Tank in early planning stages, looking for advice

Hi,

I have recently become interested in starting up a marine tank, mostly because I find them very beautiful and also I am interested in the idea of creating and maintaining an ecosystem like this.

I am still in the research stage, but I have read in a few places that it is best to decide what kind of fish/coral you are aiming for before deciding on a tank size. So I have done a bit of reading, and I feel like I could not manage a very large tank (I'm not strong enough to carry around heaps of water every week, and not technically minded enough yet to deal with lots of equipment).

So I have decided I like the look of the Red Sea Max 130d. I would really like a pair of clownfish (ocellaris or percs), and a few green chromis, and/or a royal gramma. I initially wanted a damsel fish for it's colour, but have read it can be aggressive and I don't want any fighting if possible. For coral I'm not so sure, I like the look of frogspawn and bubble coral. And plate coral like tentacle plate coral. but unfortunately they aren't really mentioned as good kinds for beginners. One day if all goes to plan I would like some anemones, I love the way they move.

I would love to hear any opinions on my ideas, good or bad. How is the fish compatibilty and coral compatibilty? What order should I add them in? Am I kidding myself wanting to start with these corals? Wouldl the lighting set up in that tank be sufficient? I really want to know what I'm in for instead of finding out through trial and error. I don't want to go through heaps of fish, as many people seem I know seem to have before they gave up.

Thanks, this forum is great and I have already learnt heaps, but of course there is a long way to go.

 

Welcome to 3reef Clairebear.

The Euphyllias, Frogspawn, Torch and Hammer are all fairly hardy LPS, once you tank is completely cycled and water chemistry is stable you should be able to try one. The plate corals I would stay away from for the first 6 months. All LPS (stony corals) need consistent parameters especially alkalinity and sufficient lighting.

The Red Sea Max is a nice all in one tank, if possible try to go larger than 34 gallons though.

 

Hi clairebear and welcome to 3reef

corailline is right if you can go bigger you would be better off, larger volume helps keep your water parameters in check

a nice size would be either 40 or 55 gallon and water changes wouldn't be that bad with those sizes, if you do 10% weekly then you're only looking at 4 or 5 gallons.

clownfish are great beginner fish and I love how the royal gramma swims, some folks feel that the royal gramma is aggressive but I have not had any issues with mine he pretty much just hangs out in his rock lol I think that the RG is mistaken a lot for a bi-color dottyback

the lighting should be fine for that setup I would suggest though to change out the stock bulbs for something a bit better like ATI bulbs but thats not something you have to worry about for a while

good luck, have fun and keep the questions coming

 

Welcome to 3reef from across the globe! Australia is definitely one of the places I would love to visit! Congratulations on your decision to enter the saltwater hobby and in seeking advice and reading! These are excellent signs that you will find success! I would go with the advice of others in that you'll want to go as big as you can so that maintaining good water parameters will be easier.

 

As stated in my thread, my Royal Gramma is overly aggressive, and will be traded back in at the LFS as soon as I can catch him. They are certainly known to be territorial of their home and intimidate any fish that get too close. However, mine thinks the entire 55 gallon tank is his and has bitten my male Lubbocks wrasse no less than 4 times. He was the first added, which looking back apparantly he should have been one of the last. With clowns and maybe 1-2 other "semi-aggressive" fish, it should be fine. Just not in a peaceful tank IMO.

Oh, and welcome to 3reef clairebear!

Also, I agree that a Frogspawn/Torch/Hammer should be a great add once the tank is cycled and stable. Zoas would be another great coral to start with.

 

Marshall I hope you didn't think I was talking about when I mentioned the royal gramma cause that wasn't the case I was just stating my experiences with mine. I hope I did not offend you as that was not my intention.

 

Not at all! Just trying to show the community my experience with it. Everything I read before buying him was basically as you stated. No worries man!

 

If I were ever to downgrade or get another "all in one tank" I love the Red Sea Max "S" series. Definitely a bit pricey, but has by far some of the best features for a production tank rather than a build your own style tank if that's not something you want to mess with. They really thought this one through.

Once you get your foot wet in this hobby your going to want to go bigger, so get a good sized tank form the start.

Also, this hobby is crazy expensive... Remember and be prepared and ready to commit.

 

Thank you so much for these replies! I'm planning a trip to a store that has the Red Sea line today and I will consider the larger model. I am a bit worried about weight as we have an older house with floorboards but I will get a builder to have a look before I buy. Thanks for the encouragement and the tips with the Royal Gramma.