CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I want to set up a 20 gallon salt water tank. I am going to start small to see if i like it, two or thrre clowns ( they are really cool looking). I have heard 2 works best with clowns, but other people say three. what are your ideas on this subject? I have heard that a protein skimmer is necessary. Is it, and if it is, what is a good brand/size? I would rather not keep anemones, is this alright? also, is live rock necessary? how much would this cost to set up if i already have it established as a frehwater tank with filter and heater?

small tanks are supposedly alot harder with salt but alot of people do it so good luck .


With clowns (cool fish I'm think of setting some back up) a few things that I'd think about are:
2 if a pair would be best alone
if you want 3 try to pick 3 large ones so you'll get 3 females and prevent male to male and territorial tention.

If you do 3 with no anemones ,a clowns natural home it will be harder because since the clown(s) have no anemone they can decide the tank is it territory.

No anemones would add some stress but YES you can keep clowns without them but why? then the main behavior of a clown isn't there so is it still really keeping a clown?

In a fish only tank protein skimmers aren't needed, if you add an anemone either a small power head or infilter type (like a skilter) protein skimmer will be more the adaquete

Live rock isn't a must but in saltwater tanks its added natural filtration so it helps.

The cost would just depend on what all you want and the prices near you

As already said it's best not to use a small tank for a salt tank....use a 55 gallon or larger. It's extremely difficult to keep you water parameters stable, and any fluxations (sp) in water conditons can be fatal to alot of saltwater fish, and corals. You don't have to use a protein skimmer, but it does help. You could get a CPR back pack hang on skimmer that would suit your needs pretty well. Also, get at least one pound of live rock per gallon of water. Most people get 2 pounds per gallon.

I'm looking at getting into salt-water too, actually I've already comitted to it. lol I started purchasing all sorts of equipment to get it going and it'll be a while.. but I'll get there.

If you go the anemone route like Stilllearnin said, you'll need to upgrade your lighting. They need very strong lighting to survive.

As Oscarfish42680 just said, that small quantity of water will be difficult to maintain, you can't have any fluctuations whatsoever. You might consider buying or building a sump to place under/over your main tank, whichever. This will add to the amount of water you keep and will help with the stability of your system. The more water the better.