20 gallon stocking???

[Dyl1234]

I am currently going through the process of switching my freshwater tank to saltwater. It is currently stocked with 4 green spotted puffers. They are approx. 2 inches in size. (I know this tank is too small for them so I am getting rid of them ASAP). I'm so excited to do a saltwater tank. Tonight I just purchased 20lbs of live sand, hydrometer, and powerhead. I will be purchasing more sand later. I am just trying to figure out what I should stock it with. I really like saltwater hermit crabs, so I want a fish that is compatible with hermits.

 

[Dyl1234]

Also, how long should I let my tank cycle?

 

[Maxw47]

I am in the process of setting up a nano reef too! Well maybe yours isn't a reef but still. I'd put a couple of clowns and a few fire fish. Or a few cardinals and a goby/blenny. Something like that. And if you are testing regularly you should know when your cycle is done.

 

[Dyl1234]

I am in the process of setting up a nano reef too! Well maybe yours isn't a reef but still. I'd put a couple of clowns and a few fire fish. Or a few cardinals and a goby/blenny. Something like that. And if you are testing regularly you should know when your cycle is done.

Alright thanks. I really like clowns!! And I will look into the fire fish. Will these fish be compatible with hermits and snails?

 

[Maxw47]

Yes they will. And other things too, like shrimp, urchins, etc.

 

[Dyl1234]

Yes they will. And other things too, like shrimp, urchins, etc.

Ok. Now I'm just waiting on the stuff I ordered to arrive. Im guessing it will be here by Thursday or Friday. I spent $60 last night ordering stuff from petco! Salt water tanks can be expensive but it pays off in the end. They look so much better than freshwater tanks to me.

 

[Maxw47]

Yeah I get my ten gallon in a 2 weeks. Getting the sand, rock, etc right now. You doing a reef?

 

[Dyl1234]

Yeah I get my ten gallon in a 2 weeks. Getting the sand, rock, etc right now. You doing a reef?

Lol I'm very new to this... What's a reef aquarium?

 

[Maxw47]

It's got corals. I think the corals are going to be my favorite part haha

 

[Dyl1234]

It's got corals. I think the corals are going to be my favorite part haha

I like corals. Is there anything extra required for corals?

 

[Maxw47]

Lights. I'm getting a 4 bulb t5 with a few LEDs for my ten gallon. For a twenty I would recommend the same, just bigger obviously. The fixture I'm looking at has LEDs built in, but you don't really need that. Just a 4 bulb t5 fixture. They can get expensive though. Also some corals like feeding, brine shrimp and stuff like that.

 

[carey]

Usually need better lighting as well as you HAVE to keep the water as pristine as possible, corals can get picky about water quality.

 

[Dyl1234]

I just have regular clear bulbs that are only like $2 each

 

[Maxw47]

Yeah those aren't going to cut it haha

 

[Dyl1234]

Yeah those aren't going to cut it haha

What about if I don't get corals?

 

[Maxw47]

If you don't get corals those lights are fine. Might want to get 50/50 bulbs or something like that to give it that marine look.

 

[Dyl1234]

If you don't get corals those lights are fine. Might want to get 50/50 bulbs or something like that to give it that marine look.

Like this???

 

[Maxw47]

Something like this would be better-

http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsma...=LIghting+&+Hoods&f=PAD/psNotAvailInUS/No

 

[Dyl1234]

Something like this would be better-

http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11248156&lmdn=LIghting+%26amp%3B+Hoods&f=PAD%2FpsNotAvailInUS%2FNo

My light is already kind of like that. I thought you were talking about a tinted light like the blue. Lol

 

[Maxw47]

Nah. I mean really it doesn't matter because you don't have corals. So get whatever floats your boat.