Newbie basic setup question

[Ballgame]

Hi, this is my first post here. My lovely girlfriend and I just setup a 55 gallon saltwater tank. It’s been cycling for about 3-4 days. Water is clear and all levels are good.

What is the next step? We have live sand in already and tomorrow I think we are going to get some live rock and Dansels.

Once its been going for a while we want Porcupine puffer, fu Manchu, horseshoe crabs, flame hawks, blennies.


EDIT: I fixed typo of 5 gallon to 55 gallon. Sorry

[r8tdr]

Hi, this is my first post here. My lovely girlfriend and I just setup a 5 gallon saltwater tank. It’s been cycling for about 3-4 days. Water is clear and all levels are good.

What is the next step? We have live sand in already and tomorrow I think we are going to get some live rock and Dansels.

Once its been going for a while we want Porcupine puffer, fu Manchu, horseshoe crabs, flame hawks, blennies.

Hello! That's great, but most of the species you've mention here needs some roaming space in order for them not stress. (ICH) You may find that may be 2 species would be a good idea first and you have to make sure that they won't outgrow your tank. Introduce them one at a time, maybe 1 week or 2 week apart. Live Rock, definitely.. Make sure that you have a decent skimmer. About the damsels, they are pretty territorial, you can place them last.

Sorry to burst your bubble.

[Ballgame]

Hello! That's great, but most of the species you've mention here needs some roaming space in order for them not stress. (ICH) You may find that may be 2 species would be a good idea first and you have to make sure that they won't outgrow your tank. Introduce them one at a time, maybe 1 week or 2 week apart. Live Rock, definitely.. Make sure that you have a decent skimmer. About the damsels, they are pretty territorial, you can place them last.

Sorry to burst your bubble.

I was told to add Dansels first because they are hardy and will help with the cycling. Is there something better to get? Since its our first saltwater tank thought they would be good in case there is something wrong with the tank. We don't really want them, just thought it would help cycle. Thanks

[Reefland]

Hi Ballgame and Welcome to Reefland!

There is no need to add damsels to cycle the tank. The liverock is all you will need and after a couple to 4 weeks, it should be cycled.

As far as other fish, in a 5 gallon tank it is going to be difficult but you should only choose 1 very small fish and leave it at that. A Royal Gramma or maybe a small Clownfish will be a good addition to a small tank as yours. Each of the other fish you listed are not suited for that size aquarium.

Regards,
Scott Z.

[Poseidon]

DO NOT GET DAMSELS!!!!

they are not needed to cycle your tank. Just get soem live rock and let your tank be. 5 gallons is awefully small for a Salt tank. You will have to be very careful about adding fresh water to replace evaporation.

In your tank I would suggest a pair of clowns (ocellaris or percula) and thats it. Unfortunately in this hobby bigger is better and 5 gallons is WAY SMALL!! I think you will have better luck with a 29 Gallon or bigger.

Check out a few of the other posts on this board, especially one by fishpharm and you will see alot of the same questions I'm sure you have!!!

Check this one out.... Live Rock options....Opinions/Advice?


Oh ya,... WELCOME TO REEFLAND!!!

[Ballgame]

Sorry guys, it was a typo. its "55" gallon. Does that change anything?

[Reefland]

That changes a lot in regards to what type of fish you could get after the tank matures. It does NOT change the fact that you do not want to put damsels in the tank to cycle it. It is poor advice from the LFS to put the fish in an unsafe environment while they try to make money from it. Fill the tank with good quality liverock and let it run for about 4 weeks before adding anything.

Scott Z.

[Poseidon]

Yup just put in the ROCK and get that skimmer and you will be ALL SET. Next would be get better lights... especially if you plan on adding Corals later.

[Ballgame]

thanks for all your help guys!