Stocking a 22-Gallon Saltwater Tank: A Guide for Beginners

Stocking a 22-Gallon Saltwater Tank: A Guide for Beginners

Note: These are just some friendly suggestions for what you could stock in our aquariums.

Stocking a 22-gallon saltwater tank allows for a greater variety of species and slightly larger fish. The key is to choose the right combination of fish, corals, and invertebrates to create a balanced and vibrant ecosystem. Here are some tips and suggestions for stocking a 22g tank:

Fish:

  1. Clownfish (1-2): Just like the 15g tank, clownfish are a great choice for beginners.
  2. Royal Gramma (1): This small, colorful fish is peaceful and adds a splash of purple and yellow to your tank.
  3. Six-Line Wrasse (1): An active and hardy fish, perfect for a slightly larger tank.
  4. Pajama Cardinalfish (2-3): Peaceful and unique-looking, they thrive in small groups.
  5. Yellow Watchman Goby (1): A bottom-dweller that pairs well with pistol shrimp for interesting behaviors.

Corals:

  1. Zoanthids: Still a great choice for color and ease of care.
  2. Mushroom Corals: Their adaptability makes them perfect for a 22g tank as well.
  3. Hammer Coral: Slightly more advanced, but with the extra space, it can thrive and add movement.
  4. Frogspawn Coral: Another slightly more advanced coral that adds beautiful flowing tentacles.

Invertebrates:

  1. Cleaner Shrimp (1-2): Their cleaning habits and interesting behaviors make them a great addition.
  2. Snails (5-7): Increase the number slightly to help with algae control.
  3. Hermit Crabs (3-4): More room means you can add a few extra to help keep the substrate clean.
  4. Emerald Crab (1): Great for controlling bubble algae.

Key Considerations

  • Avoid Overcrowding: Overcrowding can lead to stress, disease, and poor water quality. Always research the adult sizes of fish and their compatibility.
  • Filtration and Maintenance: Smaller tanks can be more challenging to maintain due to their limited water volume. Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are crucial.
  • Introduce Slowly: Add new inhabitants gradually to allow your biological filtration to adjust to the increased bioload.
  • Compatibility: Ensure that the species you choose are compatible in terms of temperament, diet, and environmental needs.
Back to blog