Another Newbie and a Biocube

[Ryan_E]

Alright, as the title says, I'm new to the hobby. I've spent about a month doing non stop research on here and other various sites (read all the stickies and biocube guides). I think I have what it takes! I plan on buying a used biocube 29, gutting it out (depending on what equipment it already has), and putting in all of the InTank filtration options. Skimmer and all. My questions are regarding stocking. After I cycle for a couple months, add a CUC, etc. My must have livestock are as follows:

 

1-2 clowns

1 goby/pistol shrimp combo

 

Here come the questions... Is it best to have a mated pair of clowns? Two would be ideal I think, but with such a small tank, I'd like variety too. Any personal recommendations on which color/type of goby and which color pistol? Lastly, I plan on building up to 4-5 fish max and then after a year, throwing in coral and what not. What fish would you personally put in with my must haves? I like firefish and hawkfish, but worry about hawkfish agression. Hardy fish that won't kill my bio load would be ideal.

[SeventyTimes7]

I just started my Biocube 14 at the beginning of January. My cycle took around 2-3 weeks, and I added my cuc a few days after I knew it was really done. I also got 2 clowns(not paired) but they are already pairing up. I also have a cleaner shrimp, and a bunch of different coral frags. So far everything is thriving. Keeping an eye on parameters is key.

 

Look into a tailspot Blenny, they are very fun little fish.

[yomon347]

If you introduce two different kinds of clowns at the same time and as long as one is bigger than the other you should be fine regarding aggression later on. Three fish total in a 29 is the maximum i would add.

 

There is no need to really wait a year to add corals, just let the tank cycle for a month or two, add fish and let the tank continue to mature for another month or two, then start adding corals and enjoy.

[Ryan_E]

I just started my Biocube 14 at the beginning of January. My cycle took around 2-3 weeks, and I added my cuc a few days after I knew it was really done. I also got 2 clowns(not paired) but they are already pairing up. I also have a cleaner shrimp, and a bunch of different coral frags. So far everything is thriving. Keeping an eye on parameters is key.

 

Look into a tailspot Blenny, they are very fun little fish.

Thanks! Nice name by the way... I'm going to see brand new for the second time in about two weeks

If you introduce two different kinds of clowns at the same time and as long as one is bigger than the other you should be fine regarding aggression later on. Three fish total in a 29 is the maximum i would add.

There is no need to really wait a year to add corals, just let the tank cycle for a month or two, add fish and let the tank continue to mature for another month or two, then start adding corals and enjoy.

Thanks. I wouldn't mind only having three either. Easier to maintain, and better for the system. That leads me back to all of the questions I already posted though.... 1 or 2 clowns, which goby shrimp combo, and what's a crowd favorite if one clown can live happily alone.

[Cencalfishguy56]

I have 3 fish in a ten gallon call me crazy but I have success in doing so two juvie clowns paired and a purple firefish with various softies and an RBTA, haven't had a problem cleaning isn't bad, I do daily blowing off the rocks and stirring up sand the filtration catches it and when I do my water change do the samething even though there isn't much to siphon

[Ryan_E]

I have 3 fish in a ten gallon call me crazy but I have success in doing so two juvie clowns paired and a purple firefish with various softies and an RBTA, haven't had a problem cleaning isn't bad, I do daily blowing off the rocks and stirring up sand the filtration catches it and when I do my water change do the samething even though there isn't much to siphon

Yeah I have seen a ton of people with 5-6 in a 29 gallon along with tons of coral and no problem. Obviously I am new so I would REALLY take my time adding to the bio load. Anyone have experience with hawkfish? I worry about it killing gobies and shrimp.

[DefStatic]

I am no expert, but I know in the freshwater world the rule of thumb is still the 1" per gallon, but also depends on the type of fish as well. Also, what your filtration is like (mechanical and biological). My 30 gallon heavily planted tank is considered by most to be right on that borderline of being overstocked. It is also well established (going on two years) and I haven't lost a fish in over a year (knock on wood).

I just started my 29 biocube as well, and I think I added too much sand so that limits my actual total water volume. Although I am still not sure how much water displacement there is by one 20lb bag of sand. But I kind of wish I only did two now. I estimate I only have really 18 gallons of water in there now.

I haven't even touched on my stocking ideas yet. I was thinking of 4 or 5 fish, a few snails/crabs, one shrimp. I am not sure yet though, I have a lot to read on fish. Oh, and a smaller goby.

[Cencalfishguy56]

You guys should check out this guys biocube 29 on YouTube, his name is "krikor" awesome setup someone may call the tang police on him lmao but his tank is just gorgeous

Yeah I have seen a ton of people with 5-6 in a 29 gallon along with tons of coral and no problem. Obviously I am new so I would REALLY take my time adding to the bio load. Anyone have experience with hawkfish? I worry about it killing gobies and shrimp.

I am no expert, but I know in the freshwater world the rule of thumb is still the 1" per gallon, but also depends on the type of fish as well. Also, what your filtration is like (mechanical and biological). My 30 gallon heavily planted tank is considered by most to be right on that borderline of being overstocked. It is also well established (going on two years) and I haven't lost a fish in over a year (knock on wood).

 

I just started my 29 biocube as well, and I think I added too much sand so that limits my actual total water volume. Although I am still not sure how much water displacement there is by one 20lb bag of sand. But I kind of wish I only did two now. I estimate I only have really 18 gallons of water in there now.

I haven't even touched on my stocking ideas yet. I was thinking of 4 or 5 fish, a few snails/crabs, one shrimp. I am not sure yet though, I have a lot to read on fish. Oh, and a smaller goby.

Krikor N

[SeventyTimes7]

Thanks! Nice name by the way... I'm going to see brand new for the second time in about two weeks

Jealous as ####. They never come around here. I'm hoping to actually get to see a live show soon.

good luck with the cube keep us updated!