College reef tank

[Stephen1623]

Hi guys so I'm a college Reefer. At home I have a 24 gallon with a pair of clowns one is a frostbite snowflake the male and the female is a black ice. My take is also pretty well stocked with coral. So when I move in the fall the largest tank I can have is a 10 gallon. Is that ok for at least while I'm in college. I see many people keep them in a 10 gallon like for example coral fish 12g. I just want to make sure that if they are in a 10 gallon for about 4 years while at school would they be happy and fine.

 

[Jekyl]

Hi guys so I'm a college Reefer. At home I have a 24 gallon with a pair of clowns one is a frostbite snowflake the male and the female is a black ice. My take is also pretty well stocked with coral. So when I move in the fall the largest tank I can have is a 10 gallon. Is that ok for at least while I'm in college. I see many people keep them in a 10 gallon like for example coral fish 12g. I just want to make sure that if they are in a 10 gallon for about 4 years while at school would they be happy and fine.

I wouldn't

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

I would say depends on a few variables since clowns don’t really swim around all that much.
hiw much free space is there?
How diligent are you on your water changes / husbandry?
How much coral?

Here’s a thought. Is the rule a limit on total water volume or is it on the absolute size of the tank? You could easily get a 20gallon tank to only hold around ten gallons of water. Also, very few people can eyeball a tank and accurately guess it’s volume ….

 

[dedragon]

well first year so probably in a dorm, limit is maybe 10 gallons if they allow it. You should probably check with a roommate first as tanks do make some noise. I would go with around a 15 gallon aio and just say its 10 as they are similar sized

 

[Stephen1623]

I don't have a roommate, and I have a water not 10 gallon. Already. I very diligent with my water changes and have an ro unit. Would they be fine?

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

well first year so probably in a dorm, limit is maybe 10 gallons if they allow it. You should probably check with a roommate first as tanks do make some noise. I would go with around a 15 gallon aio and just say its 10 as they are similar sized

This is a super good point.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I don't have a roommate, and I have a water not 10 gallon. Already. I very diligent with my water changes and have an ro unit. Would they be fine?

Yeah you'll be fine. How far will you be from home? Just keep in mind that you'll have extended periods of time where you won't be able to get to your dorm so you'll have to take everything home.

 

[Jekyl]

It really comes down to you. I don't like having fish in a tank that's considered too small. Most sites say 20 and up for any clowns.

 

[Stephen1623]

I'll be keeping my 24 gallon at home and here is another question is 24 gallons ok?

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

I'll be keeping my 24 gallon at home and here is another question is 24 gallons ok?

I think so.
I currently have two clowns and a Fiji damsel in 22 with only 15 gallons of water in it and they have been doing fine for months.

 

[dedragon]

Yeah you'll be fine. How far will you be from home? Just keep in mind that you'll have extended periods of time where you won't be able to get to your dorm so you'll have to take everything home.

great point, a couple months a year you just wont be there so you have to be ready for that, 15-20 gallons is fine for clowns

 

[Stephen1623]

Ok so I got a return label for the 10 gallon cube and ordered a 20 cube water box only 4 inches longer. So 20 gallons is good for a pair

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

Just a thought, you could always net the clowns and take them home with you while away for extended periods. Of course that would add some stress to the little guys but I don’t think it would be the end of the world. Of course you shouldn’t be doing this every other month.

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

Ok so I got a return label for the 10 gallon cube and ordered a 20 cube water box only 4 inches longer. So 20 gallons is good for a pair

It will be just fine. Especially if they are the only fish, it’ll be a 2800sq ft house to them.

 

[Stephen1623]

Yeah I have a extra 24 gallon at home I will have running so that on breaks Christmas and spring break they can come home. Also I just want to make sure a 20 cube is good for them.

 

[vetteguy53081]

20H ideal but having a daughter in college, I realize consequences of rules. I IMO opinion say two (only) in a 10 g even with an anemone will be ok. Obviously get them small. Assure to keep water quality good as it will foul quicker with the 7 useable gallons you will likely have.
Offer proper diet (not just flakes and pellets) and you will need basic lighting for such set up.
Live your dreams and good luck with college.

 

[Stephen1623]

I have a red sea light, and a jebao return pump do you think that you could tell the difference between 4 inches this is an honest question?

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

Yeah I have a extra 24 gallon at home I will have running so that on breaks Christmas and spring break they can come home. Also I just want to make sure a 20 cube is good for them.

You know your going to have to start a YouTube channel or podcast and share the traveling adventures of you and the fish!!!

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

I have a red sea light, and a jebao return pump do you think that you could tell the difference between 4 inches this is an honest question?

If your referring to the light coverage I would say no. I doubt your gonna stack coral on the edges of your tank anyways. Besides it might actually be beneficial as you will have some lower par areas for acclimating and less light requiring items.

 

[jda]

I did tanks in college and it sucked and I wish that I had not... at least not until I got an apartment. Breaks, going home, etc. is high risk for your fish where many unforeseen things can happen. I was forced to move dorms 3 times for various reasons (asbestos, something else like structural issues which seemed stupid at the time but really probably smart after the condo in Florida). If some aliens abducted you and took you to Vulcan, would you want them moving you many times a year, or getting you a nice and stable home without the risk and variables.

I would think of the welfare of the live creatures first. Take some time off and start again when you have more stable living arrangements.