need advice please

[lauryn]

i am currently cycling my new 39g tank w 45lbs of live rock, 2 1/2 inch coral sand bed using a canister filter and protein skimmer. i plan to let ir run for another month or 2, or until my parameter readings are perfect... i am making sure to be patient and take things slow, as i am trying to be as successful as possible.
in the meantime, i am doing research on what type of livestock i should add. i wanted to know if any experts have any ideas of a compatibility list, what successful systems they have had when it comes to inverts and cleanup crews, fish, and reefs... if you can also point me in the right direction on where i can purchase my livestock in San Diego or if you know of any honest companies that ship healthy livestock.

thank you

 

[Jimbo662]

Great to hear patience is your goal! With a 39g tank and canister filter you want to keep the bio-load on the lower side. A couple of clowns and wrasses would be a good option to start with and they won't bother your clean up crew. The wrasses will give the tank some good color.

 

[lauryn]

can i still add some anemones to my tank eventually? i really dont want to get super hitech at this point with building a huge filtration system, i dont have the room or time... down the road i will, but as of now am i ok w a canister filter, protein skimmer, and powerhead?

 

[Dalmatia]

can i still add some anemones to my tank eventually? i really dont want to get super hitech at this point with building a huge filtration system, i dont have the room or time... down the road i will, but as of now am i ok w a canister filter, protein skimmer, and powerhead?

I'd run an aquaclear 50 or even a 70 instead of the canister just cause the are easier to clean or even a bio wheel filter. Don't get me wrong, they do the same, a canister will have more direct flow to your media but a lot harder to clean on a weekly basis.

I ran a 39g with just an aquaclear 50 and 2 of the smallest hydor pumps with perfect results!!!! No skimmer or sump!

 

[lauryn]

when cleaning a canister , do i have to clean the hoses that run from the tank too?

 

[cpayne015]

I concur with him....couple clowns vibrant wrasse and maybe a goby or blenny on both....would stick with smaller fish....would not attempt an anemone until at least 6-9 months and more to the 9 month side

 

[Reefing Madness]

when cleaning a canister , do i have to clean the hoses that run from the tank too?

No its not necessary to clean the lines.

 

[lauryn]

So there are no hardy anemones that I can add with a clown fish?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Not early on, no. They require prestine water conditions.

 

[760mason]

I would not run a canister filter on a reef tank. If you have live rock and a skimmer that is your filtration. A canister filter turns into a nitrate factory. Keep your bio load down and keep up with the going slow approach. It is to early to add an anemone. I have a 5 gallon tank With a canister filter. The only thing I have in the canister filter is Chemipure. So I am using it as a chemipure reactor. A 39 gallon tank with a good protein skimmer and enough live rock should do just fine with 20% monthly or bi weekly water changes. No need for the canister. As for anemones Condylactics are super hardy but most clowns wont host them. In my experience bta are the most hardy but all anemones can be difficult to keep. I would not add anemone for at least 9 months to a year.This is good list of compatabilty Clownfish Anemone Compatibility Chart

 

[760mason]

Are you a member of SDREEFS? AquaSD is awesome, Aquatic Warehouse, in San diego, In the north county Shipwreck Cove in Encinitas, and Reefers Garage in Vista. These are all stand up business's. Why did you chose a canister filter? If you think a sump is cost prohibitive or to complicated I can help you build one for under $60. My 40 gallon sump was built with a $1 per gallon petco tank and scrap acrylic from a local plastic company took a few hours of my day and works great. Hit me up anytime you need help. SDREEFS and SDMAS are great local clubs to be a part of.

 

[lauryn]

Well I don't think I have enough room for a sump... I only have 2 small cabinets... I chose a canister because I thought that was much better for my tank than a back hang power filter... I knew a sump was the best choice but I thought a canister was 2nd choice?

 

[lauryn]

That's really nice of u to offer mason.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Well I don't think I have enough room for a sump... I only have 2 small cabinets... I chose a canister because I thought that was much better for my tank than a back hang power filter... I knew a sump was the best choice but I thought a canister was 2nd choice?

Canisters can be great. I run my 55 reef and my seahorse tank with them. You just need to be aware that the canister filters do need some extra maintenance. I do have a HOB fuge and skimmer on my 55 and that does help my filtration a ton.

 

[lauryn]

Ok great, I will make sure to maintain it more then. It seems to filter my tank great! How often do you recommend me cleaning it out?

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I clean mine during biweekly water changes. I alternate what media I replace.

 

[lauryn]

What if I use plants inside? Do I need to change that biweekly?

 

[saltyfish]

I would stay away from Clowns and Wrasses unless you plan on getting a bigger tank. Most Wrasses are going to be a little on the large side for a 39gal. Clowns can be mean and pick on other fish unless they have a lot of room. I would go with Gobies, Blennies, Dottybacks, Firefish, and Basslets. They are all for the most part peaceful community fish, stay small, and have great coloration. There are some Wrasses that stay small, but there are also some that will need a 125gal tank or larger.

If you slowly increase your bioload over time, you might not need the canister filter. As long as you have enough flow in the tank, your live rock and sand should have enough biological filtration. I would look at a hang on the back refugium instead. The macro algae will help remove amonia, nitrates, and phosphates.