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Beginner corals 20g reef suggestions

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by FishOrr, Sep 29, 2012.

  1. Sep 29, 2012 #1
    FishOrr

    FishOrr Inactive User

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    I have just started my first reef tank and need some help. I am looking for some advice on which corals would be good to start out with. Currently I have my 20g tank set up with a live sand bed, 15lbs of live rock, and t5 HO lighting. I would like to grow whatever is easy and will work without any additional lighting. I am also pondering an anemone as I have one clarkii clown and would love to have something for him to host.


     
  2. Sep 29, 2012 #2
    MXC207 Cedar Rapids

    MXC207 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Softies and zoas. Pretty cheap and hardy. Will be just fine. What are you running for filtration?
     
  3. Sep 29, 2012 #3
    Deleted member 1172

    Deleted member 1172 Guest

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    Definitely softies. Leathers are really easy to care for. Also, some mushrooms and zoas. I'd steer clear of an anemone until you get the hang of keeping softies due to them being higher maintenance. They need good flow and strong light.
     
  4. Sep 30, 2012 #4
    FishOrr

    FishOrr Inactive User

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    I have a HOB filter that pumps 200GPH, my live rock and live sand bed. I really like coral that clowns can nestle in, think its called frogspawn. I like that along with torch coral, and flowerpots. Basically anything that is "wavy" would any of those be ok ?
     
  5. Sep 30, 2012 #5
    FishOrr

    FishOrr Inactive User

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    Also is there anything special I have to do to grow purple algae?
     
  6. Sep 30, 2012 #6
    Zachstankostosmall Quad cities

    Zachstankostosmall Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I think a lot of times they will host a toadstool leather
     
  7. Sep 30, 2012 #7
    Deleted member 1172

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    I've heard of clowns hosting in toadstools. Also I've seen them host in some long tentacle plate corals. Also, if you want to grow coralline, just let time do its magic. The addition of calcium, bicarb, and mag will help. Downside to dosing, unless you have stony corals, you don't really need to dose them. Another option is to add Purple Up. It's a calcium based supplement that helps aid the growth of coralline. Easiest way is just to be patient and find somebody with some cured LR to help seed out any other rock. Also, although you have a HOB filter that pumps 200 gph, you may want to find a circulation pump that'll move the water around the tank. That'll prevent dead spots and keep detritus off your rock and substrate.
     
  8. Sep 30, 2012 #8
    Big John

    Big John Inactive User

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    I think in time your clown would kill a frogspawn or torch, have to agree with reef medic, your not ready for an anemone, you need high lighting and a stable tank.
    Good luck, and be patient!
     
  9. Sep 30, 2012 #9
    FishOrr

    FishOrr Inactive User

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    Thank you to everyone for the input it has been very helpful. I am definitely going to steer clear of the anemones since it seems like they can be a lot of trouble especially in a newer tank. I bought some calcium and magnesium supplements in order to help out my new corals. Ultimately I had to try the frogspawn, it is one of my favorite looking corals and is pretty reasonabley priced. I have one clarkii clown, one yellow tail damsel, and one six line wrasse who all seem to be leaving it alone. I also got some Zoas which i got a good deal on. I just added them couple of hours ago so we will have to wait and see. Other than light and my supplements is there anything else my corals will need to live? Thanks again everyone for the input!
     
  10. Sep 30, 2012 #10
    FishOrr

    FishOrr Inactive User

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    Oh and I forgot any recomendations for a circulation pump for my 20g (dont want something super powerful).
     
  11. Sep 30, 2012 #11
    jstngates Toledo Iowa

    jstngates Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Toledo Iowa
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    Yes I would get a couple mushroom or zoas but dont over do it. Too much too fast isnt good.
     
  12. Sep 30, 2012 #12
    Big John

    Big John Inactive User

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    Feed your corals, I've had great luck with coral frenzy and reef chili.
    Good luck!
     

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