Basically new to saltwater

[Reefermadness89]

So I’m getting a tank from a friend, it’s running, has a way to big for the tank fish,
and maybe a lb or so of rock. I can post the full item list when I pick it up, but I’m pretty sure it’s the innovative marine peninsula 20.

My plan is to rehome this fish, and the. Tear down the entire tank, scrub it with tap water and then run vinegar and water for a day or so to get the funk all out.

I want to put an ai prime or something larger that could scale into a bigger tank down the road, but for now it’s horn a 2 bulb coralife fixture.
I’m thinking for the stock
A couple clowns, maybe frostbite and Picasso or maroon, and perhaps a pistol shrimp and goby combo,
For the cuc
Emerald crab, blue leg cortez crab, 2 nasarius snails, and maybe a peppermint shrimp for aptasia prevention early on.

As of right now I don’t think I’ll use a protein skimmer, I will use the extra space for some marine pure or similar.
Will also be throwing in a small wavemaker and an ato down the road when I start getting ready for coral.

Any thoughts, advice, or stocking tips?
I’m thinking softies and maybe gsp or sps if I can get the hang of things

 

[Silent]

Welcome to r2r

 

[Reefermadness89]

Thanks!excited to dig through all the info here, already reading vinegar may not be the best to clean this tank with.

 

[GThompson]

Welcome to R2R. Your options sound good but wait for more opinions from the group. I personally like a protein skimmer, seems to keep my water a little cleaner

 

[Reefermadness89]

Yeah I’m in no rush and am looking for the best long term stock.
I know that some people have said pistol shrimp eat their other inhabitants but I Atleast want a goby, maybe mandarin ?

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r!

 

[Reefermadness89]

Thanks! I’ll street uploading pics when I get a chance

 

[fuelman]

welcome to R2R best wishes on your new tank!!!

 

[KrisReef]

There maybe no reason to clean the tank with vinegar?

If it’s already cycled you can just rinse out the rock and sand with fresh water and then add new saltwater and have a pretty good start unless you are trying to remove aptasia or some other pest?

Welcome to Reef2Reef! Post some pictures.

 

[BayouReefer]

Welcome to the R2R Family! I also like the idea of a protein skimmer it gives you a good means of nutrient export. Ultimately there is no single answer only what works for you in the long run.

 

[Reefermadness89]

So the tank is pretty dirty. I’ve been told to just take the sand and rock out and replace the sand and then add new rock as well.
Again yes it’s cycled, but it’s pretty poor off.

 

[Reefermadness89]

So I might just go skimmer I suppose.
My goal is to have this setup where I do limited input on my end.
Tank is currently tap water, is there any reason to keep with tap water or should I just go straight rodi?
With a small reef is the nano reef additive a solid choice when going rodi

 

[BayouReefer]

I would suggest to get off of the tap water. RODI much better option. Then as far as salt there are some good videos done by BRS investigates on various salt mix’s and the levels of minerals in each. Pick one that matches the parameters you wish to keep. I would also test your parameters right now to see where you stand. Start with some 10% water changes and go from there.

 

[LagoonLounge]

I'd go skimmer route, it takes some nasty and smelly gunk out

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Welcome

@KrisReef mentioned, if there isn’t an issue with parasites, algae, Dino it unneeded extra work. You can rinse the sand also.Plus avoid a whole new recycle. Protein skimmers are good, but on a tank that size a goos water change schedule would be fine.

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to R2R!!! Clowns are great, although for a 20g tank I would lean away from a Maroon. Good luck!

#WelcometoR2R

 

[LagoonLounge]

I'd go skimmer route, it takes some nasty and smelly gunk out

 

[Reefermadness89]

I threw a pic up in this thread, what can I do to keep the live rock clean. Apparently the salinity is a bit high so I’ll have to figure that out as well until this fish is gone.
It’s a lion fish also lol

 

[Sumbub]

Welcome to R2R! I think a important question is if this tank has been coppered before. If it has, then the rock and sand probably isn't good if you're going for a tank with corals. If not, then just pull out the sand and rinse it and scrub the live rock clean and reuse. Skimmer is a great thing to have, but if you're diligent with the water changes, then that is good enough. Definitely change over to RODI. That will save you immense headaches!

You can lower the salinity by adding some fresh water in. Don't change the salinity too fast.

 

[Sako338]

Glad you are here, keep us posted!