cheifwalnut
New Member
so I put the "help!" Prefix on the title so I could get some replies or advice. I am completely new to the saltwater game of fish keeping. I haven't even mixed saltwater.. Anyhow I plan on turning my 40 breeder into a fowlr(for now) so I understand I will need flow, but unsure how much gph I should have, I've read anywhere from 5x to 20x( hopefully my stocking will determine it, we will get to it later) I know I will need between 40-50 pounds of "live rock" however I plan to buy mostly dry rock, and get a couple peices of live rock because it will be cheaper. I'm unsure as to if I should get live sand or not, but I do know I want something that looks natural, and is beneficial to the system. I plan on running a hob filter, I'm undecided on the emperor biowheel( read the wheel won't work because of salt buildup, and I've read that it could be used to grow stuff on to reduce nitrates.) I've done some research on the livestock and this is what I've come up with ( this can change to accommodate my tank)
2x banggai cardenalfish(start with three when I get the tank cycled and hope for a pair, and return the one that doesn't pair)
1x yellowtail blue damselfish
1x dwarf flame angel(probably get this one last, I've read it can get diseases and it can be a bit pricey.)
1x neon goby(I won't really be upset if you guys disapprove of this one)
2x skunk cleaner shrimp( two because I like these guys and I've read they aren't aggressive towards one another, can settle for just one)
2x turbo snail( two because I read they need calcium? And that it would be wise to give them 20 gallons per snail so they don't starve)
1x amphiprion ocellaris( I'd like to keep the bubble tip anemone with the clown and bump it up to two clowns but I don't think having 2 pairs of fish in a 40b would be a good idea with the 0 experience that I have but we'll see what you guys say)
What I plan on doing is getting the filter, whatever it may be, the salt mix the sand and rock and putting it all in the tank, then letting it run until my levels are good. And then adding the least aggressive fish first, letting t sit for about a week, then add the next least aggressive fish and so on until I have everything in there. I can't say this will stay a fowlr but I can say I have internet in keeping corals, but not until I invest in R/O system
2x banggai cardenalfish(start with three when I get the tank cycled and hope for a pair, and return the one that doesn't pair)
1x yellowtail blue damselfish
1x dwarf flame angel(probably get this one last, I've read it can get diseases and it can be a bit pricey.)
1x neon goby(I won't really be upset if you guys disapprove of this one)
2x skunk cleaner shrimp( two because I like these guys and I've read they aren't aggressive towards one another, can settle for just one)
2x turbo snail( two because I read they need calcium? And that it would be wise to give them 20 gallons per snail so they don't starve)
1x amphiprion ocellaris( I'd like to keep the bubble tip anemone with the clown and bump it up to two clowns but I don't think having 2 pairs of fish in a 40b would be a good idea with the 0 experience that I have but we'll see what you guys say)
What I plan on doing is getting the filter, whatever it may be, the salt mix the sand and rock and putting it all in the tank, then letting it run until my levels are good. And then adding the least aggressive fish first, letting t sit for about a week, then add the next least aggressive fish and so on until I have everything in there. I can't say this will stay a fowlr but I can say I have internet in keeping corals, but not until I invest in R/O system
