One of the guys down at my boat dock is giving me a free 25 gallon tank with a stand I need your guys input on what i should do with it and how! Never have done a sump/skimmer type deal but would like to try it so i know what to do when i upgrade. Thanks!
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I think the dimensions are 24 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 20 3/4 or something like that. How much would a 15k halide setup cost? And ive been wanting a maroon pair too so that works. What skimmer should i get or how should i set up this tank? Should i get an overflow box, sump, skimmer, return pump and the whole setup? Or is there an easier way to do this?
I would run a HOB skimmer, LR and a 4 inch sand bed (.5 to 2mm sand).
I got my triple 250 halide set up with IC 660 and all the bulbs for <50 bucks. Keep your eyes on craigs list if money matters. If not www.hellolights.com (I think) is cheap.
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Jason
My girlfriend says bigger is better, so I am going to build the biggest skimmer I can.
I would drill it and then get a 10 gallon throw a couple baffles in it and make a sump. IMO 250w is way overkill. I would go with a 150w. I personally HATE seeing equipment in the DT so that is why I would go with the sump. Also IMO, DSB are a waste of time and money. On a small tank like this, just get a nice skimmer and keep up on water changes.
4 inch SB is not that deep. I suggest a DSB though because it is anemones so PO4 will not be that big of an issue so long as it has some where to go (like the sand) and the more sand you have the longer the SB will last before needing replaced. Maroons get big and can be messy so you need to have a good bio filter (like the sand). Going with a simple set up with a HOB skimmer will limit your skimmer performance and having anemones in the tank will limit your maximum flow in the tank, the two of these combined will make your skimmer less effective but a moot point to be made. A small tank can be easily maintained by regular water changes, but, a good HOB skimmer and a DSB will definatly do their part between water changes and the skimmer will lower over all DOCs in the water.
I agree, a 150 HQI would be sufficient light for a RBTA to live happily in a 25 gallon tank. A 250 MH however would sufficient light for a RBTA to be propogated nicely in a 25 gallon tank (given proper and stable parameters and diet). My idea was to start with one RBTA and work twards having 5 or 6 in the tank then selling off RBTAs (or trading) for other frags as each of them split.
As far as what to look for on craigs list goes... The main thing is the ballast, get the one you like for the price you want to pay. The only thing else to it is the reflector, cord and socket. The reflector is not a big deal if you have a canopy, you can just mount it inside it and paint the inside of the canopy white. If you don't have a canopy look for a complete set up with a pendant. I actually have a 400 MH that I think I'm going to use on my 40 gallon cube with the same critters in it I'm suggesting to you. If you have the loot check marine depot and Dr F n S for a good retro kit, you can get a single 250 retro kit for fairly cheap and it will have a warantee on it. If you can't afford one from them then at least it is a good reference point for pricing used ballasts.
Also, Quadricolors (BTA and RBTA) are the only natural host anemone for maroons.
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Jason
My girlfriend says bigger is better, so I am going to build the biggest skimmer I can.
Do BTA's need a smaller amount of light then a RBTA would? Im more concerned about the fish than the anemone. What kind of flow should i have in this tank? Would a koralia 1 be sufficient or too much or too low? Do you think you could link me to a halide setup? I think what im going to do is just get the fish, powerhead, LR and the skimmer now and use my flourescent fixture for the fish because they dont need any crazy kind of lighting and then when my tanks stable and ready for a nem ill get a nice halide setup, this way ill know my tanks stable and i wont spend all the money at once. Think this is a good idea?
What K bulb would be the best if it was the only lighting in the tank? I want the tank to look good and not have lots of yellow. Also with that light fixture i could have corals and stuff too right?
I need your guys input on what i should do with it and how! Never have done a sump/skimmer type deal but would like to try it so i know what to do when i upgrade. Thanks!
Tim 
