New to marine fishkeeping, changed my perspective need help

MikeIsHere · 05/08/2013, 12:24 PM

New to marine fishkeeping, changed my perspective need help

So basically I wanted to start out way too big with a 250 and realize I wouldn't be able to afford that after all. They say don't start with too small of a setup..so what is a good size to meet in the middle? The only fish I really want are these:
- 2 Clownfish Ocellaris
- 1 Royal Gramma
- 1 Bicolor Goatfish
- 1 Striped Neon Goby

And I want as much live rock as I can fit in the tank (uncured) is there such a thing as too much rockwork..especially with the gramma? Will the Gramma establish his own little territory pretty quickly?

Also one more thing, are all of these fish compatable? And what are the most common hitchikers that may come on uncured live rock? What can I expect to find if I purchase the max amount for my tank?

So things I need to know:
- Suggestion for a suitable/good tank size. I couldn't really give you an estimate but i'd like to spend under $3,500 as a initial startup. Also would like to keep lighting costs monthly pretty cheap.

- Are the fish listed above comptable? (4 different species)

- In accordance to your suggestion as far as tank size, how much LR can be placed in that size tank to capacity? (I want a very rocky tank)

- Will the RG establish a home?

- Oh and my biggest question, what critters are common when you buy uncured LR..? Worms? Crabs?

Thanks!

LAX Reef · 05/08/2013, 12:42 PM

I would suggest Biocube 29, if not then the 14. Below is harder and simplier; if higher, its more expensive but a lot of room. If you're new like me, I suggest around 20-30g.

- Suggestion for a suitable/good tank size. I couldn't really give you an estimate but i'd like to spend under $3,500 as a initial startup. Also would like to keep lighting costs monthly pretty cheap.

Answer above. - Even thou 30g seem small, I spend $1grand on it already on upgrade, fish, food, and rock stuff.

- Are the fish listed above comptable? (4 different species)
I'm not sure.

- In accordance to your suggestion as far as tank size, how much LR can be placed in that size tank to capacity? (I want a very rocky tank)
Depends on the look, 15-50 LBS

- Will the RG establish a home?
Not sure what RG is.

- Oh and my biggest question, what critters are common when you buy uncured LR..? Worms? Crabs?

Snails and hermit. Cycle your tank first, or get cured LR from LFS. All rock from LFS is 90% cured, unless your buying from direct importer which is cured for 1 week usually other then "Tampa bay package."

If you really want a big tank to start out, and got the room for it. Either get a custom build tank, or Red Sea Max 250, which you can upgrade slowly. But like I said, usually start small, then get another one if you want big one.

MikeIsHere · 05/08/2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAX Reef

I would suggest Biocube 29, if not then the 14. Below is harder and simplier; if higher, its more expensive but a lot of room. If you're new like me, I suggest around 20-30g.

- Suggestion for a suitable/good tank size. I couldn't really give you an estimate but i'd like to spend under $3,500 as a initial startup. Also would like to keep lighting costs monthly pretty cheap.

Answer above. - Even thou 30g seem small, I spend $1grand on it already on upgrade, fish, food, and rock stuff.

- Are the fish listed above comptable? (4 different species)
I'm not sure.

- In accordance to your suggestion as far as tank size, how much LR can be placed in that size tank to capacity? (I want a very rocky tank)
Depends on the look, 15-50 LBS

- Will the RG establish a home?
Not sure what RG is.

- Oh and my biggest question, what critters are common when you buy uncured LR..? Worms? Crabs?

Snails and hermit. Cycle your tank first, or get cured LR from LFS. All rock from LFS is 90% cured, unless your buying from direct importer which is cured for 1 week usually other then "Tampa bay package."

If you really want a big tank to start out, and got the room for it. Either get a custom build tank, or Red Sea Max 250, which you can upgrade slowly. But like I said, usually start small, then get another one if you want big one.

RG - Royal Gramma. 29 too small in my opinion, too many parameter problems that can go along with such a small tank. Just my thoughts. And the reason I want uncured is because I WANT hitchhikers.

Badkarma88 · 05/08/2013, 01:01 PM

I started with a 120 gallon (48"x24"x24"). I knew I wanted a 48" tank and the 120 gave me plenty of depth (front to back) to aquascape without being cramped. So far I'm happy with the decision.

When it comes to rock, how much you need depends on what type rock your looking at. Some rock is more dense so it takes more pounds per gallon. In my 120 I used BRS Reef Saver rock and I used 120 lbs. I think to some extent how much rock you have is personal preference, just make sure that you don't add so much as to create dead spaces where there isn't any flow.

MikeIsHere · 05/08/2013, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badkarma88

I started with a 120 gallon (48"x24"x24"). I knew I wanted a 48" tank and the 120 gave me plenty of depth (front to back) to aquascape without being cramped. So far I'm happy with the decision.

When it comes to rock, how much you need depends on what type rock your looking at. Some rock is more dense so it takes more pounds per gallon. In my 120 I used BRS Reef Saver rock and I used 120 lbs. I think to some extent how much rock you have is personal preference, just make sure that you don't add so much as to create dead spaces where there isn't any flow.

I like that idea..woud work well with my live rock scheme I have planned in my head. Is that a usual dimension? Or did you have it custom made that way? I guess in terms of what rock..the one that will bring the most hitchhikers.

MikeIsHere · 05/08/2013, 01:42 PM

Would*

GroktheCube · 05/08/2013, 01:59 PM

Probably a 120. I got all my rock from Premium Aquatics, and I'm happy with it. However, just the tank, stand, rock, and sand will eat more than half your budget. You can probably get away with ~$600-700 for lighting, which would leave you with ~$700 for everything else, which is a kinda tight budget. I have an Aquamaxx EM300 skimmer on my 120 which I love. You could probably get away with an EM200. You'll be cutting it real close budget wise though.

You could also go for a 75. Most costs would be similar, but tank, stand, rock, and sand would be a bit cheaper. The 18" footprint makes getting a sump under the tank more difficult though.

aandfsoccr04 · 05/08/2013, 02:31 PM

I started with a 120 gallon 4x2x2 and thought that was a good size to start with. It's big enough that you won't want to upgrade in a few months and gives you some room for error since there's a large amount of water volume. It's also small enough that it's a lot more affordable than the bigger tanks that are six feet long and up.

05/08/2013, 12:24 PM	#1
MikeIsHere Moved On Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 20	New to marine fishkeeping, changed my perspective need help New to marine fishkeeping, changed my perspective need help So basically I wanted to start out way too big with a 250 and realize I wouldn't be able to afford that after all. They say don't start with too small of a setup..so what is a good size to meet in the middle? The only fish I really want are these: - 2 Clownfish Ocellaris - 1 Royal Gramma - 1 Bicolor Goatfish - 1 Striped Neon Goby And I want as much live rock as I can fit in the tank (uncured) is there such a thing as too much rockwork..especially with the gramma? Will the Gramma establish his own little territory pretty quickly? Also one more thing, are all of these fish compatable? And what are the most common hitchikers that may come on uncured live rock? What can I expect to find if I purchase the max amount for my tank? So things I need to know: - Suggestion for a suitable/good tank size. I couldn't really give you an estimate but i'd like to spend under $3,500 as a initial startup. Also would like to keep lighting costs monthly pretty cheap. - Are the fish listed above comptable? (4 different species) - In accordance to your suggestion as far as tank size, how much LR can be placed in that size tank to capacity? (I want a very rocky tank) - Will the RG establish a home? - Oh and my biggest question, what critters are common when you buy uncured LR..? Worms? Crabs? Thanks!

05/08/2013, 12:42 PM	#2
LAX Reef Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 46	I would suggest Biocube 29, if not then the 14. Below is harder and simplier; if higher, its more expensive but a lot of room. If you're new like me, I suggest around 20-30g. - Suggestion for a suitable/good tank size. I couldn't really give you an estimate but i'd like to spend under $3,500 as a initial startup. Also would like to keep lighting costs monthly pretty cheap. Answer above. - Even thou 30g seem small, I spend $1grand on it already on upgrade, fish, food, and rock stuff. - Are the fish listed above comptable? (4 different species) I'm not sure. - In accordance to your suggestion as far as tank size, how much LR can be placed in that size tank to capacity? (I want a very rocky tank) Depends on the look, 15-50 LBS - Will the RG establish a home? Not sure what RG is. - Oh and my biggest question, what critters are common when you buy uncured LR..? Worms? Crabs? Snails and hermit. Cycle your tank first, or get cured LR from LFS. All rock from LFS is 90% cured, unless your buying from direct importer which is cured for 1 week usually other then "Tampa bay package." If you really want a big tank to start out, and got the room for it. Either get a custom build tank, or Red Sea Max 250, which you can upgrade slowly. But like I said, usually start small, then get another one if you want big one. Last edited by LAX Reef; 05/08/2013 at 12:46 PM. Reason: more info.

05/08/2013, 02:31 PM	#8
aandfsoccr04 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 3,561	I started with a 120 gallon 4x2x2 and thought that was a good size to start with. It's big enough that you won't want to upgrade in a few months and gives you some room for error since there's a large amount of water volume. It's also small enough that it's a lot more affordable than the bigger tanks that are six feet long and up. __________________ 120 gallon mixed reef

05/08/2013, 01:01 PM	#4
Badkarma88 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 50	I started with a 120 gallon (48"x24"x24"). I knew I wanted a 48" tank and the 120 gave me plenty of depth (front to back) to aquascape without being cramped. So far I'm happy with the decision. When it comes to rock, how much you need depends on what type rock your looking at. Some rock is more dense so it takes more pounds per gallon. In my 120 I used BRS Reef Saver rock and I used 120 lbs. I think to some extent how much rock you have is personal preference, just make sure that you don't add so much as to create dead spaces where there isn't any flow.

05/08/2013, 01:42 PM	#6
MikeIsHere Moved On Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 20	Would*

05/08/2013, 01:59 PM	#7
GroktheCube Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2,063	Probably a 120. I got all my rock from Premium Aquatics, and I'm happy with it. However, just the tank, stand, rock, and sand will eat more than half your budget. You can probably get away with ~$600-700 for lighting, which would leave you with ~$700 for everything else, which is a kinda tight budget. I have an Aquamaxx EM300 skimmer on my 120 which I love. You could probably get away with an EM200. You'll be cutting it real close budget wise though. You could also go for a 75. Most costs would be similar, but tank, stand, rock, and sand would be a bit cheaper. The 18" footprint makes getting a sump under the tank more difficult though.