20 Gal

[soldier-sailer]

Ok everyone- a brief history; I have been raising Cichlids in the past and my wife has been asking for a marine aquarium for our livingroom so I'm in the process of getting equipment together for it. So far I have a 55 Gal and stand; canister filter, and protien skimmer. It will take quite awhile before it is up and running.
In the meantime, a neighbor just gave me a 20 Gal (long). I posted on the cichlid forum for stocking advice on such a small tank. I got some great responces but since then, 2 co-workers and the LFS owner have suggested starting a marine tank (practice they say for my 55). All 3 have extensive Marine tank experience (one even has a 20 Tall in his office). They all will donate live rock and other needed items (water and experience, etc). They agree on most things except on type of fish. What I would like is some advise on stocking this tank (if I indeed do a Marine tank). This will be going in my office and I need to do it "on the cheap"; cheap hardy fish. I dont mind having a single specimen tank so if thats my only option its cool.

Thank you all for you help!

[sushicat]

i dont know much about saltwater but from reading the forums (planning to get a sw too ;) ) the Amphiprion ocellaris is a good fish its cheap and hardy..but im no expert just tons of reading :)

[soldier-sailer]

Thanks for the tip sushicat- i will check it out!

[spudbuds]

A smaller clown would be good or a couple of gobies. There are smaller dottybacks available as well, but you'd only be able to keep one in that tank and you wouldn't be able to add anything else. Dottybacks are aggressive when protecting their territories.

This page on liveaquaria.com shows a smaller fish. Some may not be appropriate for a 20g, but it will give you an idea.

- Bill

[cocoa_pleco]

i would get a damsel and a clown goby.


however, a 55g in the long run is better to start with, more room for error