be a good place to ask.
I want to get 1 or 2 clownfish (percula), along with some anenomes and maybe live rock.
What do I need to get started, and what's an approximate price for it all? I can get perculas and false perculas locally, for a pretty fair price.
Here's what I'm thinking I need, please tell me what else I need or what I do not need.

30g Aquarium
Marine Salt
pH Buffer? (My local pH is about 6.9)
Hydrometer
Heater
Powerhead for current?
Anenome's
Clownfish

For filtration, what do I need? I've heard about protein skimmers and big external filters and I really don't know a thing about them.
Thanks for helping :D

[Ace25]

Don't need pH buffer.. the salt will raise the pH to what it needs to be.

For just a couple clownfish.. you can do that cheap and easy... but with anemones in the mix, then it will get expensive. Lighting being a big expense, filtration (sump is the best option), reactors for phosphate remover and carbon (most common method of filtration, although there are others like a Algae Turf Scrubber), and skimmer (not really much of a fan of skimmers anymore, I don't think they do that much, but they are/have been a staple for marine aquariums for many years).

You also forgot to add live rock and sand (sand optional depending on preference). Live rock is expensive. Even if you went 1/2lb per gallon, that still is around $75 for a 30G @ $5/lb. Lights will run you about $200 for a 30G tank minimum in order to give anemones sufficient light. A couple powerheads, Koralia Evo 750's will run you at least $80.

So for a 30G clown/anemone tank, I say your looking at $500 minimum to start from scratch... realistically, with the livestock, your probably looking at closer to $700 for a 30G tank all up and running.

[Piranha86]

Don't need pH buffer.. the salt will raise the pH to what it needs to be.

For just a couple clownfish.. you can do that cheap and easy... but with anemones in the mix, then it will get expensive. Lighting being a big expense, filtration (sump is the best option), reactors for phosphate remover and carbon (most common method of filtration, although there are others like a Algae Turf Scrubber), and skimmer (not really much of a fan of skimmers anymore, I don't think they do that much, but they are/have been a staple for marine aquariums for many years).

You also forgot to add live rock and sand (sand optional depending on preference). Live rock is expensive. Even if you went 1/2lb per gallon, that still is around $75 for a 30G @ $5/lb. Lights will run you about $200 for a 30G tank minimum in order to give anemones sufficient light. A couple powerheads, Koralia Evo 750's will run you at least $80.

So for a 30G clown/anemone tank, I say your looking at $500 minimum to start from scratch... realistically, with the livestock, your probably looking at closer to $700 for a 30G tank all up and running.
Ok, thanks for an honest answer. I'm just going to have to save up for a while (I'm 14), maybe after Christmas.

[colleen0309]

I'd say what ever you decide to do, just do your research and get lots of help and advice from the wonderful people here. Be patient and take it slow.

[H2Ogal]

Hey, Piranha86, are you dead-set on having anemones, or is it really just the clownfish you want? I don't have marine tanks, but I've been reading threads over here for a while, and I'm pretty sure clownfish can be kept successfully without anemones. Maybe someone could confirm that? :)

[jasonG75]

I'd say what ever you decide to do, just do your research and get lots of help and advice from the wonderful people here. Be patient and take it slow.


YES for GODS sake, or you'll end up with 13 dead clownfish like the guy in the below thread.

[Piranha86]

I'd say what ever you decide to do, just do your research and get lots of help and advice from the wonderful people here. Be patient and take it slow.
That's what I'm planning on.

Hey, Piranha86, are you dead-set on having anemones, or is it really just the clownfish you want? I don't have marine tanks, but I've been reading threads over here for a while, and I'm pretty sure clownfish can be kept successfully without anemones. Maybe someone could confirm that? :)
I like anenomes, but I really only want them for the clownfishs' sake.

YES for GODS sake, or you'll end up with 13 dead clownfish like the guy in the below thread.
Dude, I'm not getting these 'til January. I'm a research-aholic anyway.

[Ace25]

Clownfish in an aquarium don't need an anemone at all. Sure, it is nice to see them have a "home" for our sake, but for their sake/health it is not necessary. In the wild, clownfish pretty much require anemones for shelter because they are poor swimmers, but in an aquarium they don't have that problem. Again.. you can do just a couple clownfish for a small fraction of the cost compared to adding an anemone. If it is going to cost upwards of $700 for a clown/anemone setup, you can do just clowns for $200.

[Piranha86]

Clownfish in an aquarium don't need an anemone at all. Sure, it is nice to see them have a "home" for our sake, but for their sake/health it is not necessary. In the wild, clownfish pretty much require anemones for shelter because they are poor swimmers, but in an aquarium they don't have that problem. Again.. you can do just a couple clownfish for a small fraction of the cost compared to adding an anemone. If it is going to cost upwards of $700 for a clown/anemone setup, you can do just clowns for $200.
Well, that's great to hear. I'll get some really nice fake anenomes :grinyes: It'll save me $500.

[Ace25]

BTW, if you have a Petco around you they are having their $1/gallon sale again starting tomorrow, 8/29 - 9/18. You an get a nice 20G tank for $20. You don't have to set it up right away.. but get the tank to save some $ now. :D

http://www.petco.com/Fish-Home.aspx

[Piranha86]

BTW, if you have a Petco around you they are having their $1/gallon sale again starting tomorrow, 8/29 - 9/18. You an get a nice 20G tank for $20. You don't have to set it up right away.. but get the tank to save some $ now. :D

http://www.petco.com/Fish-Home.aspx
Good idea, thanks.

[Chrisinator]

Good luck on the clownfish! One day when I'm allowed to have another tank, I'll take the plunge to the dark side!

[user_name]

I'm a research-aholic anyway.
:shakehead: lies. lies. lies.


Good luck on the clownfish! One day when I'm allowed to have another tank, I'll take the plunge to the dark side!

I have been told that if one more tank appears my fish are getting flushed. at least my invets and plants will survive.....

[user_name]

oh and pir I'm pretty flipping jealous of you right now.

[Piranha86]

:shakehead: lies. lies. lies.
:silly:

I have been told that if one more tank appears my fish are getting flushed. at least my invets and plants will survive.....
I just show up with tanks at home. I just tell one parent the other one said it's ok.

oh and pir I'm pretty flipping jealous of you right now.
Why?

[rockhoe14er]

:silly:


Why?

probably because you get close to $700 dollars in Christmas presents. :drool:

[Piranha86]

probably because you get close to $700 dollars in Christmas presents. :drool:
I don't get 700... maybe like 400 total including all of the extended family. But I will have that much by Christmas, I cut my neighbors grass and get paid pretty well.

[Chrisinator]

:shakehead: lies. lies. lies.



I have been told that if one more tank appears my fish are getting flushed. at least my invets and plants will survive.....

My mom might end up ripping my head off. I wonder if I can have a hidden one in my closet haha

[Piranha86]

My mom might end up ripping my head off. I wonder if I can have a hidden one in my closet haha
I kept a Endler selective breeding tank hidden in part of a dresser for a few months. I got sick of it though.

Oh, and my cousin kept a wild caught black rat snake in his closet for like a year, he just left the lights on and fed it half dead mice off of the sticky trap.