used 29g Bio Cube
 

Is it a good starting point for a first fish tank? It's currently running with lr and one fish. Do I need to buy anything else to make it happy?
Jenna

I have a biocube 14 with live rock, mushrooms, ricordia, pulsing zenia, green star polyps, yellow polyps, zoos, macro algaes, snails and a few little gobies. I have left the set-up as supplied with no modifications and just do water changes. It is awesome and a lot lower maintenance than my wifes 180g with all her specialty corals. So I would say a 29g would even be better for a starting point. Just do your research before sticking things in. www.nanoreef.com has some helpful tips for setting up such tanks.
Chris

I like these little bio cubes. The only thing that makes a smaller system more difficult is the fact that a lower water volume translates into less stability. If something goes wrong in the tank, there is less water to "absorb" it, for lack of a better word.

But I say go for it! Just read up first and ask lots of questions. And be willing to test your water more regularly than, say, someone with a bigger system might.

So when you say I shoud check my water more often, how often is that? And how often do I need to change the water?
Jenna

In a tank that small, I would change a couple gallons every week.

Is there a formula to calculate the number of fish/shrimps/stars/clams ets for a fishtank? A clown is a must :) And is it safe to have other fish around if I put an amneone to host my clown? How do I make sure it doesn't eat the other fish?
Jenna

I would recommend a Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA). Probably your best chances for survival, and aren't really known to eat fish. Other anemones (which would be entirely unsuitable to a tank of that size) do eat fish.

In a tank that size I would keep two or three fish (ones that won't get too big). A clown is ok for sure. Perhaps a chromis or damsel....a goby perhaps. I would stay away from starfish as they generally don't have a very good survival rate (except for, perhaps, brittle starfish).

Too bad, I really wanted a starfish :( What about clams? Are they even fun to look at? I've seen some pictures of beautiful clams and I've seen some at Big Al's - didn't like them, they are brown and I want something more pretty.
What about snails and shrmps?

To keep clams you need really good lighting. In a standard Bio-cube you would not have near enough light IMHO.

I would also suggest letting your tank mature for at least 6 months before you added an anemone. The need stable eco-systems to survive and flourish.

I'm sure others might disagree, but I'd really suggest you stay away from Starfish. I know, they can be so cool....until they die ;)

Shrimp are definitely ok! I'd suggest a Peppermint Shrimp. That way, if you get any aiptasia (pest anemones), there's a chance it'll eat 'em.

Clams. Well, depends on the lighting in the biocube. Does it come with Power Compacts or Metal Halides? I have no idea. They can be really beautiful.

I'd throw a few snails in, too. Astreas, Ceriths....something like that. Again, others can chime in. I'm certainly no expert!