Hello All

Discussion in 'Say Hello!' started by rcaron1961, Jul 25, 2013.

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  1. rcaron1961

    rcaron1961 Plankton

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2013
    Messages:
    0
    Location:
    Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom
    Hi Everyone,

    Fairly new to marine aquaria but I have been keeping cichlids for years, but now I have a 30 gallon reef with a few fish and inverts. It's been trial and error, lots of each, but I think I am finally getting a handle on it, meaning I haven't killed anything in a couple of months....

    My question is this, I have a 4-5 inch sand bed and a aqua one skimmer that is rated double my tank volume. Do I need a sump? My nitrites, ammonia, and nitrates are all 0???? I want to add a yellow coris wrasse but I have a 6 lined in my tank already. There are loads of hiding places and everyone gets along well with the exception of my sand sifting star and my copperband...lol Nothing serious though.
     

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    rcaron1961, Jul 25, 2013
    rcaron1961, Jul 25, 2013
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  2. FatBastad

    FatBastad Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    Messages:
    1,133
    Location:
    MA
    Welcome.

    You don't need a sump. Plenty of folks have successful reefs without one. They add water volume (which increases stability) and aside for your powerheads, you can put all your junk in there (skimmer, heater, filtration...).

    Are you currently using a filter?

    Most folks will say you're near or at your limit for fish and the bio load of your tank...
    I assume you already have 7 fish???
     
    FatBastad, Jul 25, 2013
    FatBastad, Jul 25, 2013
    #2
  3. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2012
    Messages:
    3,517
    Location:
    Central MA
    Welcome to 3reef! As already mentioned, you do not need a sump, but most recommend having one for the reasons above.

    As far as stocking, it seems you already have at least 9 fish (5 Chromis, CBB, Lawnmower Blenny, Sixline, Clown) and so are already well overstocked for a 30 gallon unfortunately. The CBB, beautiful as it is, should really be in a much larger tank due to the size they get to. But you may already know this.

    I can't recommend adding any additional fish period unless you re-home a few you already have :/ How well does your Lawnmower Blenny eat? I had one starve in my 55 as it would not touch any prepared foods. They can be difficult in smaller tanks for this reason, and get a bit nasty as they mature.
     
    Marshall O, Jul 25, 2013
    Marshall O, Jul 25, 2013
    #3
  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Welcome to 3reef.

    You've have received good advise. You're over stocked and you do not need a sump.

    Over all it's a very attractive tank and it looks much bigger than 30 gallons.
     
    Corailline, Jul 25, 2013
    Corailline, Jul 25, 2013
    #4
  5. Zgetman

    Zgetman Ritteri Anemone

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2013
    Messages:
    616
    Location:
    Dumas, TX, USA
    Welcome to 3reef. Your tank looks beautiful.
     
    Zgetman, Jul 25, 2013
    Zgetman, Jul 25, 2013
    #5