Saltwater reef aquarium suggestions

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  Smulder on 18/03/2014 - 14:21

  +1

  The smaller the tank, the more difficult it is to keep marine fish, and even more so live corals, which need high quality water parameters to survive. Your aquarium (at 21L) is quite small by reef aquarium standards.

  Even though your aquarium is designed as a reef aquarium and comes with appropriate filtration, if I were you I would try to trade in your corals at a local fish shop for some store credit, and focus on keeping the fish alive initially. If your clowns are Ocellaris Clowns (ie Nemo) they are likely captive bred and so should be fairly hardy. But you should introduce new fish slowly and carefully given the size of your tank. A lot of species won't be able to be kept in such a small space. Once your tank is established and you are more confident in maintaining it you could look to add some low maintenance corals and go from there.

  Otherwise, do regular water changes. I collect my aquarium water from the ocean in 10L water jugs bought for $4 from Woolworths, which makes it much cheaper than using salt mixes or buying saltwater directly from an aquarium store.

  Otherwise I am in Sydney so can't help re Melbourne stores.

  Anyways, enjoy your aquarium. I love mine but it does take a fair bit of maintenance, and is by no means a cheap hobby!

  • 

    ZippyRoo on 18/03/2014 - 15:23

    Hi Smulder, thanks for all the advice! I know it's a tiny tank and can probably only take the two clowns but it's our first one so I didn't want to overwhelm ourselves. We've got moderate experience with freshwater tanks but I keep on nagging my hubby about getting a "Nemo" and a "Dory", so we finally did it.

    I don't think we'll ever get a "Dory" because I don't think I can accommodate his need for space. But yes, the two clowns are Ocellaris Clowns. The previous owner isn't sure if they're tank bred, but I think it's highly likely because they're still quite small in size. They've had the tank for 17 months. One is now visibly bigger than the other, so that's definitely the female.

    I'm not going to put anything extra in the tank for a while until we are confident about maintaining the current setup.

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  Htu08 on 18/03/2014 - 18:01

  Firstly, congrats on the purchase! It will be a fun adventure, rather expensive too.
  I thought I'd jump in here before anything else was said; the tank is 21 gallons which is about 84 litres NOT 24L as stated by Smulder. A very decent size tank for a beginner and more than enough for a pair of clownfish (bar maroon clowns, which are mega aggressive)
  My favourite quote of all time in regards to marine tanks and just tanks in general is
  "dilution is the solution"
  Water changes are always the best solution when your tank is in trouble:)
  Speaking of water, I'd personally recommend buying your salt water (NSW) from shops, the natural salt water variety. Just because generally it gets sold for about $0.10/L. I'd recommend against collecting your own just because you have to be 100% on collection methods and time. (If it rains, salinity in the area drops and the salt water may be in trouble. If you live in an urban area, the water will be polluted. There may be a drainage system near your collection point. You have to collect at least 2M from the shore, hopefully during low tide as well). Also the time+petrol+effort to collect your own is something I'd stay away from.

  Anyhow, there are a few forums and websites out there that can help you out. Just a quick google will yield them.
  In regards to saving money; look into DIY supplements; i.e. alkalinity and calcium supplements for the tank. There are a few good stores around Melbourne who specialise in marine reef tanks, and just throw me a PM and I can list some.

  The biggest fallacy with buying a pre set up tank is well, you have to look after whatever is already there. As stated, some of the corals may be hard to take care of, or you are just beginning and can't currently take care of them. It's a learning process. Just read as much as you can! Lots of very informative articles out there.
  Good on you for appropriate care for Tangs, a lot of respect for someone who has done there own research on Tangs (dory) and understands that they do require a lot of space and I commend your awareness.

  Any other random questions,
  pm me!
  Congrats and good luck again :)

  • 

    Htu08 on 18/03/2014 - 18:01

    That's an interesting first post from a long time forum lurker hahaha

  • 

    Smulder on 19/03/2014 - 11:57

    Yes sorry, I did mean 21 gallons, which is still about as small as you would want to go for a reef aquarium. 21L would not be doable obviously!

    I have been collecting my own water for a number of years now with no ill effects. Though you are right, making sure you collect from a clear area at the right time is important. Dropping a container into Sydney Harbour wouldn't be recommended :)

    Otherwise I agree with everything you have said, and congrats on your first post! :)

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    ZippyRoo on 19/03/2014 - 12:42

    Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I think some time down the track I will think about collecting my own sea water, but there will need to be a lot more research before I do it. For now, we're going to get NSW from the shops.

    Htu08, I'm glad you joined. I'm a lurker too and I haven't posted any deals yet because I'm always worried about what others might say! But I think I need to step up the game now since I already took advantage of many deals others had posted. I don't think I can PM you, is your messaging turned off? I'll be sure to message you if I have any questions.

    Thanks again guys!