New saltwater tank

terryap

Skimmer has not been skimming anything yet though, but I've read since there is nothing in the tank except live rock, there is really nothing to skim.....and that it may require a break in time.
I will remove some of the sand to make around an inch, ( as I've already spent alot of $$$).
and one day, I will be upgrading to a larger tank, but for now I'll start with this and test my skill.

so any suggestions for good starter fish (small) or inverts? or mushrooms that do not require special lighting?
Also, which order should these be bought in? inverts, mushrooms and then fish last??

Thanks !!!!

Pasfur

For a test of skill, a 20 gallon tank is a challenge! Many newcomers to the saltwater hobby have the idea that they will do a small tank to "see how it goes." In the real world, aquariums smaller than 75 gallons are much more difficult to maintain and often drive people out of the hobby. So, if this does not turn out how you expect, the best thing to do is buy a bigger tank!

As for the order of adding your livestock, it really isn't relevant. You will only have 2 or at the most 3 very small fish in a 20 gallon reef. The order in which you add the fish is going to be the biggest decision and probably the only decision that could really cause problems, in terms of what to add when.

Any idea on what fish you want?

terryap

I was thinking either a tomato clown or ocellaris clown and a purple firefish or maybe a goby.
still thinking about it thought, but a clown will definately be my first choice, I love these fish.

terryap

Oh, and I am working on getting a 65 gallon, but I don't expect it to be up and running till after Christmas, but will still keep the 20 gallon, I used to have a 33 gallon years ago when I used to keep Freshwater fish, but unfortunately sold it.

Pasfur

For a Clownfish in a 20 gallon tank, you will want an Ocellaris. The Tomato will become much more aggressive. Look for a tank raised Ocellaris. It will cost you are few dollars more, but the fish will be much more hardy and easy to care for. Plus, you won't be taking a fish from the ocean.

A Purple Firefish is an option, but these fish are usually kept in pairs and often become stressed when kept alone.

"Goby" is a rather broad term. If you are referring to a Mandarine Goby, beware that these fish are extremely difficult to keep and almost impossible to keep in aquariums under 75 gallons. They have such a huge demand for copepods and amphipods in their diet that aquariums under 75 gallons simply do not have a large enough population for the fish to eat well. On the flip side, a Watchman. Wheelers, Candycane, or Diamond Goby would be a great option.

Another great choice for you would be a Royal Gramma. These are interesting little fish and generally easy to keep.

terryap

I was also thinking about the royal gramma, I was not thinking about the mandarin, I have read how difficult they are to keep, I was think of more the citrus clown goby, and yes definately tank bred, I have been doing some reading and have read they are much hardier and disease resistant, but I did not know the firefish are usually kept in pairs, I will cross this off my list, I also like the Cardinal fish, the black and white one looks interseting as well, but my favorite is the wartskin angler, I love this fish!!!! But I know I can't get it :(
maybe in a few years, thanks again for all your knowledge you have been a great help.
another question, are crabs and peppermint shrimp compatible ?

terryap

Any info on a scooter blennie ?

Pasfur

Not for a 20 gallon thank. These fish are every bit as difficult as the Mandarine Goby, for the exact same reasons. Instead, look at the Sailfin Blenny (aka Jeweled Rock Skipper) as an alternative. The colors are similar and it is a much easier fish to keep.

terryap

You are right, I have done alot more reading up on the scooter blenny, I think I will opt for the sailfin blenny,another question, last year we went to cuba, and my kids collected some I believe broken off white coral from the beach, very porous, would this be ok to add to the tank ?

thanks !!

terryap

I'm letting it soak in saltwater for now