Biorb Marine Help?

[Odicombe]

Hi,

So I've bought a biorb, the 30L model and I've set it up to be a marine aquarium (Stupid I know and it's probably the worst tank to do it in, but it's kinda too late now... ) I was wondering if anyone had any advice? I was thinking about some live rock, i've already got 1kg of ceramic media in there, which I'm told should do the same job as live rock, ? I've added a elite mini filter, with a carbon filter and a sponge filter inside and I was wondering if anyone had any stocking ideas, I thinking a cleaner shrimp and maybe a smaller spieces of clown? But I'm happy with any other type of fish....

The water and salinity are all fine and it's been cycling for almost a week now...
Thanks Odi

[Cliff]

How are you cycling the tank ?

[Odicombe]

I'm running the tank, with the lights, filters and heater on, and I've used some of the old filter media from an up and running tank, to let some bacteria grow.... I've got no fish or inverts in at the moment....

[Cliff]

Without a food source (ammonia) the bacteria will start to die off in 24 hours

You have two options to cycle your tank:
1) Add some live rock ( http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=76703)
2) Choose one of the cycling methods listed in the below thread.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=53460

[Odicombe]

ok Thanks !! thumbs2: Which method would you recommend? and what fish do you think would be suitable?

[Cliff]

I would recommend adding live rock.

I'm not very familiar with marine fish that are suitable for a 30L (7 to 8 gallon) tank.

Hopfully other members can offer some suggestions for that

[Fishkeeper]

I would suggest a sharknose goby. They stay less than 1 1/2" long.

[smaug]

I dont recomend any fish bigger then a clown goby in such a tank. Maybe a few blue leg crabs and some tiny snails and you are stocked to the hilt. Was the tank you got the donor media from a SW tank,if not then the bb is quite dead at this moment. Its not too late to scrap the idea of using this tiny tank for a sw,you have nothing invested in it yet but some salt.

[Odicombe]

yes it was from a sw tank, and I'm going to put some live rock in sometime this week. Would a smaller spieces of goby and a skunk cleaner shrimp be ok in the tank?

[smaug]

I am wondering why you dont simply set up a larger tank rather then having such a tiny compromise tank? You have already stated you know its not the best choice so why continue on with a less then wise choice?

[Odicombe]

Basically, it's beacuse i don't have much room left for a larger tank and I don't really have the money, to buy all new filters, equipment, lighting and the actual tank.... I only really want a small set up with some basic fish :ssmile:

[smaug]

The list I mentioned earlier in this thread would work but there is very little that can be sustained in such a small tank.

[Tigerbarb]

How much past experience do you have with marine aquariums? I hope your project is successful....it could turn out to be pretty impressive as long as you remain diligent with the maintenance.

[Odicombe]

Well I ue to help out at the Lfs when I was younger, and they had a lot of Sw tanks, so I know the basics :ssmile: ..... plus I have loads of experience with freshwater tanks, if that's any help :ssmile: I'l post some pics when i get it up and running...

[wnppmy]

If you want to experiment with a small setup it's your choice. Not disagreeing with anything said as larger certainly a wiser choice.

Important You make the decision.

I currently do have a 7 gallon saltwater for a specific service. Could introduce live rock, snails, small crabs, would be great. Fish tho is abit small for that and not advise.

Enjoy

[Odicombe]

Hi, So I was going to post some pics, but found that the Biorb is actually a really bad tank :scry: , and have replaced it with a 48l Interpet fish box, with a cleaner shrimp and a blue legged hermit - so far. Thanks for all the help!thumbs2:

[Rue]

I'm very glad you didnt' go with a Biorb...

[Fishkeeper]

Try a pistol shrimp/shrimpgoby combo for your new tank. They're really fun to watch, but it's best to research them first.