Mini-bow 2.5g

[chrisbenavides]

I've kept two SW tanks (29g and 55g) with success over the last 7 years. After getting married and having kids I stopped with the hobby. I plan to start up again very soon with another 55g or greater. Recently my two year old daughter has begun to express a great interest in sea life. So I bought a small 2.5g tank for her room. I set it up already with about two pounds of Fiji live rock and about a two-three inch sand depth. The tank has a few blue-legged hermits and a small brittle starfish.

My question is: Given the lighting it has (25w compact florescent), do you all think I can add some xenia corals or some other type of coral to give this small tank some color? Small tanks are way more difficult than large ones IMHO. Any suggestions? Also, I was thinking of adding a small false percula...will move him to the bigger tank when the new tank is set up.

Also, I saw this product call Biozyme (help add beneficial bacteria for new tanks). Any comments?

[chrisbenavides]

Also do you all know if any small protien skimmers that can hang on the back of this small tank?

[SinisterLou]

I think the xenia would be fine with what you stated for lighting. I also think that with small frequent water changes you won't need a skimmer. Just bring me a couple of piratas and you can have a xenia frag...lol

[Mike]

You might try mushrooms. They do alright under PC lights. I think xenia should be okay also. Any filters? They make a small HOB filter for that small tank. We have one on our feeder shrimp tank.

[justahobby]

Welcome back to the hobby. Yes, xenia, shrooms, gsp should all be fine. You might have to raise the light up 6 or more inches. I would not add a clown. Only the smallest would fit comfortably and that small of clowns has its own risks (feeding and health to tolerate transport etc being my main concerns). JMO, others may disagree. There are several fish that are very small and would make good additions. Skimmer: if nothing else, an air stone skimmer would certainly fit and be adequate.

[tebstan]

They still make biozyme? I haven't seen that product in years. But way back when, I loved it. It was my "starter bacteria" of choice. It was around long before the refrigerated and live stuff. I only used the FW version, but it helped cycle tanks quickly, compared to other similar products like Stress Zyme or Marina Cycle.

It's generally used for larger tanks, though. That tiny tub it comes in would treat some pretty large tanks. There are faster acting products on the market these days, but the price goes up with the efficiency.

[chrisbenavides]

Thanks everyone!

Justahobby, which fish is small enough for a 2.5g?

[chrisbenavides]

Also, I did a search for an airstone skimmer at marinedepot and drsfostersmith...I got a no-hit return. Is this skinner a DIY? If not, is there a particular brand I can search for? Given the size (2.5g) would this be HOB like my Remora or a Tunze?

[Mike]

I know biocube makes a small airstone skimmer. Does your little tank have a top? There are a lot of different blennies and gobies. They can be jumpers. How about shrimp, maybe a cleaner shrimp or a couple of sexy shrimp (they wiggle their butts back and forth- hence the name.)

[tebstan]

Have any pics yet? Is the 2.5 an All Glass tank?

Lee's also makes an airstone skimmer. It's been a long time since I've seen one, so I'm not positive, but I think it has a smaller foot print than the bio cube one. The bio cube one probably works better, though.

[Mike]

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+9821&pcatid=9821

We have an older one of these (bought from another MAASTard with a small tank). We don't need it, as I had a new one we bought for the shrimp. It is yours free if you want it. Shoot me a PM.

[justahobby]

I suggested air stone because you don't need a pump which is a bulky, heat producer in a tank that size. I will try to find something, but I think regular, small water changes would be sufficient for the above mentioned coral. As for fish there are quite a few gobies that fit the bill. A firefish may work. The neon goby and green banded goby are both available captive bred. A clown goby would be good. With any fish this size feeding can be difficult. Be willing to hatch baby brine if they don't accept frozen or prepared foods within 24-48 hrs (this is where it pays to make sure they are eating in store and what they accept). And don't be afraid to ask what others have tried. We've all had a fish that wouldn't eat. Also, stay away from the catalina goby. They are a cold water species and their life is severely reduced in a tank that reaches 75-80 degrees.

[chrisbenavides]

Did not realize there was a page two on this thread. Lol. Anyways, thanks for the info. Hey Mike, I'll send you a PM in a bit. Thanks everybody! :)

[paul]

i know dr.foster and smith sells a hang on back filter with a small built in protein skimmer. dont know how well it works.