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  1. #1
    Just Moved In
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    Smile Newbie starting an aggressive fish tank

    I'm new to saltwater but I've done lots of research before diving in. As of now I have a 29gal tank with live rock and sand. I'm letting it cycle for 10days then if the water is ready I'm going to add my fish.
    I'm planning on these fish:
    Clown trigger
    Puffer
    Lionfish(maybe)
    Moray snowflake Eel(maybe)
    Groupie
    All these fish will be bought in juvenile stages being 1.5-3.5" when bought. My question is can I start these guys all in my 29gal tank and in 4-15months when they grow bigger transfer them to a new larger tank(75gal)As they get older. I know I can not keep them indefinitely in that small of a tank but can they start out in my 29gal?
    I know I definitely want the clown trigger and a puffer. But I want a couple groupies to swim around and look pretty as the puffer are nocturnal right?
    -So can all these fish I want(all being 1.5-3") fit in my 29gal?
    -For how long?(how fast will they grow?)
    -Also do fish only aquariums need power heads? Maybe they need less?(I have 2 installed)
    Thanks guys!

  2. #2
    Moderator Original Fin's Avatar
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    Re: Newbie starting an aggressive fish tank

    I would check out something like Live Aquaria.com for their recommendations on minimum tank sizes for all of those fish. I don't recommend stocking to juvenile sizes, unless you already have another larger system ready to go. You may decide that it's too expensive or too much work to run a 200+gal system needed to properly house all of those adult fishes you listed.

    10 days to cycle is highly unlikely. Forget about counting the days. Read up on the nitrification process and get yourself test kits for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and PH. Also, you will need a thermometer and refractometer to measure salinity. Test daily for ammonia till it peaks and falls to zero. Then test daily for nitrites till it peaks and falls to zero. When you no longer register any ammonia and nitrites, wait two more weeks, and then you can add your first fish...one at a time, wait at least 6 weeks in between adds to allow your bio filter to catch up. A 29 gal though, just so you know is only good for one, maybe two very small fish. Read up on a quarantine process, it's a must do.

    Powerheads are a good idea. They'll help to keep detritus in suspension to give your skimmer a chance to filter it out before it settles. You do plan to run a skimmer, correct?
    Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

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  3. #3
    Hooked on Saltwater FoMoCo Master Tech's Avatar
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    Re: Newbie starting an aggressive fish tank

    Quote Originally Posted by Original Fin View Post
    I would check out something like Live Aquaria.com for their recommendations on minimum tank sizes for all of those fish. I don't recommend stocking to juvenile sizes, unless you already have another larger system ready to go. You may decide that it's too expensive or too much work to run a 200+gal system needed to properly house all of those adult fishes you listed.

    10 days to cycle is highly unlikely. Forget about counting the days. Read up on the nitrification process and get yourself test kits for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and PH. Also, you will need a thermometer and refractometer to measure salinity. Test daily for ammonia till it peaks and falls to zero. Then test daily for nitrites till it peaks and falls to zero. When you no longer register any ammonia and nitrites, wait two more weeks, and then you can add your first fish...one at a time, wait at least 6 weeks in between adds to allow your bio filter to catch up. A 29 gal though, just so you know is only good for one, maybe two very small fish. Read up on a quarantine process, it's a must do.

    Powerheads are a good idea. They'll help to keep detritus in suspension to give your skimmer a chance to filter it out before it settles. You do plan to run a skimmer, correct?
    Ditto what Fin said.

    Those fish listed won't "fit" in a 75 gallon let alone a 29g. Even if they were all juveniles, tanks that small would be trouble. JMHO.
    By the way, welcome to Reefland!
    -James-

  4. #4
    Moderator - LEE
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    Re: Newbie starting an aggressive fish tank

    Besides 'planning' to overstock, you are moving too fast. The tank needs to 'get old' or 'mature' as we say in the hobby. Have you read through this post? If not or even if you have, I suggest you follow its guidelines: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

    Then, with regards to stocking limits, read this:
    Fish Stocking Limit - for FO and FOWLR

    If you are really interested in that list of livestock, consider expanding to 125 gallon aquarium. Always 'size' the aquarium to the adult size of the fish, not the size you see in the pet shop.
    LEE

    Post your fish care and health questions on the Reefland MARINE FISH: CARE, HEALTH AND DISEASE TREATMENT Forum.


 

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