15 gallon setup

[rob92]

Hello everyone. I just recently got into saltwater and I've had my tank up and running for about 2 months now. Right now I have 2 clownfish in there but I was wondering what is everyone's opinion on how I am running this.

Filtration:
2 HOB FILTERS
5-15 gallons
10-20 gallon
10 pounds live sand mixed with regular black sand
About 10 pounds of live rock

Lighting:
2 light hoods from my 50 gallon freshwater tank (we got led lights for that one)
Both lights are 15watt full spectrum aquarium lights


Circulation:
(1) 250 gph wave maker
And a small bubble bar


Daily activities:
Right now when I wake up I turn on both lights, wave maker and the air pump via wireless controlled outlet (see the remote beside the tank), feed both clown and check tank levels (has not cycled completely) then at night I feed them a little bit then shut off the lights, wave maker and air pump via remote.

I also do a 2 gallon water change every 4 days (that's why the white bucket is there along with a small water pump right next to it). When I do the water changes I mix the water let it sit for 2 hours then I start taking water out of the tank. After I took water out of the tank then I turn on the water pump and it starts pumping the water one of the HOB FILTERS. I do it this way just so it can get filtered as it slowly being added.

 

[rob92]

I also have a small heater so the tank stays at 77-78

 

[specialk]

Maybe add a small coral (anemone) for the clownfish to host in ...if you feel ready of course. Otherwise looks good keep reading and learning on places such as here

 

[rob92]

I can't add that until the water is perfect right. I read somewhere the water has to be pristine for them

 

[GHill762]

don't add any coral/anemones until you at least upgrade lighting. a t8 will not sustain coral or anemones.. it might do some soft corals, but they'll be brown turds, just ask my lfs..

 

[GHill762]

one other thing I'd suggest is nixxing one of the hob filters and replace it with a hob protien skimmer if you plan to add more fish or coral.. not necessary but it'll help take things out of the water that a filter won't get.

 

[rob92]

What kind of lighting would you suggest

 

[eliramos]

I can't add that until the water is perfect right. I read somewhere the water has to be pristine for them

yes this is true
anemones can be very sensitive and due the size of the tank its going to be a little more difficult to keep stable so wait a while keep checking your parameters and do those water changes religously!
also unless your clowns are wild caught its not likely to host a nem and they dont need one to be happy.

 

[rob92]

From what I understood at the lps all of there fish are tank bread except for the special orders which these weren't special orders

 

[rob92]

Also I am currently using instant ocean sea salt and I'm thinking about switching over to Red Sea coral pro salt

 

[GHill762]

I had 4xt5ho over my 15g for a while, loved the color but hated replacing bulbs.. I'm using an LED fixture now, color is pretty good, no need to replace bulbs..

 

[GHill762]

on the salt, imo from chemical analysis of major brands, instant ocean reef crystals are pretty much the best out there. cheap too.

 

[rob92]

Ok so I'll stick with the instant ocean brand and switch to reef salt when I run out of the sea salt

 

[rob92]

Also does anyone know of a good chiller for a tank this size. The tank is in my room and in the winter time when the heat is on my room is the hottest in the house so I need to find a way to keep the temp down

 

[GHill762]

How hot do you keep your house? lol.. I don't think you should need a chiller.. taking the top off and allowing some evaporation to happen will really help keep tank temps lower.. it'll also help the gas exchange..

 

[rob92]

We only set the temp to about 78 but with our old house and I have two radiators in my room it gets hot fast since the temp probe is in the hallway

 

[rob92]

And also what is your opinion on bristle worms I have tons of them in the piece of live rock I have

 

[GHill762]

you set your heat to 78? :squigglemouth:


I don't have any issue with bristle worms.. good cleanup crew.. just don't pet them :wink:

 

[rob92]

I'm not gonna pet them but what happens if I do?

 

[GHill762]

you'll get bristles stuck in your finger.. lol.. they're like porcupine worms..