MJH22

I just started a 3g tank. I want to know what it is that limits the amount of fish. Is it oxygen?? Is it that they dirty the water too fast??
Also, does the limit also include corals or is it just for fish?

I'm starting a 110g tank in 2 to 3 months, but I wanted to get my feet wet until then. I plan to transfer any life I have from this tank to the larger one. I realize the challenges, and I've read people's advice about small tanks, I just didn't want to wait.

My tank is cycling now, and there is only 5lbs of rock and 1 in of sand. I was hoping to get a clownfish, a shrimp, a crab or two and a snail or two and a couple of corals. I got this idea from a tank I saw set up in a shop.
Before I commit, I'd like to understand what exactly it is that limits the amount of fish.

Thanks, Matt

ATP

A 3 gallon is too small for any fish that's available unfortunately. I advise it would be a reef tank with invertebrates. You could put zoas, mushrooms, or any small corals that would look ok in there. I advise only softies for beginners. (even your 110, start with softies and LPS. After about a year of experience, with proper equipment you could start with SPS if you want.

ATP

In your post, it says that you just started. Check your water parameters every two days and notice the difference. Once algae comes out and your water parameters are around good.(if it's around = pH 8.3, KH 8-12, nitrate 0, phosphate 0, ammonia 0, calcium 460-500) you could start adding invertebrates. When you algae is gone and your water parameters is exactly good (in acceptable range) you could start adding corals

http://www.fishlore.com/reeftanksetup.htm
http://www.fishlore.com/SaltwaterBeginners.htm
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

peacemaker92

Hi MJH & WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

The above advice given has got you covered Hope you enjoy your stay here in FL.

Diggly

What limits you with fish is a few factors, waste is 1 you have already mentioned, another factor is stress, if a fish is in an environment too small they can become stunted and stressed which causes further illnesses and possibly death.

MJH22

Thanks for the advice, guys. I guess I won't put any fish in. I'm really doing this to get used to testing the water and get an idea of what the water temp and fluctuations would be in my house. (I know the fluctuations would be less with a bigger system)
I thought I could put a fish in since the shop had a clown in theirs, but I can wait for fish.
My light won't support stony, so I have no choice but to start with LP's, so that's fine.

Thanks to Dig for answering my question about the limitation of life.

-- Matt