Looking for ideas...

[falcondob]

I have a 30gal Oceanic, 250W MH pendant, 20 gallon sump, and Marineland skimmer that kind-of works.

I had put my corals in there while we battled an algae problem in the 220gal. Well, the algae problem is under control, corals and fish are back in big tank, and now I need to do something with the little tank.

Was thinking along the lines of a species tank (clown/anemone, seahorse, etc...).

Would like to hear some of your suggestions.

[carlinsa]

seahorse tank would be cool but if its seal it off how about an octopus tank.

[hobogato]

i like carl's suggestion - it would only be big enough for a dwarf oco, but would be something unique. you could also do a pair of dwarf cuttle fish, and you wouldnt have to worry about sealing the top since they dont climb out. if you decide on that route lmk, i know of a place where you can get cl/ch babies that are eating black mollies.

[Europhyllia]

I would suggest you find somebody that already has what you are considering and check it out in person.
For the longest time I thought I had to have a seahorse tank then I saw one in person and actually found it pretty boring. Glad I didn't go through the expense and effort of setting one up.

[falcondob]

i like carl's suggestion - it would only be big enough for a dwarf oco, but would be something unique. you could also do a pair of dwarf cuttle fish, and you wouldnt have to worry about sealing the top since they dont climb out. if you decide on that route lmk, i know of a place where you can get cl/ch babies that are eating black mollies.


Do you know of a reputable source for dwarf octopuses?

[Mr Cob]

I love carpets but they just don't work well in full reefs in my opinion. I would consider doing a blue carpet tank. That would be cool.

[hobogato]

i dont off hand, but you might ask that question on tonmo.com - lots of experts there. that would also be a good place to do some research on octos

[phippsj]

The dwarf octopus is very shy and nocturnal. Not sure that it would make the most interesting tank.

[Jordan N.]

If you go with seahorses I think a Port A seagrass biotope would be pretty freaking cool. You could go down and collect everything locally and reeeally bring a piece of the ocean home. (Cheap too..) I know there are at least a few species of dwarf sea horses down there --If you're ever at the texas state aquarium they have a few biotype seahorse tanks.

Just an idea --If you can do cephalopods those are insanly cool too.

-Jordan N.

[ballardjr2000]

What about a softie tank, or a clam tank, you could put different shrimps in there for some movement. IMO a softie/clam/shrimp tank would be cool

[d3rryc]

FWIW, 20 gal is actually considered TOO big for dwarf seahorses. It's hard to get the food density high enough without fowling the water. The gurus at seahorse.org dont recommend anything over 10 gal for dwarves.



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[d3rryc]

I just reread my own post and saw "fowling" instead of "fouling." Got a mental picture of tiny little ducks swimming around in your tank... :rofl:

[Europhyllia]

I just reread my own post and saw "fowling" instead of "fouling." Got a mental picture of tiny little ducks swimming around in your tank... :rofl:
cute :)

[1salt]

Now that there is funny, I don't care who you are!!! LOL

[jc]

Go for a seahorse tank.
I just happen to have some for sale.

[Jordan N.]

FWIW, 20 gal is actually considered TOO big for dwarf seahorses. It's hard to get the food density high enough without fowling the water. The gurus at seahorse.org dont recommend anything over 10 gal for dwarves.

Fair enough, I haven't really read anything about seahorse care. I belive there are some large seahorses out there too --Cant give any names unfortantly. Good luck with what ever route you choose to go!

Have you ever considered a mantis shrimp? One of the smaller species would go really well in a tank that size.

-Jordan N.

[sharkboy]

how tall is the tank...if its not too tall, i vote for a clam tank...maybe setup where it could be viewed from the top also...

[falcondob]

I think I have decided to upgrade to a little larger tank (60-75) and setup a carpet anemone/clownfish tank. Looking on RC, 30 gallons is a little small for a carpet tank.

Always wanted to do a specific tank.

Going to start a separate thread for advice on anemones and clowns.

Thanks for all of the input.