New Tank question

[bigfish09]

I'm setting up a 35 gallon FOWLR tank and was wondering what flowrate do I need to be looking for in a smaller tank to get prorper filtration and movement? I was thinking 2 300gph powerheads and possiblly a HOB with a flow rate around 150gph. Also, I will be getting a Protien Skimmer so I figure that should and a litte to the flow rate. Thanks for all the help.

[KDodds]

Sounds good to me, especially splitting the flow through multiple sources. I'd not count on HOBs or skimmers to add to flow rate, though.

[ralphie]

I like the idea of smaller powerheads or multiple sources in the tank too. This way you can place them in different spots to eliminate dead spots.

[bigfish09]

What kind of stock could I possiblly look at? I know triggers and tangs are out but I saw some cardinals that were nice looking at my lfs, but other than that I am not sure. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[KDodds]

There are plenty of small, hardy fish available. One of the best beginner fish, due to availability and hardiness, are the percula or ocellaris clown fishes. Most now sold are captive bred and raised. These fish would work well, are bright and colorful, and don't spend the day hiding in the rocks. With a 35, you're kind of on the verge of a nano aquarium, so the number of fish you put in will not be great. Choose what you add wisely, don't purchase because it will work and is available, but because it's a fish you want. If you start with a clownfish, you can offset the red/orange with a gramma or dottyback of some sort. These will stay more in or near the rocks and you may not see them as much. Either a royal or blackcap gramma or an orchid dottyback would, I think, be a nice choice. You mentioned cardinals. Honestly, they're not on the top of any list I would make, nor on the bottom. Bangaii cardinals, for one, are still being imported from the wild and are very likely seriously threatened in their very small range. But that's not the whole of it. Cardinals are incredibly boring fish, not moving much, if at all, and pretty much hanging out in one spot, hovering, semi-motionless, all day long. That's not my cup of tea, not my idea of a nice display, but to each his own. A bangaii or pyjama cardinal would work well with the previous two fish, but you might want to consider maybe a cherub angel as it will be more active, out and about, flitting from place to place. For a last fish, maybe a pair of neon gobies, though they are very short lived, or perhaps a blenny of some sort like a bicolor or teardrop. These are all hardy, readily available, and pretty inexpensive (for marine) fish.

[bigfish09]

Are protien skimmers a must? I understand what they do but can't I achieve the same thing with a water change?

[KDodds]

Absolutely, water changes are very effective at removing accumulated pollutants. IMO, in a reasonably stocked non-reef tank, protein skimmers are unnecessary. Our seahorse tank doesn't have one. When it did, there was pretty much no difference in water quality, so we took it down. Same hold true for our current FOWLR.

[ralphie]

Agreed with the water changes, I always recommend that. Depending upon what you keep in the tank and the salt you use, you may not have to supplement for calcium and alkalinity. Remember, Solution through Dilulation.

Protein SKimmers are an iffy thing, but I like the idea of a protien skimmer on a tank. You could probably find a used one from someone.

[bigfish09]

Although I am still in the process of putting this tank together I have been thinking about a stocking list. So far I have come to the conclusion that I would like to have 1-3 fish, a few inverts, and maybe a piece or two of coral (all of this is dependant on stocking suggestions). So far for fish I know I want to get a Percula Clown, and I am also thinking about a lawnmower blennie, and/or a pajama or bannagi (sp) cardinal. As for inverts Im really clueless I wouldnt mind shrimp but i dont know what kind. As for the coral, if I can do it and not overstock the tank, any suggestion is greatly appreciated. I guess basiclly what im asking is for some advice on this. Thanks again for all the help.

[ralphie]

For corals, what type of lighting do you have? A good "started" coral is usually mushrooms. They require less intense lighting.

For inverts, I would suggest 2 or 3 cleaner shrimps, since they do seem to come out more when they are in pairs. A few hermit crabs with extra shells. What type of substrate do you have? If you have a sand bed, I would recommend bristle worms and nass. snails to help keep it clean.