I'm thinking of setting up a 15 gallon high (20L x 10D x 18H) nano FOWLR tank and I've got a few questions about starting it up. I would like to use a DSB in the tank...how deep should it be? I have a spare koralia nano powerhead that I can put in there for some flow. The light fixture I have right now is just a plain old fluorescent single tube but I can upgrade that later on if I feel like adding some corals. I have an extra aquaclear 20 power filter that I could throw on there, would this be to my advantage as a filter? Typically this is run with ammonia remover, carbon and a filter pad; would this be a good way to run it or should I use say a phosphate remover?

Livestock: What kind of fish would be suitable for this size tank? I think I would be happy with 1 or 2 clowns or perhaps 1 clown and another fish. I'm not really a fan of damsels but I do find the blennies and gobies interesting. Is there maybe a list of good nano fish somewhere?

A 15 gal should be fine for a pair of clowns and another small fish. Perhaps a firefish or a clown goby. The regular light should be fine for FOWLR, and like you said, you can always upgrade

I have a Koralia Nano in my 12 gallon and it does a fine job. I'd say go ahedad and use the power filter as well. Carbon and phosphate remover would be my personal choice. Just keep in mind, you"ll probably want to remove it if you upgrade to a reef.

As for your DSB, I'd encourage you to go with a minimum of 4" to get any denitrification benefit from it.

Thanks for the quick response phurst. One thing I forgot to ask about is the cleanup crew. I can never keep straight which snails and hermit crabs are best to use. What is the general recommendation on number of snails and hermits for nanos?

I have 2 astrea snails in my 12 and that's all, but mainly because it houses my mantis among other things and he eats all my other inverts. in a 15, I'd go with 3 or 4 blueleg hermits, a couple of astreas and a couple of nassarius. maybe a shrimp as well to help with leftover food.

randy, good to see your on the move bud! Although with duel clowns, id stick to just that! they will dominate & 15 gal will cover their personal territory IMO

If I were too do 1 clown instead of 2 and keep the goby, are there any other kinds of fish that I could put in there?

Also, does anyone know about how many pounds of sand it would take for that 4 inch deep sand bed?

Hi there everyone ... new to this forum

ImRandy85 - per the sand bed calc on RC, you would need about 40# of sand. my experience with this calc says that it's pretty accurate to the typical live sand you see at the LFS.
as far as clean up crew, may I also suggest the nerite snails. they're tiny and perfect for a small tank like the one you're thinking of. as long as you don't mind the little white eggs they lay.

just my thoughts, good luck

Ya I say around 40lb of sand should be good for a DSB.