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I've been looking at clownfish lately, and decided I want to get some

I've got a 10g that I've been breeding bettas in (they bred, but the male ate the babies...school will be starting and I won't have time to culture live foods and take care of 200-300 baby bettas so I'm not going to breed them again 'till atleast next summer). I'm moving my bettas out of that 10g and I want to do a 10g clownfish/invert tank.

I'm thinking 2 clowns, a snail, 1-2 shrimp (peppermint or cleaner), 10 LB of live rock, and 3-4" of live sand. Do I need to modify that list? Suggestions?

So far I have: 10g Aquaculture tank, 50 watt Tronic Heater, glass top hood with hinge and handle, 15 watt light and fixture w/timer, Tetratec AC30 airpump, a bunch of airstones and a 3-way gangvalve, algae scraper, and a floating thermomiter. What kind of filter(s?) should I get? What other hardware do I need? Do I need the airstones and pump? Do I need a Protien Skimmer on a tank that small? Do they even make Protien Skimmers for tanks that small? How often will I need to do waterchanges? What's a good brand of hydrometer?

Any help would be appreciated

First, you will really need a larger tank, I would suggest a 29gal or larger. A 10 is really to small for 2 clowns. Even a small clown, such as a percula will get around 3", and the general stocking rule is about 1" of ADULT fish per 5gal of water.

Dan

Ummmmm....won't work.

No way you'll have enough room in a 10g for two clowns. A lot of people will even argue against sticking ONE clown in a 10g--there's just not enough room. Aside from that minor little detail, the rest of your setup sounds great.

I have an Instant Ocean hydrometer that works fine. I recommend it.

Yes, a protein skimmer would be a good idea--but we have the same concern--I'm not sure if they make them that small. I think they do, but I couldn't give you any names.

Yes, use the airstones and pump--unless you want to get a powerhead, which is an even better idea. Increases water circulation, helps out with red algae, oxygenization, etc.

You've got a great idea going--but I recommend at least a 29 gallon tank before buying 2 clowns.

BTW, what type of clowns were looking at getting?

I was thinking of Ocelleris (SP?) or Perecula clowns....

There's no way I'll be able to get another 29g, and I'm not taking down my 29g FW planted that I'm almost done stocking...I was just trying to come up with an idea for my 10g...

How about 1 clown? Which kind would be best? How 'bout some other kind of damsel? Goby? Blenny?

I could put a powerhead in there...I've got one in my 29g that I don't really need... Would I still need the airstones and pump if I put the powerhead in?

I REALLY want to do something SW with this 10g...

If you're going to do a sw tank in a 10gal, and you absolutely have to have a clownfish, I personally wouldn't put more than one of the smaller clownfish species in that tank.. So long as you are extremely vigilant with your upkeep and understand what you need to do with a nano tank, you'll be able to pull it off..

If it doesn't have to be a clownfish though, you might like to place one of the smaller damsels in that tank.. They are for the most part hearty and most are extremely pretty.. Also, since they due tend to be territorial, the damsel would have a nice little nook to call home..

Good Luck with it..

Okay, I'll do one Clownfish...

Which species is smallest?

I've decided I like Ocellaris...I'll get one of them

Thanks for the help everybody

Any other thoughts/opinions?

i would seriously go with a clown fish go with a yellow tail damsel and or a yellow watch man goby with once or twice a week water changes and a skimmer is a must.

A single percula clown would be your best choice for a clown. I would suggest agenst using an air stone in a SW tank. One powerhead, and a HOB filter. If your going to be doing water changes once or twice a week, a skimmer, although nice will hardly be used. Add in between 10 and 15 pounds of live rock, and between 2 and 3 inches of sand.



Dan

I would do:

10lbs of live rock
1" sand bed
2 Small Turbo Snail
2 Trochus Snails
1 Ocellaris
1 Neon Goby
4 Scarlter Reef Hermits

Don't use the airstones. Instead, go buy yourself a powerhead that runs about 200gph. I suggest a Maxi-Jet. The liverock will filter the water for you.

If you want a skimmer, I suggest a Coralife Super Skimmer 1. They're small, cheap, and effective. You would also need an airpump to run the skimmer.

Thanks for all the help...

Mom said, "NO!!! YOU ARE NOT WASTING ALL OF YOUR MONEY ON A SALTWATER TANK!!! NOO!!!!"...so I guess I can't get it

Oh well...thanks anyway....I learned a lot

I don't think she understands how little it really can cost. Live rock can be a lot, but is not needed for the tank. 10 pounds would be between $40 and $80 depending on the deal you get. Sand you can get from your local home depot for $7 for a 50 pound bag of southdown play sand. The clown would be about $20, and a bag of salt. All and all, around $100, or much less if you skip the live rock and add it later. If you can get it, reef bones are dried live rock, and can be found at times as low as $1 or so a pound. I got 50 pounds for $56





Dan

The ocellaris clowns are $15 here. Live rock is a lot cheaper here too... aragonite sand is cheap too...

I know it won't cost too much...but SHE doesn't...

When we go to the LFS (they carry inexpensive yet high quality marine stuff) to get another Celebes Rainbowfish this weekend I'm going to show her the clowns and everything and show her how cheap it is. She might realize that I won't be wasting all of my money on this... she'll probably notice how cute Ocellaris Clowns are

I totaled everything up that I will need...it will be about $60-$70. I've got most of the expensive hardware (powerhead, heater, lighting, tank, airpump, and hood) so I won't need to buy much if I can con her into this

It sounds like your on the right track. I wold say teh most expensive thing will be the salt. You will end up with a lot more then you think you will need, but trust me, you will go threw it. I'm going threw about two pails a year right now.

Dan