New to SW would like to start a 10g

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mikedel

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Oct 27, 2003
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Ok so Im starting to get the hang of fresh water, now Im wanting a new challange. I would like to put together a 10g tank with a pair of Clown fish, or maybe a couple other small salt water fish, or maybe a clown and something else. What kind of equipment do I need? What type of filter should I get? Other then filter and heater is there any other equipment I need? I read something about a protien skimmer. Do I need one of these, and if I do what do these do? How much live sand and live rock do I need? Also can someone explain to me what live sand and live rock actually are. All I really can seem to understand is it helps with the bio filtration. Do filters for freshwater tanks work for saltwater? They have a kit at the fish store that comes with a penguin bio wheel and heater. Should I get this then just buy any other equipment I need? Im sure I am gonna come up with a bunch more questions but this should help get me started.

Thanks,
Mike
 
There is a lot of good info in the starting a saltwater thread that is one of the sticky ones at the top. I think a bunch of your questions can be answered there.

I think one thing most people are going to tell you is that a 10g saltwater is going to be hard for a newbie. Salt tanks are easily crashed, and the smaller the tank the less room for error you have. Not saying you can't do it, it just could be a little hard.

Others will help you better, but I thought I'd just point you at that other thread for some good info!

Good Luck!!!
 
I agree. If you have to go small then don't get smaller than a 20. The little details all have to be checked more often. Your saline levels will go up much quicker in a smallr tank.
 
my 20g, started in august, is relatively stable by the numbers, but i am still battling diatom outbreaks to the death. i wish i had more cash, and i would have started out with a 55g...but oh well. i would say nix the 10g and get a 20g if it must be small, a 55g if possible. it'll make a big difference.
 
well mike, as i suggest to all newbies, i highly recommend that you buy Robert Fenner's "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist". It's considered by many to be the marine fishkeeping "bible". It explains all of the things you were asking about.
 
Well I ended up ordering the JBJ Nano-Cube. I know its small but its all I have space for. For my substrate, should I use live sand exclusively or should I mix some crushed coral in with it? By the way I am probably gonna have more then I know what to do with. Its a 30lbs bag so if anyone needs any let me know. I think Im probably going to end up with a pair of gobys maybe. I was also interested in the flasher wrasses. Does anyone know who might have these in town? I flipped through the Pocket Guide of Marine FIshes and came with a list of possable fish.

Assessor
-Blue
-Yellow
Jawfish
-Yellow head
-Gold Spec
Banggai Cardinal
Flasher Wrasses
-Carpenter
-Lyretail/Angular
-Dot and Dash
-McCosters
-Yellowfin
Blenny
-Red Sea Mimic
Gobys
-Yellow Clown
-Randall Shrimp
-Sharknose/Cleaner
-Neon
-Black Ray
-White Ray
Fire Fish
Sixline
Royal
 
Originally posted by mikedel
[...]For my substrate, should I use live sand exclusively or should I mix some crushed coral in with it?[...]
Click to expand...

Use just the live sand, don't mix with crushed coral.

The good news about a 10 gallon is that even paying LFS prices for genuine aragonite you can have your DSB and pH buffer for a relatively modest price.

P.S. You might be surprised at what 30 lbs. of sand looks like, even in a lil' bitty ;) 10 gallon.
 
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A 10 gallon tank can be setup well if done right from the beginning and is not rushed. The sticky up at the top is a great source, and was one of my main sources for starting my 10 gallon back in October. I have been through a few nervous moments, but everyting has survived that I have put in my tank. Cycle with a cocktail shrimp and take it slo. Dont add more than 2 small fish to the tank and take it slow. As I have heard somebody constantly say in these forums "Only bad things happen fast." Despite what many say regarding the small tanks, I would look into a protein skimmer for the tank as well. Costs a bit extra but it increases your water volume a bit and pulls some of the organics out of the tank that may cause instability later. Dont skip out on your water changes either or top offs. Definately use sand and sand alone as a substrate, the crushed coral will jsut trap stuff in it and produce more problems later. Hope this helps some.

Jeff
 
If you use a filter then take out all of the media and just use it as a source of current. The main filtration comes from the LS and LR. The Live Rock is just simply a porous rock covered in bacteria, and generally lots of small critters like worms and snails etc... These help keep the tank clean but need a current. Leaving the filter media or biowheel in will lead to high nitrate levels and lots of water changes.

You will also need to buy something to measure the salinity level.

And never cycle a salty tank with fish in. Do the cycling then add the fish.
 
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