40 US gallon FOWLR tank

[canyoubelieveit]

Hello!

I have been a tropical fish tank operator for a long time. I would now like to start a Salt water tank that is Fish Only. I am also considering adding in live rock. I am thinking about using a 40 gallon breeder tank. What fish would do well in a 40 gallon breeder tank? Also, what are some major differences between a reef tank and a fish only system. Any information would be appreciated!

Oh yea... I would also be interested in having crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

Thank you-
canyoubelieveit

 

[soma]

You have a lot of choices here. There are many different types of fish that can live happily in a 40 gallon tank, however, maybe the best thing to do would be to list the fish that absolutely CAN NOT be put into your tank first.

Tangs
Groupers
Larger puffers (dogface, porcupine, etc.)
Triggers
Cowfish (they look very tiny when you see them in the store, but they grow VERY large)
Large Angelfish
Eels
Batfish


With that said, I would suggest maybe a Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish pair. (Make sure you buy them AS a known pair, though). Gobies, Firefish, Grammas, Toby puffers, Cardinals, Chromis, Pigmy Angelfish, Dottybacks, Hawkfish, Dwarf Lionfish, and smaller wrasses would be ideal for your tank.

Also remember that owning a saltwater tank is much different than owning a tropical freshwater tank. Unlike freshwater, where 10 fish can be crammed into a ten gallon, saltwater fish need MUCH more room. The general rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish per 5 gallons in a saltwater tank, and that is the fish's ADULT size. However, this rule doesn't apply to puffers, lionfish, triggers, and other large fish that tend to produce more waste than others.

A reef tank can be described as a tank that contains mainly corals. There is much more cost and maintanence involved with a reef. Special lighting is needed, water parameters must be watched closer, LOTS of research is required, and additives must be added to the tank. Not good for a saltwater beginner.

As far as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp go, I would advise against putting a lobster in your tank. They get very large and will eat your fish. Arrow crabs, hermit crabs (a necessity), emerald crabs, and fiddler crabs will all do well in your tank as long as you don't buy predatory fish that eat invertebrates (wrasses, puffers).

Hope that helps.
-Sara

 

[canyoubelieveit]

Thank you Sara!

I have purchased all of the equipment and the 40 gallon breeder tank. I have been to my lfs (Aquatic Technology in Strongsville, OH), and looked at many of the fish they have there. I like many of the fish and I think that it will be a tough choice. My girlfriend was with me and she really would like me to get a pair of the clown fish.

With that said...I have a few other questions.

1. Do these fish NEED an anemone?

2. In a smaller tank (US 40-gallon), what fish would do well with them? I would like a blue fish or a grey fish with color on it.

3. If know that I need to relocate in 2 years, is it possible to "move" these fish with me? I know that I will definitely be able to keep the equipment. Perhaps, when the time comes I can give these fish to my lfs, or try and sell them. Then when I am moved in, I can buy new fish. (After the move, I plan to do a full reef tank!!!!!)
However, if it is possible to "move" these fish with me, I think I would like to do that.

Thanks in advance for any given help!

canyoubelieveit?!?!?!

 

[hyrookin]

clownfish do not at all "need" anenomes, in fact you are better off
without it because you will need very strong lighting for it to thrive, good
knowledge of anenomes to keep it longterm, and the clownfish isnt guaranteed to
take to it anyway!
also, depending on the distance you are moving, you can definitely move
your tank with you. I have a 55 gal. that I moved twice in the last 5 yrs.
without losing any livestock--but both times were short distincews, with lots of
preperation.

 

[fraservet]

suitable tankmates for clowns in a small tank

damsels
chromis

both of these are hardy, some damsels are blue and chromis are blue/green