emilai333

My roommate would really like to start up a saltwater tank (she particularly wants a clownfish). Does anyone have any advice for us? Here's the situation:

We live in a college dorm (translation: we switch rooms on a regular basis... our dorms are really big so space isn't the issue). She would like to get a 40g and either upgrade our shared freshwater community tank to that, or use the 40 as a saltwater tank. What I am concerned with is moving that 40g if its full of saltwater. We can't just rearrange fish and temporarily move the extra fish into the betta tank (while jarring the bettas) while we wait for the saltwater tank to settle, because we would have to change the betta tank to saltwater. A ten gallon tank can be carefully moved with help while still containing at least some water (don't worry, I'm not dumb enough to try it with fish still in the tank; they'd be bagged). A forty just wouldn't work that way. So: for those of you who have large tanks - what in the world do you do with your fish when you move!?

Would it be possible to have a clownfish or two in a 10g? Could anything else be kept in there (Clownfish should be kept with anemones, right? So I'm counting anemones with the clownfish) with it/them?

What would you recommend to a beginner, A) other than clownfish (are clownfish good for beginners?) in the 10g AND/OR B) in a 30 or 40g.

I am currently researching what is involved in setting up and maintaining a saltwater tank; however I will also post that question here. Any advice at all is appreciated.

Finally... If you think it is an incredibly stupid idea to even consider this at this time; or if you think it would be impossible to maintain a healthy environment... please say so.

Thank you!

Mike

Hi emilai - what happens during the summer months when/if you're not in the dorm or are you in school all year round?

While it would be possible to keep a clownfish in a 20 gallon with live rock and a protein skimmer, I don't recommend setting up a saltwater tank with clownfish given your current situation (changing rooms frequently). It could become a major hassle with breaking it down and relocating it.

About Clownfish:
-Clownfish can live for a very long time if cared for properly which means it is a LONG term commitment.
-They absolutely do NOT need a host anemone. Most folks don't have the proper lighting for keeping anemones. They require very high lighting levels
-http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-ClownFish.htm

Tank Setup:
-http://www.fishlore.com/SaltwaterAquariumSetup.htm
-http://www.fishlore.com/SaltwaterBeginners.htm

Smaller tank setups can be more difficult than larger setups because your water parameters can fluctuate more rapidly with smaller water volumes.

emilai333

Gotcha. thank you. We decided to refrain from the saltwater tank for the moment anyway. I would like to have one eventually, however right now just isn't the best time. The links and information will come in handy when I do!!!