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mrg02d · 06-02-2009, 02:42 AM

Hello guys,
Thanks for the tips! So I can do away with a protein skimmer and a filter. (Once the live rock has established.) So that leaves me with lights, power head, heater+thermometer, and water testing kit.

So my plan will be to get the 20gallon (or I may go up to the 28 gallon one they have) acrylic hexagonal tank, a light, power head, heater+thermometer, and water testing kit. I will mix up the salt water, put some sand down, and then set up the lights and heater. I think a few places around me may sell live rock. How much would I need to start? How long before something like a hermit crab could live in it?

So let me get some things straight. In order to stock the tank safely, I would want to make small additions and constantly check the water quality. As long as the toxins are low (within limits) animals can be added. No? Eventually, I would reach the system's limit and thats it. Right? I plan for small fish like clowns and some hermit crabs and whatnot.

So assuming I can get a couple pounds of live rock, how long might a 20 gallon tank need to be ready for larger forms of life? (Small hermit crabs and shrimp). I assume inverts. produce the least waste? Several stores around here sell salt water fish and crabs. But the people that work in the stores seem to know very little.

What kind of light should I be looking for? I assume 100W is a good start. No?

Thanks much!
Matt

06-02-2009, 02:42 AM	#16
mrg02d Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 222	Hello guys, Thanks for the tips! So I can do away with a protein skimmer and a filter. (Once the live rock has established.) So that leaves me with lights, power head, heater+thermometer, and water testing kit. So my plan will be to get the 20gallon (or I may go up to the 28 gallon one they have) acrylic hexagonal tank, a light, power head, heater+thermometer, and water testing kit. I will mix up the salt water, put some sand down, and then set up the lights and heater. I think a few places around me may sell live rock. How much would I need to start? How long before something like a hermit crab could live in it? So let me get some things straight. In order to stock the tank safely, I would want to make small additions and constantly check the water quality. As long as the toxins are low (within limits) animals can be added. No? Eventually, I would reach the system's limit and thats it. Right? I plan for small fish like clowns and some hermit crabs and whatnot. So assuming I can get a couple pounds of live rock, how long might a 20 gallon tank need to be ready for larger forms of life? (Small hermit crabs and shrimp). I assume inverts. produce the least waste? Several stores around here sell salt water fish and crabs. But the people that work in the stores seem to know very little. What kind of light should I be looking for? I assume 100W is a good start. No? Thanks much! Matt