New tank

[glolite]

What's the smallest marine setup you can start with? I have various tanks and would like to start a marine tank. It seems sensible to start small but could I have a 40l tank with 1 marine fish in to begin with? If so, what is a good marine fish to start with.

 

[parker313]

You could start small, but it's actually best to start with the biggest tank you can afford b/c you have a larger body of water which means it's a more stable body of water. Small tanks are pretty tricky to get just right.

If you are looking for a good beginner tank, try a 55g. Oh, and check out the topics pinned to the top of the Marine & Reef Chat forum because there are a couple there that are specifically there to address tank size and fish choice

 

[glolite]

Thanks, the biggest tank I could convert is 45g. Perhaps a good size to begin with. Any suggestions for first time marine fish?

 

[smithrc]

Thanks, the biggest tank I could convert is 45g. Perhaps a good size to begin with. Any suggestions for first time marine fish?

guessing that would be 45 uk gallons - that would be about 55 us

 

[Navarre]

Try to keep clear from damsels. Even though they are ideal beginners fish and are very hardy, they are also extremly territorial and cause all sorts of problems once established.

A good starter fish IME is a Royal Gramma, they are a little shy but have lots of character. Give them plenty of hiding places and they should be fine.
Clowns of course are always a popular choice. They are reasonably hardy and have great characters.
Firefish are great little fish and are hardy. They are nervous though and can jump so make sure they tank is covered.

 

[Chac]

I would defo say no to the 40l as keeping the water level constant would be a nightmare

I would say the smallest should be 20g (UK)

Bigger is easier and smaller doesnt neccessarily mean cheaer

Del

 

[parker313]

I like the suggestion of the royal gramma. In addition to the firefish and clowns, there are LOTS of different gobies that would go well in a 45g. Check out the yellow watchman goby and cleaner shrimp - they have a great symbiotic relationship

 

[BooRadley]

I'm just starting a 55 US Gallon marine aquarium, now. I've got it stable with lot's of live rock, and a firefish and a few hermit crabs. I tried a smaller tank the first time I tried marine, that was around 1988, and it was a disaster. It was 20 US Gallons, and it was impossible to keep healthy. I slaughtered those fish. I felt like Custer leading them into battle, afterwards.

From all I've read, 55 US Gallons is small for a marine tank, and most of the coolest looking fish, like triggers and angels, are too big for it, but it's large enough to make stable. So far so good. I think you'll probably be fine with the tank you used, and you're probably lucky you didn't try to the small one.

Good luck.

 

[steelhealr]

Well..that is the challenge of a 'nano tank'....it is definitely not for the faint of heart. Although one won't be able to keep the biggies, there are some darn beautiful small fish that can keep you bedazzled. It's a lot of work,but, when successful, just gorgeous. Good luck. SH

 

[maestro]

I think a good beginners tank is the aqu medic chromis, a decent size at 32 gallons and nice dimensions for aquascaping, you can pick them up 2nd hand for £300 and they come with tank, nice stand, a quality skimmer and halide light, all together a really nice package.

I know £300 sounds alot but if you were to buy to just start with a tank and buy everything seperatly it will cost alot more, I should know, so far ive spent £750 for a simular size tank, you think you can do it cheaper but you cant