My first Saltwater tank.

[Stephen Hiatt]

I just got a 65 gallon tank that I plan on making it a saltwater aquarium. I think it's about time to explore Saltwater, as I currently have multiple successful freshwater aquariums, with my largest being a 210 gallon. This would be my first Saltwater aquarium, and I think I already have the basics down, but it anyone could explain them it would be much appreciated.

I was just planning on getting some soft corals so I'm not dropping $300 on lights. Are there any lights that I should get to grow corals well? The tank is 36" long and 24" wide. I'm hoping to not spend much more than $150 on lighting. I found these and they have a lot of good reviews, but I'd like to hear from someone else on the forum if I should get them or not.

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-M...=vglnkc7281-20

Here is my planned stock list: 2 Cardinal fish, 2 Royal Gramams, 2 Red Firefish, 2 Purple Firefish, 4 Ocellaris Clownfish, 2 Cleaner Shrimp, and assorted snails. Any suggestions on the stock list would also be appreciated. I'd like to know if some of these fish aren't compatible, or if there are too many.

Here's my profile on a freshwater forum. I know all of the freshwater basics, so I don't need anyone to explain the basics on saltwater that may overlap with fresh (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc...)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...-hiatt.144159/

 

[Frop]

I'm trying to buy a light for a nano tank. Check the par values the light gives off at the depth you want your coral and compare that to the suggested par for those corals.

I know this website has suggested values with the corals they sale.
http://vividaquariums.com/collections/corals-and-inverts/low-to-moderate-lighting

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

I'm trying to buy a light for a nano tank. Check the par values the light gives off at the depth you want your coral and compare that to the suggested par for those corals.

I know this website has suggested values with the corals they sale.
http://vividaquariums.com/collections/corals-and-inverts/low-to-moderate-lighting

I didn't realize there were so many low light corals. They all look nice too.

 

[jsker]

Welcome to R2R, and reefing. One key to happy corals is good lighting, steady parameters and good maintainance.

 

[Chefbill]

4 clowns in a 65 may be troublesome

 

[Maacc]

Welcome to reef2reef, 2 grammas in a 65 have the probability of aggression. That size tank is on the bubble, they might each pick a territory and get along fine. They easily could mouth flare and nip.

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

Should I just do 2 clowns and a single gramma?

 

[Chefbill]

Would be better imho. If/when the clown pair up, they will claim most of the tank.

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

Any suggestions for lights or a protein skimmer? What about corals? I was just looking at low light corals so I don't break the bank with lighting.

 

[Frop]

Someone referred me to the mars aqua lights. They're about $100 for a 165watt LED fixture. Idk if that is better than the one you saw.

 

[Gui Paim]

I would get the 165w led lights from sbreeflights. I got the nano version and they are amazing and nuch better quality than the others.

I believe they are $130 for the 165w.

 

[Daeron]

I'm just running a Current Satellite+ Pro on my 65 and everything is very happy (fairly new to the hobby myself, tank has been up for almost 2 months now). I have 2 mushrooms, some zoas, and a Duncan along with a few fish

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

Thanks for the advice. I also signed up for reef central and I'm getting a lot of the same advice, so it must be good. What about skimmers?

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

My tank is 34" on the inside, and the 300w light was advertised for 38" tanks, so I'm thinking about getting that one. On ebay it's $170, and after looking at saltwater lights that is a reasonable price. If I only need the 165w then I would definitely get them due to price. If I can get medium light corals with the 300w then I would look into that, because that would allow for more variety in the tank. I plan putting the tank in an area where it will get some sunlight, will that help the corals grow? I don't mind the algae either. It gives me motivation to clean the tank .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300W-Dimmab...ce4ab492a:g:XWoAAOSwc1FXbQLx&autorefresh=true