Is a 10-gallon saltwater fish tank a viable option

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Starlux
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Is a 10-gallon saltwater fish tank a viable option

Post by Starlux »

I'm kinda new to saltwater fish, been around freshwater for a while. I'm in college, so space is limited - 10 gallon tank is all I can really manage. I just wanna know if it's doable and what kinda fish would thrive in a setup like that.
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rusticore
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Re: Is a 10-gallon saltwater fish tank a viable option

Post by rusticore »

Yeah, it can definitely work out if you've got a good understanding of what you're doing.

A goby would be a solid choice for a 10-gallon tank - you might even be able to find a mated pair of some species. There are a few other decent options out there too, but honestly, the selection is pretty limited.

What kind of setup are you thinking of - a reef tank, FOWLR, or just a basic fish-only tank?
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Starlux
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Re: Is a 10-gallon saltwater fish tank a viable option

Post by Starlux »

Id say FO is probably the best for fish, but what do I know, I'm still figuring it out.
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flintek
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Re: Is a 10-gallon saltwater fish tank a viable option

Post by flintek »

Those points cross my mind, even if the fish wouldn't really care.

Considering FO or FOWLR: if you need medication or special treatment, you don't have to worry about sensitive corals.

Reef, on the other hand, has corals that serve as good water quality indicators.

But these are just minor points. The major concern is lighting. Most corals require very bright light, while others need at least decent lighting. In contrast, fish only tanks can get by with any type of lighting.
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Starlux
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Re: Is a 10-gallon saltwater fish tank a viable option

Post by Starlux »

I'm still trying to figure things out. So what's the basic stuff I need to get started? I know I need saltwater, but do I need a new filter or new pebbles too? And how long should I let the tank run on its own before adding fish?
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zenfox8
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Re: Is a 10-gallon saltwater fish tank a viable option

Post by zenfox8 »

For some basic info on setting up a saltwater tank, I'd recommend checking out the pinned threads in the marine sections. That should give you a good starting point. As for your specific setup, there are just too many variables to consider - tank size, equipment, and the type of system you want to run, for example. It's hard for anyone to give a one-size-fits-all answer that covers every possibility.
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Starlux
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Re: Is a 10-gallon saltwater fish tank a viable option

Post by Starlux »

I've got my tank up and running now, got two little clown fish in there. Had the tank running for 3 days with salt in it before adding them.
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MarketStar
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Re: Is a 10-gallon saltwater fish tank a viable option

Post by MarketStar »

Starlux wrote: Sat Apr 12, 2025 11:27 pm I'm kinda new to saltwater fish, been around freshwater for a while. I'm in college, so space is limited - 10 gallon tank is all I can really manage. I just wanna know if it's doable and what kinda fish would thrive in a setup like that.
You didn't even let the tank cycle, did you? 3 days with salt in the water is hardly enough.
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