If you had a 30 gallon saltwater tank completely empty, how would you set it up?

Question

What kkind of Fish, bedding, plants??? I want to know everything because i just bought a new tank and im looking for ideas.

Answer 1

A 30 gallon isn't all that large for saltwater (considering that marine fish are used to having a lot more room), so you'll need to stock carefully and make sure the species you have are compatible.

If you're new to marine tanks, you can't go wrong with a pair of clownfish (percula or ocellaris are good species, as these stay relatively small and aren't as aggressive as others). Green chromis is another good choice, since these are one of the truely schooling, peaceful marine species. Two other species which are favorites of mine are Bangaii cardinalfish and the longnose hawkfish. The cardinals can be kept as a mated pair (if you have a person at your store who can tell their genders) and they can be bred in a home tank although raising the fry isn't the easiest thing to do, they're easier than a lot of other saltwater species - the fish are paternal mouth brooders. Hawkfish (best kept singly) just have a unique shape and cool personality. Some others I've kept that I like are canary blennies, scissortail gobies, clown gobies, and dwarf angels. That's too many to all go in your tank, but will give you some options.

If you want some invertebrates, get a variety of snails to help eat algae (although I would avoid Astreas - they can't right themselves if the fall and can die and margaritas which prefer cooler water than most tropical tanks), some hermit crabs (blue-legged and scarlets) and a smaller brittlestar. Also a peppermint shrimp or two.

Lots of live rock (or at least enough to sit on top of base rock so the environment looks natural). I also like plants, but in saltwater, the only "plants" are macroalgaes. And yes, stores do sell these. I currently have 5 species of Caulerpas, Chaetomorpha, a few Valonia (I have an emerald crab that keep it in check, otherwise it can be a nuisance), a Udotea (fan algae), halimeda (need lots of calcium to keep this), and a Botryocladia (red grape algae). Of couse, these are divided among more than one tank.

Apart from the plants, this set-up doesn't require any specialized lighting. But for the plants or any soft corals you may eventually get, you might want to consider getting a T-5 or compact fluorescent lighting system.

Some marine macroalgae sources: http://www.tropicalfishoutlet.com/plantscategory.asp
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=490

Answer 2

Well, you would need a bag of sand from your local fish store, saltmix and live rock to start with. You would have to purchase a hydrometer and measure out the salt levels, which can take a while. Then you would have to wait a week and then test the water for ammonia, the pH levels, nitrites and nitrates. If you have good water, then I suggest going for a few cheap damselfish. They are the hardiest of aquarium fishes and will help get your tank going.

And, I don't think that one single fish place sells saltwater plants, but once your an expert you can get corals which I think are much nicer than any plant I have every seen.

Answer 3

Trigger Fish

Answer 4

well if its your first tank it doesnt need to be all complicated with all the bells and whistles. just get some plastic plants, or silk it depends some plastic plants hurt fishses fins. u could even get live plants if you wanted too!. lol give them a lil cave or something to hide in because it makes them more secure. it all depends on the fish. maybe you could get some mollies, platies, gouramis, tiger barbs, neon tetras, lol or if u want even golfish!

Answer 5

i would put just any kind of plants, gravel, or like glass bead, mollies, platies, gouramis, plecos, the little cat fish corys, tiger barbs, and maybe some neon tetras, and danios for speed. also buy some kinda of grass wheter fake or real