Beginner salt-water aquarium?
I want to start a small salt water aquarium for my daughter. I am new to the aquarium hobby as I have only had 1 small fresh water aquarium many many years ago. I basically want 2 Ocellaris Clown fish (Nemo) and some cleaner shrimp. I have heard that a FOWLR is much easier than a reef and cheaper as well. My question is what size tank should I start out with for these 2 fish? Should I get a Nano Cube or get a regular tank and the equipment myself? How much will getting a salt water setup for these 2 fish cost? I have been doing some research and I know there is a LOT involoved in getting a salt water tank set up and maintaining it, but I do want to start it up as a hobby along with giving my 2 year old daughter Nemo fish to look at.
Tagged with: aquarium hobby • cleaner shrimp • clown fish • fresh water aquarium • nano cube • nemo • reef • salt water aquarium • salt water tank • size tank
Filed under: Getting Started with A Reef Tank
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i have seen people use nano cubes for a saltwater setup, and they are cute. however, it is only recommended to use a smaller tank in a room that will not fluctuate temperatures that much. saltwater fish require a very stable environment in all aspects, including temperature. this is why it is not wise to begin the hobby with saltwater fish in a small tank. 55 gallon tanks are able to keep a stable temperature better than smaller tanks. so, with that said, you have read what it takes to keep a salt water aquarium, just either make sure the nanocube is placed in a room with consistent temperature or get a larger tank.
good luck!
basically you cant go wrong with a oceanic biocube 29, it is a nano which are hard but very easy to care for. given she is 2 years old you will need to do all of the maintance everyday. e.i checking the water parameters, adding supplements, feeding, cleaning.
basically FOWLR is going to be easy as it is just expensive not hard, the biocubes have the lighting for soft corals if you choose to go that route, but i wouldnt add corals in an aquarium until it is established for about 8 months, so it is better to have that option now than later
your going to want to add live sand and some live rock and base rock. allow the tank to run for 2-4 weeks until the levels level out, then you can get your two oscellaris clownfish. the scarlet cleaner shrimp are fine,
DO NOT get any tangs!!! yellow or blue, yes they are in nemo but they dont belong in a 29 gallon or anything smaller than 75 gallons.
Saltwater is going to be expensive but that comes with the hobby, easily i have spent over 2000 dollars on my biocube 29 but mines is a reef.
I would go for the nano cube over the regular tank because they are built just for saltwater. By the time you bought all the equipment for a regular tank you would come out even for a nano. I would go for a 24g but the 12g would do just fine. As long as you are willing to keep up with the up keep dont worry about changes in water conditions. You should probably expect to spend about $400.