Advice needed

[csnewton2701]

Hi all, I'm looking at taking the plunge into marine and reef keeping.

My thoughts is for this set up below.

Aqua one horizon 130 (130L)
Aqua one ocellaris 1400 canister filter
Fluval T300 digital thermometer 300W
Jexod SOW 4 wavemaker
Fluval PS2 protein skimmer
Fluval marine spectrum LED bluetooth

Is this acceptable?

My aim is to start the tank cycle with live sand and live rock until all parameters are stable. I'll check every other day until levels are stable.

My tank inhabitants would be

Algea blenny
Clownfish pair
Fire red goby
Emperor Damselfish
Green chromis X3
GSP
Zoanthid
Duncan's coral

Am overstocking or would this be ok with gradual additions over months?

Also when would be best to add the clownfish as I've read different things.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

For the light I would suggest forget the fluval, everything I read points out its a weak light. Check out the nicrew 100 watt, or the noopschype. Vivarspectra, Smatfarm are other cheap options with good reviews.

I would suggest to hold off on a skimmer until later on, once you have a little more understanding of filtration. Something like a Aqua ready Maxx is a good unit worth the money. Stay away from fluval. But like I said, hold on for now, a tank your size is easy to manage without a skimmer.

I would leave the green chromis off the list, otherwise the list looks good. The tank can fit 5-6 fish comfortably.

Personally I like to add the clowns first, some people like to add them last, so that matches the different things you read online lol.

Sounds like you did your homework, so good luck and feel free to questions!

 

[Doctorgori]

You will also need a accountant, deep pockets and a good marriage counselor…
If you already have all three and are in need of friends, count me in
…. seriously tho we are here to help

…..added…maybe rethink those chromis or find room for more or try cardinals or sub in anthias

 

[fishyjoes]

A 300 watt heater is way overkill for that tank (130 Liters?) unless you keep your house temperature near freezing

 

[csnewton2701]

For the light I would suggest forget the fluval, everything I read points out its a weak light. Check out the nicrew 100 watt, or the noopschype. Vivarspectra, Smatfarm are other cheap options with good reviews.

I would suggest to hold off on a skimmer until later on, once you have a little more understanding of filtration. Something like a Aqua ready Maxx is a good unit worth the money. Stay away from fluval. But like I said, hold on for now, a tank your size is easy to manage without a skimmer.

I would leave the green chromis off the list, otherwise the list looks good. The tank can fit 5-6 fish comfortably.

Personally I like to add the clowns first, some people like to add them last, so that matches the different things you read online lol.

Sounds like you did your homework, so good luck and feel free to questions!

Thanks for the advice, I'll steer clear of Fluval. Always thought they were reasonable on the tropical side.

Is there a reason to leave the green chromis out?

I've spent months researching and creating spreadsheets.


Chris

 

[csnewton2701]

You will also need a accountant, deep pockets and a good marriage counselor…
If you already have all three and are in need of friends, count me in
…. seriously tho we are here to help

…..added…maybe rethink those chromis or find room for more or try cardinals or sub in anthias

Might try and find all 3 in one, save some money.

Would a cardinal not grow too big?


Chris

 

[csnewton2701]

A 300 watt heater is way overkill for that tank (130 Liters?) unless you keep your house temperature near freezing

I work in a lab and have run heaters at their full capacity only to have them blow so was just being cautious.

Chris

 

[Doctorgori]

Would a cardinal not grow too big?

Naw, heck gotta be dozens of cardinals… There are a few that remain small and also school.. I think yellow cardinals stay kinda small…. I think

About the only type to avoid are the red type. Some don’t show well in bright tanks and/or remain territorial or solitary, especially the Pacific reds, the Carribean reds all seem to hate each other and won’t mix at all (even if you get any of the three Atlantic species) . Flamefish are the only real semi daylight species

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Thanks for the advice, I'll steer clear of Fluval. Always thought they were reasonable on the tropical side.

Is there a reason to leave the green chromis out?

I've spent months researching and creating spreadsheets.


Chris

8 fish in that size tank is way too much, there will be aggression.

Chromis ae known to kill each other off until only one remains. They are also susceptable to uronema.

Chromis (and clownfish) all are species of damselfish, which are aggressive territorial fish. That would be too many mixed species of damsels in a small tank, it could be a battle royal.

 

[csnewton2701]

8 fish in that size tank is way too much, there will be aggression.

Chromis ae known to kill each other off until only one remains. They are also susceptable to uronema.

Chromis (and clownfish) all are species of damselfish, which are aggressive territorial fish. That would be too many mixed species of damsels in a small tank, it could be a battle royal.

I was looking at fish this weekend seeing what's out locally. Are cleaner wrasse suitable?

This would be after removing the chromis from the equation as I though they were generally peaceful.

Chris

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I was looking at fish this weekend seeing what's out locally. Are cleaner wrasse suitable?

This would be after removing the chromis from the equation as I though they were generally peaceful.

Chris

I've never kept a cleaner wrasse, they have a reputation of being very aggressive. Your tank is also smaller than the recommended size, so it could be very risky to add that fish IMO.

 

[csnewton2701]

What salt is recommended?

We use instant ocean in work.


Chris

 

[Doctorgori]

What salt is recommended?

We use instant ocean in work.


Chris

NEVER, ever ask that question…LOL

PS instant ocean is fine, I’ve used it every sale, every chance

 

[fishyjoes]

What salt is recommended?

We use instant ocean in work.


Chris

You can use whatever fits your needs (whether that's certain parameters, certain price, etc).
I use instant ocean because it works well, is cheap, and easy to find locally.
There's a salt comparison thread that you might find interesting

The Ultimate Salt Test

I wanted to get this thread up and going before the holidays soak up all my time. I did a live YouTube with Deven from ReefDudes going over things but it is about 1.5 hours long. I will write up a more detailed explanation here in this first post soon. I am a hobbyist first and foremost. I have...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Uncle99]

Salt is salt.
Don’t be fooled by slick marketing and colourful labels.
Use what YOU want.