My first salty!

I haven't posted on FL.com in over a year (blush) but I figured I should update the world since I have come a long way!

This is my first saltwater setup and it has been up since early January, 2012. Its a nano, 10 gallon, that was put together using pieces from tanks past. For filtration, I had an old penguin 330. A basic All Glass Aquarium minI heater. The only new pieces were a Hydor 240 powerhead and a 32 watt PC retrofit kit with a 50/50 for the old hood (got it for like 40 bucks, a "we don't want to inventory it again" special.)

It is stocked with about 10 pounds (I think) or live rock and some crushed aragonite.

My livestock:
1 ocellaris clown
1 three stripe damsel
1 female yellow watchman goby
1 condylactis anemone
1 tiger pistol shrimp
1 pocelain crab
1 sexy shrimp
1 emerald crab
1 scarlet hermit crab
1 cerith snail
2 turbo snails
a few green button zoas
a few unidentified red polyps
(plenty of long hair green algae too, unfortunately, haha)

and the tank;











Thanks!

 

Hey, thanks for sharing!

Sure seems like a lot in a 10G IMO

Is there any signs of the goby and pistol shrimp bonding?

The Condy is gorgeous - but keep an eye on things, they are known to sting just about everything in the tank.

But looks great - I'd consider putting a HOB skimmer on it too... Your condy will appreciate it, or keep a close on parameters and regular water changes.

 

Yeah, they are all pretty juvenile. I am actually looking into a 29 gallon biocube or a red sea max even.

I never see the pistol, just hear it, but when I have found it from moving a rock or two it is still very tiny so I think they haven't really found each other yet.

I am aware of the condy's cons for sure, haha. I hope when I upgrade I will definitely keep it in a corner. I had it in a corner originally, and thankfully it didn't tend to wander, but I moved it to the center for more direct light. Since I added my porcelain and sexy, they have both hosted and the condy has been on cloud nine. It seems to appreciate the company, haha. Should I move my green buttons on the rock to the right, though??

I considered a HOB skimmer but decided to hold off since I may upgrade but I am an advocate of strictly scheduled water changes. My parameters, luckily, stay very stable and within acceptable levels.

I was hoping to get a good pic of my watchman but she is pretty camera shy. Shes a hoot. My damsel, though, is really eager to be photographed, of for any other attention. On the other hand, my clown tends to hide under the lip of my HOB penguin.

 

Cool, well it'll be interesting to watch this develop

 

Thanks! Any idea what the polyps in the second pic might be?

 

How difficult was the tank to setup? I've always wanted to start a nano saltwater tank to get my feet wet in salties. However I have always considered them to much to handle. What resources did you use to get information on your stocking?

 

I really, just started googling any and everything. I realized I had most everything I needed. I also have a few really helpful LFS in town that are so knowledgeable. That's a sweet place to start. Catch them when they aren't busy and get them chatting!

 

Consider this tank upgraded. Got a steal on a Biocube 29. Hope I don't have too much trouble with it lol.

 

I don't know much about Saltwater fish, but I'd like to say I like how you worked with your decor. Looks nice!

How difficult was the tank to setup? I've always wanted to start a nano saltwater tank to get my feet wet in salties. However I have always considered them to much to handle. What resources did you use to get information on your stocking?

A nano tank isn't a good idea for 'getting your feet wet.' Small tanks crash much more quickly than big ones and I do know that salties are sensitive.
EDIT: Unless you have plenty of Freshwater experience, that is...

 

Yeah, I have kept fresh for a few years now. I have a 29 gallon salt now. I graduated, haha.