30 Gal. Set up ??? (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

I have a 30gal tank with a Magnum 350 Pro for filtration and a Coralife 65 watt 6700k bulb. I can get a 65 watt 50/50 bulb if needed. I was hoping to use this for some live rock a couple of clown fish and hopefully an anemonie for them to play in. Possibly a star fish and a crab or shrimp. I'm not sure what can and does go together as far as compatibility. Thanks for the input in advance :0)

 

[Ophiura]

I think you may be a bit weak on light for an anemone but clownfish don't need it necessarily. You can probably get away with Xenia or anthelia and many clowns will be just as happy in that.

Is this a 30 long ( a 36" tank) or a 29g?

Most true seastars will not be suitable for this size tank...the reef safe one's at least. Do not be fooled by the small size, most can not be spot fed and will starve. Other stars like chocolate chip stars are not reef safe and pose a threat to other inverts in the tank.

Brittlestars or serpentstars are suitable - but avoid the green, a known predator.

A cleaner or coral banded shrimp should be fine (cleaner is better, IMO) and you can also get hermits, emerald or porcelain crabs and probably others.

 

[Guest]

I'll skip the anemone, but should I stick with my 6700k or get a 50/50 bulb? Also... If I decide to do seahorses, do you know what Would make acceptable tank mates? It's a 30 tall.
Thanks!

 

[Ophiura]

Well 50/50 is better than 6700K...IMO nearly anything is better than that one I think. 10000K would be more standard...50/50 are often 10k/actinic combos.

Seahorses are a big deal. Is this your first saltwater tank? Often need feedings of live food several times a day. Even if feeding on something else, they need a couple of feedings a day. Water quality is critical. I generally don't recommend them without a great deal of experience overall. Tank mates must be cool, calm and collected...meaning, IMO, not even clownfish that can get territorial. Maybe some blennies or gobies. Corals that don't pack too much of a bunch stinging wise.