ATKINSON

I want to start a very simple SW aquarium. I would like a small tank(10gal) with 2 clown fish and a fire angel fish.I would like it to be FO.
What is the minimum tank for the above fish?
What is the minimum tank for the 2 clowns?
Could I also add a few inverts?
Do I need a protein skimmer, sump.etc for a small tank?
Thanks for all help!

pepetj

I'm a newby in SW (I haven't kept any tank with salt in it except for low end-brackish) and I am in the planning/set-up stages for a 10gal Nano SW.

The recommended minimum tank size for Clown Fish is 20gal. I belive the flame angelfish (if the same as fire angelfish) is 30gal. That said, some experienced reefers manage to keep Clown fish (solo I think) in a 10gal, as far as I know.

I invite you to read, and then read some more so you can grasp what you're getting yourself into. I've been reading SW for some months now, and I am getting the chills on this project.

A protein skimmer is probably one of the most important equipment in SW. Some get by without it though.

A sump is likely more important with small tanks since it will significantly increase the total water volume (mainly for biological filtration purposes but for aesthetic reasons as well although not for swimming space).

If you go Fish Only, then lights are not that important (other than to see your fish).

Pepetj
Santo Domingo

ATKINSON

Thanks, then a single clown would look good in a 10gal. Also im refering to the dwarf fire angel.

sgould

To keep all 3 I would go with a 30 gallon. For just the clowns, it depends somewhat on what variety of clowns. They can vary quite a bit in size and space needed. I personally would not go less than 20 gallons even for the smaller ones (like ocellaris), but it is true that others have kept them in smaller tanks.

If you are staying with FO, you can survive without the skimmer, but you will need to compensate by being diligent about regular water changes (weekly). If you decide down the road to upgrade to keeping inverts and corals, you will need a skimmer. Sumps are nice and have some advantages (such as increasing your system's water volume and hiding otherwise bulky equipment), but are not mandatory. Neither of my salt tanks currently has a sump running on them, though I do plan on adding one down the road.

carlos413

your kind of pushing it with the two clowns as it is. i would go no less than a 30 gallon with a flamed angel. btw angels need a mature tank not something you want to start with.

ATKINSON

Thanks guys!!