Ideas for stocking my first SW tank

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SlowJim

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Feb 12, 2005
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I read that I should multiply my tank's length by its width and divide by 20, and that's how many inches of fish I can have. It is a 29 gallon, so I calculated that out to be 18"

I think i want to add two tank-raised false perculas first (2x3")
then a few weeks later two green chromis (2x3")
and then either a flame or lemonpeel angelfish (4")
or 2 banggai cardinalfish (2x3")
i have read that these are all good fish for beginners, and I plan on using the fishless cycling method before adding all the fish

does this sound good? this is going to be a fish-only tank, no live rock or coral.
 
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the clownfish and chromis sound good but angelfish need some Live Rock to graze on. And you should have some even if its only a little Live Rock for the clowns. Dou you have any other sort of filtration like a protien skimmer or canister filter? or is the biowheel the only one? I have a 45g tank with a Penguin Biowheel 350 along with 2 Tetra whisper 20's and it works fine. I also have about 60lbs of LR so that acts as a biological filter. I dont use a skimmer because they arent necessary contrary to belief. But I do use on in my 180g because its cheaper then buying 6 powerfilters. I also have 2 powerheads in my 45g and 6 in my 180g for better water movement. Your lighting doesnt matter much with Fish Only and keep the temp at about 72-80. Mine is at 74 in the 45g and 78 in the 180g. Lastly WELCOME TO THE HOBBY! its wonderful! You'll enjoy vibrant colors,comical fish as well as problems. In the end its all worth it.
 
I was just planning on using the bio-wheel. It says it's good for aquariums from 25-45 gallons so I thought that would be enough. Do I need another filter or a powerhead?
 
a protien skimmer will relieve tons of nitrate headaches... and I think you are a bit over stocked. if you don't have live rock, I wouldn't get the angel, also I would cut to one cardinal, and to one clown if possible, but since all your fish are relatively small I would keep the rest of the list. 18 inches of fish in that small tank is kind of unresonable IMO... I have about 14-16 inches of adult fish for my 55 gallon and thats twice as big... I'm sure I could squeeze more fish in, but I'm in the process of upgrading because my tang needs more room :)
 
Bio-wheels are not good in SW. They are goods media for bacteria, but in SW, the increase evaporation and salt creep, reducing stability. Live rock will host equivalent bacteria, as well as those that reduce nitrates, and provides cover for your rifhs.

However--that's too many. I'd go with either the cardinals or the angel--not both. And, if you go with the angel, you will need to have live rock, and let the tank mature for at least 6 months before adding it. Without live rock, I wouldn't try either angel. They rely heavily on grazing from rock for food.
 
DONT GET THAT PROTIEN SKIMMER!!! well, thats my opinion anyway. i had that same one on my 30 gal sw and its a piece of garbage. that skimmer works off of a powerhead and isnt very reliable. mine broke after about a month of use. do urself a favor and spend a few extra bucks and get a prism or better. i currently have a prism and i love it :)
 
I would get the black & white perculas...or a pair of all black perculas!!! :p :p
I'd get two clown gobies too...a yellow and a green.

My boyfriend has a mated pair of black & white perculas, a scotter blenny, and a lawnmower blenny in his 30g. He wants to trade the blennies for more colorful fish; but I happen to think those fish are quite comical to watch, especially the lawnmower.

My point was...if you can get ahold of black & white perculas DO IT! They are a unique addition as a clownfish...unless you have $200 to spend on a paired Onyx percula couple... :D :D :D I'm actually giving him the OK to purchase those in the future... :eek:

Let us know what you decide on...we'd love to see pictures once you're up and running!
 
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