Looking at starting a saltwater tank

[Patrick_A]

Hey guys, I have been keeping freshwater fish for some time now. I am finally looking to delve into salt water. Some of my essential knowledge appears to transfer but not all.

I would like to do something simple with a small footprint. I have a 30 gallon hex that seems to be appropriate. However, I don't see much information regarding this for factor.

I would like to just go FOWLR and the only thing I can think of as far as stocking is concerned is that I would like an anemone with 2 clowns.

What, if any, other fish can be housed in this setup and what would be the best way to keep the current up?

Would I need a protein skimmer at this point? What kind of filtration is needed? it appears HOB filters are not commonly used in salt.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Mattyfelts]

You dont need a protein skimmer, water changes will do just fine.

Anemones need an at least 1 year old tank with INTENSE lighting. For stock i think two clowns and maybe one small fish would be good. Can we see the tank, the foot print will matter in which stock you get.

 

[Patrick_A]

I will need to dig it out. I was waiting to see if I can even do salt with it. It's a 23x20x24 30 gallon hex. Pretty tight. I was looking at the two clowns and a pj cardinal as they seem to do ok alone.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Mattyfelts]

cardinals do better in schools, id do 2 clowns and type of small goby. Oh and congrats on not wanting to overstock, seems like you actually looked into this a bit and realized what you can and cant have!

 

[Patrick_A]

Would another invert be better? A little emerald crab or something of the like?

Yeah I used to keep barbs in it. I dislike the hex tanks because you can never keep much but I thought this would be a neat idea for a small tank.

 

[Patrick_A]

So I have been looking. What kind of filtration is needed? Would a HOB or Canister filter do ok?

 

[mr_X]

I would suggest a different tank. You won't be happy with this hex tank. Flow will be a challenge and so will aquascaping. Look for something with a larger footprint, like a 30 breeder, or 40 breeder even.