Setting Up 20 gal saltwater, need some advise

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shwnicus

Large Fish
#21
Feb 22, 2006
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Kirkwood, MO
#21
an update:

6 days post-surgery, both tanks running well. all levels at perfect levels, I've been expecting a spike but have only seen a very small one.

sadly, had one mishap, the blue damsels fought and one killed the other, R.I.P. Thing 2 :(

otherwise, has run very well. I'd like to add a clean up crew once I get moving. I'd add pictures but I can't seem to get a good shot. do ya'll use flash or not?
 

FroggyFox

FroggyFox

Forum Manager
Moderator
#23
May 16, 2003
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#23
Glad to hear things are going well (mostly) and glad you got out of the surgery ok...hope you're doing well!

Like ram said...best is flash off because it tends to reflect off of the glass. Usually I dont have enough light with just the tank light on, so I have to leave the room lights on also, but the picture would look best if you have flash off and room lights off and tank light on.
 

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shwnicus

Large Fish
#24
Feb 22, 2006
100
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Kirkwood, MO
#24
hi again. i need to once again lean on ya'll's good advise. sadly, the damsels are not working out. the 3 stripe has become very aggressive and is attacking the clowns and even the snails, and one yellow-tail already killed its mate. a LFS has said they'll discount any small fish they have if I trade in the damsels. I'm looking to trade in both damsels, combine the 10gal liverock into the 20 along with its clean up crew. once I let the extra LR and crew cycle for a couple weeks in the 20, what do you recommend? I was looking at a royal gramma or a firefish. I think thats as much bioload as the 20g can handle. your thoughts are welcome and appreciated.

thanks!
 

FroggyFox

FroggyFox

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Moderator
#25
May 16, 2003
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#25
Hey at least you have a lfs that will help you out a bit eh? I had two clowns in with a firefish in my 20 and they all seemed to get along great...firefish like to have a pal in the tank...but I dont think it necessarily has to be another firefish.

Sorry to hear the damsels aren't working out...it was worth a try though.
 

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shwnicus

Large Fish
#26
Feb 22, 2006
100
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Kirkwood, MO
#26
yes, it was definitely worth a try, no regrets. and I am lucky to have found a lfs with likable people *thumbsups

do you think a 20 gal is too small to put a pair of firefire in with 2 clowns? I've read the same thing in several place that a pair is best. I've also read that they like to jump out so I need to cover the tank well, but have seen on several forums that ya'll don't recommend hoods on the tanks at all. thoughts?

thanks

FroggyFox said:
Hey at least you have a lfs that will help you out a bit eh? I had two clowns in with a firefish in my 20 and they all seemed to get along great...firefish like to have a pal in the tank...but I dont think it necessarily has to be another firefish.

Sorry to hear the damsels aren't working out...it was worth a try though.
Click to expand...
 

FroggyFox

FroggyFox

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#29
May 16, 2003
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#29
I LOVED my firefish, plan on getting another one sooner or later. I think as long as your cleanup crew isn't too extensive you'd probably be OK with a pair of each...but you may want to get some more opinions on that. I have a glass cover on my tank...its a must in CO where we have such dry air...otherwise I'd have to top my tank off nearly every day from evaporation. The firefish is definitely a jumper...so a lid is a must have. Mine landed on the floor one time during a tank switch but he was ok.
 

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shwnicus

Large Fish
#35
Feb 22, 2006
100
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0
Kirkwood, MO
#35
mostly a follow up here. I had to part with the 10 gallon and the striped and yellow tail damsels; they are just too aggressive. I caught the striped picking on a snail! anyway, my LFS gave me a discount so I have 2 firefish in the the 20 with the clowns, and everyone is happy. they're all free swimming now (the clowns stayed in the corner with the striped in there) and getting along, and eating very well. water conditions are good, changes occur without a hitch (though I had to get rather inventive since I can't lift anything while on crutches), and I waste lots of time sitting in front of the tank. thanks for all your helpful advise. here's a picture, abeit a bad one. just can't seem to get the hang of this camera.


in the next year or so, when I can afford the light, I'll start adding basic corals to make this a reef tank. but for now, I'm content with fish and cu crew. thanks again!
 

FroggyFox

FroggyFox

Forum Manager
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#36
May 16, 2003
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#36
aww they're cute! :) looks like a great job putting the tank together.

Hey at least your blood pressure wont be a problem after spending so much time in front of the tank hehe
 

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tropicalfish_1

Small Fish
#37
Jan 20, 2006
40
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0
St. Charles, MO
#37
Where are you shopping at in Kirkwood? I know of a really good marine store out here in St. Charles. They are helping me set up my 10gal nano. Just wanted to let you know, cause this is the first store that I've seen in this area I'm new here.
 

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shwnicus

Large Fish
#39
Feb 22, 2006
100
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Kirkwood, MO
#39
little place in clayton, isn't too far from me. which place to St. Charles? I know of a couple out there, but thats quite a trek for me.

tropicalfish_1 said:
Where are you shopping at in Kirkwood? I know of a really good marine store out here in St. Charles. They are helping me set up my 10gal nano. Just wanted to let you know, cause this is the first store that I've seen in this area I'm new here.
Click to expand...
 

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