I need help!

Whitten · 11-27-2003, 12:52 PM

I am getting a 30 gallon Oceanic Cube for Christmas. I found one for 99 bucks, and my mother said that she thought it would be cool to see me build a larger reef in my aptartment. Here are my major concerns right now.

I am planning on having about 4 or 5 fish, some inverts, and coral.

1. Should I go with PC lights, or MH? Keep in mind that I cannot spend any more than 200 dollars on lights. I really want to do MH but can't find a good setup for under 200 dollars. Suggestions please! This is my biggest delema.

2. Should I run a skimmer? What kind? I have heard that the Remoras' are good as well as the Back Pak 2s'.

3. Should I do a refugium? What do I need to build one? What does it entail, or can I get away with just having caulerpa in the tank?

Any hep would be greatly appreciated, as I am very new to this and want to do it right the first time. I have been doing a alot of reading, and also talking with the lfs, but I trust people that are in the hobby better than a salesman.

Pic of my tank.

11-27-2003, 01:04 PM

to awnser your questions #1. what type of corals you plan on keeping? if it were me id go after a 175w mh pendent you can look for one here through sponser or possibly a used set up from a hobbiest here

200$ shouldnt be a problem to get a good light set up
#2 yes get a skimmer.... either a hob or one for sump use..
#3 refugium great place for nutrient export as well as a breeding ground for pods and good bacterias

is this a nessesity no.... but it will add more over all water volume as well as a place to hide all the heaters and what not

hth

11-27-2003, 01:06 PM

one last thing 4-5 fish is a bit high... unless you go for clown golbies or something... this is going to be a reef the main eye candy is the corals not the fish... just get 2 fire fish and maybe a pair of percs

other wise limit the fish to 2-3

Geoff · 11-27-2003, 02:10 PM

i really likethe 30 cube. it is a great shape. the mh pendant idea is a good one. i think hamilton pendants are aroun $175. you can find 10k bulbs now for $50. i think the remora skimmers look a bit more effiecient than the bak-pak, but i do not have any real experience with either, but i hear good things about both. depending on how much flow you have through your sump, i would suggest just throwing a light over the sump and try growing algae in there. it should be fine if the flow is slow enough. i suggest a couple of PH in the tank for most of your flow.

G~

Whitten · 11-27-2003, 10:20 PM

Ok that brings me to my next question.
Can I set a sump up in the tank without drilling?
What all is needed for a sump?
and what kind of price am I looking at here?
Also if I ever wanted to in the future could I add a sump?

Please I am totally clueless so have patience with me. So far my experience with saltwater is my 2.5 nano. I have no clue as to what building a sump would entail or what kind of equipment is needed.

Whitten · 11-27-2003, 10:21 PM

Also are the Prisims any good? I have hear mixed reviews on them and it seems as though aloth of people swear by them while a few say that they are as effective as the skilter.

11-27-2003, 11:10 PM

yes you can get a hang on back over flow and some pvc pipe and a good pump and you can do it. it looks a lil bulky but it can be done effectivly....
just a lil info maybe if you dont wanna drill one get a big hang on back one?

Doug1 · 11-27-2003, 11:16 PM

Of the skimmers listed the Remora Pro is best choice, the Prizm is not worth the time .