10g Startup

[robertlg1967]

I have a 10g tank that I started about three months ago. I currently have stocked with a mated pair of ocellaris clowns, a yellow watchman, a feather duster worm, and CUC. I have a 36watt t-5 lighting system, Aqueon 20 filter, and a biocube skimmer. I have 7.5lbs LR, and 30lbs LS. All of my parameters are excellent and I believe I am ready to start with some softies but I am wanting the best bang for my buck in this small tank. Does anyone have some good suggestions to start with?

 

[texhorns98]

GSP and some bright shrooms! Both should be free or close to it.

 

[robertlg1967]

I was thinking about some Ricordia. would that do okay in such a small tank?

 

[smallblock]

yeah the lights you have should support about anything. The only problem I forsee is keeping your water quality in check. I would add some sort of auto top off to the system to compensate for salinity swing due to evaporation. Also do small water changes as often as you can stand it. The smaller the system the less stable it is

 

[robertlg1967]

I currently do 15-20% water changes weekly and top-off about every other day. I'm in that stage right now where the ADDICTION is very strong, so I am constantly checking params and cleaning. I only wish I had gotten into this hobby years ago. lol

 

[smallblock]

the top offing every other day manually isnt going to be very good for it. At least do it daily if you dont want to get an auto one. test your salinity before you add your fresh water and see how much it has risen. How much water is evaporating?

 

[robertlg1967]

I replace close to a half gallon every other day. I have a good bit of evaporation due to the fact that is an open top. You will have to excuse my ignorance as I am fairly new to this, but where would I go aboout getting the auto top off unit and is it expensive?

 

[smallblock]

autotopoff .com has them for cheap. Also what kind of water are you adding?

 

[robertlg1967]

Ro/di

Edit: when I say RO/DI. It's store bought. I don't have a RO/DI Filter.

 

[blind1993]

kenya tree and xenia are great corals that are easy and grow really fast.

 

[smallblock]

Rodi, great thats the best kind bro. I think you will be ok just check out the autotop off unit. Might can get one used for like 30 bucks. Also you can get a small portable rodi unit from Air water and Ice at a good price too. I think you can add what you want with the t-5s good luck with it and post some pics bro we love em. Welcome to the club

Edit: also what temp is the tank running?

 

[robertlg1967]

it stays around 78-79 degrees

 

[smallblock]

sounds good bro

 

[sleepyreef]

Maybe a tank full of mushrooms and zoas would be nice also. You don't want anything that will get too big in a 10 gallon.

 

[robertlg1967]

right... luckily I have you all to share frags with if they get too big!!

 

[michaelf1478]

Lets see some pics.

 

[robertlg1967]

michaelf1478;651614 wrote: Lets see some pics.

Okay Ill try!! I'm not sure how to do it but here goes!! lol

Edit: I did it!!!! Alright!!!!
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

 

[smallblock]

Sweet I likey, thanks for sharing!!!

 

[sleepyreef]

Thanks for sharing. I think a little more rock spread out with a carpet of zoa and mushrooms would look awesome. Add a ric here and there for variety.

 

[KrisDeitz]

Looks good! Check out my 10g build!