New Tank Setup

manderson0805 · 01-13-2003, 10:42 PM

I am pretty sure of setting up my first mini reef tank, here is what I have planned.

30 Gallon
PC lighting
Skilter filter with protein skimmer....something simple for a beginner. Maybe a tidepool.....opinions on a small reef tank???
75% Live sand
25% Aragonite
25 to 30 lbs of live rock.
2 Perculas and 1 Pseudochromis. Let me know what you all think, Thanks for any advice. Mike

Minnreefer · 01-14-2003, 08:11 AM

I would recomend getting a backpac or prizim skimmer for your skimmer. Everything else sounds good

HTH

Jon

ShirleyM · 01-14-2003, 10:16 AM

The fish sound fine, Mike.
Are you planning a DSB?

And Welcome again to TRT!
Shirley

Junkzoo · 01-14-2003, 10:36 AM

Sounds good Mike, ditto on Jon's post about the skimmer,,,

manderson0805 · 01-14-2003, 11:04 PM

Can I dump the skilter for an emporer 400 bio wheel filter, then add a seaclone skimmer?

tdwyatt · 01-14-2003, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by manderson0805
Can I dump the skilter for an emporer 400 bio wheel filter, then add a seaclone skimmer?

nope, biowheels and similar nitrification apparatus are unnecessary for reef systems. The function of the wet wheel is taken over by live rock and deep sand beds (LR and DSB) and are much more efficient in their function.
before you get into it too deep, you might want to read eitherBob Fenner's book or the Tulloch book, both of them address this issue and why you want to avoid such filtration in reef aquaria.

manderson0805 · 01-14-2003, 11:36 PM

Ok, The person I'm getting this setup from currently has a skilter filter, and a powerhead. These are the only two type of filtration on the tank. I was planning on a seaclone protein skimmer, but as a rookie, I figured I should have some sort of mechanical filter to get detrius out of the water. Can I remove the skilter and add another powerhead (with the skimmer) or what else would you all reccommend. Thanks, Mike

Junkzoo · 01-14-2003, 11:47 PM

Mike, i would recommend getting rid of the skilter,and getting a CPR backpac or a Red Sea Prism skimmer, you will be glad you did , and avoid one step of a upgrade later,,,,

tdwyatt · 01-15-2003, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Junkzoo
... you will be glad you did , and avoid one step of a upgrade later...

ditto, save the money that you'd spend on the biowheel and get a good skimmer for that size tank. The skimmer will remove the organics that will be converted to nitrate before they become a souce of nutrition for nuisance algal blooms. Using a ineffective skimmer will only be a waste of time and money. Think about getting a home source of RO/DI as well.

Hope this gives you some direction, this is often a difficult place to be when inheriting a tank that someone else has set up for you. Good luck.