Help on supplies for tank

[Rfirman]

Hey everyone im new here and I wanted some input on supplies. I am wanting to start up a 10 gal salt water tank. Ya I know that's not really recommended but I can't go bigger right now. Any what do I need to get it stared? I want to get clown fish with maybe some coral.

 

[fishmonkey]

Well...you should probably get a larger tank. You won't be able to keep a pair of clowns in a 10 gallon tank.

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

Well...you should probably get a larger tank. You won't be able to keep a pair of clowns in a 10 gallon tank.

True, but he already said that he cant go larger :/
In a 10 gallon you will not need as much equipment as a normal sized tank, sooo

1 korolia powerhead (lower gph)
1 aquaclear 50 filter
1 set of lights (depends if you really want corals or not)
Protein skimmers are optional on small tanks, i never did it.
1 thermometer
Definitly need a lid on your tank, clowns can jump like any saltwater fish.
Will need a bucket of salt
A refractometer
Etc

 

[fishmonkey]

What exactly do you want to do with the tank? Do you just want fish? Do you want a FOWLR? a reef?

What you get kind of depends on what kind of tank you want to build.

 

[Rfirman]

Thanks for the reply's. I just want like one clown fish, a chromi and like 2 corals. I am going to college and they only allow 10 gal. I might be able to swing 14 but I dont think it's likely.

 

[Rfirman]

And why a 50 gal filter? I only have a 10 gal. Is this just for extra or more powerful filtration?

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

10 gallon filter probably isnt enough in my opinion. If yiur going to get a clown in a 10 gallon you will need better filtration, so i personally went with a 50. Of course you could do something a bit less but on my saltwater tanks i like to overfilter ALOT.

 

[Rutrag]

10 gallon filter probably isnt enough in my opinion. If yiur going to get a clown in a 10 gallon you will need better filtration, so i personally went with a 50. Of course you could do something a bit less but on my saltwater tanks i like to overfilter ALOT.

+1 to this. ALL the manufacturers tend to overrate their filters. Going oversize helps with circulation (very important in saltwater) and gives you a safety net as well.

If you will keep corals or anemones, you need good lighting. If you stick with softies, zoas, and mushrooms, you could probably do a double T5HO lamp. More needy corals and anemones will necessitate stronger lighting.

Also get a liquid test kit covering pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. The API saltwater master kit is a good one for anyone on a budget.

 

[Rfirman]

Thanks for all the info. Ya I'll just go higher on a filter instead of also getting a protien skimmer.

Is there any place/site that I could get cheap coral and rock?

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

Umm not sure about coral, but at this point you shouldnt be thinkin about coral reefrocks is great for rock but if your not getting much i think you should just go to an lfs and get some so you dont have to pay for shipping

 

[Rfirman]

Thanks for the info. I have been looking at stuff on Craig's list to see if I ca. Get any deals and this is what I found.
10gal tank
40gal filter
A heater
A couple of ugly rocks
And a yellow tang and a damsel
All this for 100

I'm pretty sure the fish will need a bigger tank but how dose this sound?

 

[fishmonkey]

no on the damsel and no on the tang. They definitely need a bigger tank.

Other than that, I'd say yes.

Have you thought about what kind of lighting you would like?

 

[Rfirman]

I actually found a better deal. I'm getting it tomorrow. I'll let you guys know if I get it for sure

 

[Bkmrsteel]

10 gallon filter probably isnt enough in my opinion. If yiur going to get a clown in a 10 gallon you will need better filtration, so i personally went with a 50. Of course you could do something a bit less but on my saltwater tanks i like to overfilter ALOT.

I have a 50 gal filter on my 20, and it creates a tun of current! The fish love it, but it starts splashing really bad if the water level gets a little low.

 

[Rfirman]

Ok so I found this tank on Craig's list and bought it!
Bio cube 14 gal
A running tank with live rock and sand
Heater
Protein skimmer
And coral!
8 neon green mushroom polyps
4 Kenya trees

All for $120!

 

[fishmonkey]

Hey! post some pics!

 

[Rfirman]

I am about to create a new thread with the picks from my tank so more people can see it so keep an eye out