Starting a 30 gallon tank. Advice please.

theomont · 03-29-2006, 06:39 PM

Hi. My name is Theo and I am starting a saltwater tank. I haven't bought any equipment yet and right now I am looking for advice on 2 components of the tank. I am going to purchase the Oceanic 30g cube tank and build a stand for it because I don't like the factory stand Oceanic suggests I use. That tank presents a problem with the filtering because I don't believe there will be enough room below the tank for a sump system. Does anybody have an opinion on canister filters? Are the wet/dry canister systems reliable? Also, what is the best skimmer for a 30g system? I'm going to purchase the tank this weekend and hopefully I can start work on the stand as well. I'll post pictures once I make a little progress. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Tim224DT · 03-29-2006, 06:59 PM

Welcome to TRT!

Now keep in mind you wont get the Oceanic to honor your tank if it breaks becuase it is not on their stand. There should be enough room under the stand to put a sump. For the skimmer i would say a Remora Aqua C would do great on a tank that size.

Is this going to be a fish only with live rock (FOWLR) tank or a reef tank? If its going to be a reef tank i would stay away from the canister filters. Live rock (LR) and a good skimmer like the Remora and some flow from a return pump or power heads (PH) is all the filtration you need.

How big are you planning making the stand. I would think there would be enough room to put a rubbermiad container or some custom built acrylic box under the stand. Then use a Mag pump for the return it is an internal pump.

Tim

Tim224DT · 03-29-2006, 07:08 PM

Remore Skimmer Link

Mag Pumps Link

Maxi Jet PH link

theomont · 03-29-2006, 07:22 PM

Yeah, I understand that the stand breaks the warranty. I just find that stand to be ugly and believe I can do much better. The tank measures 20.5x18.5 so it's almost a square. The dimensions of storage space in the stand would be 20.5x18.5x40.

I want the tank to be a FOWLR tank for clownfish. I know that clownfish can go without an anenome but will likely add one or two so they aren't stressed. This being my first saltwater tank I don't want to get in over my head and want to try and keep it simple.

Tim224DT · 03-29-2006, 07:27 PM

I have two clowns in my tank. Clowns dont need anemones at all. I dont have one for my clowns. For a tank that size stick with one anemone. What kind of lights do you plan on keeping over the tank? Anemones need lots of light. 30 gallon tank two clowns and a gobies or blenny or something that size would look great!

That is more than enough room under the stand to build a sump. Just be wall to wall for the sump. Put some baffles to keep the bubbles from being returned to the tank and you are set. Here is a pic of a sump that i plan on building soon well within the next month or two. This is just to give you a general idea of what baffles are. You can use this design just make it 20" vs 23"

Tim224DT · 03-29-2006, 07:28 PM

Also this was made for an external pump.

Tim

VWD · 03-29-2006, 07:30 PM

Welcome to TRT!!!

Tim224DT · 03-29-2006, 07:42 PM

I know it seems like i am asking alot of quesitons but i have one more. For a sump setup like you are thinking. Are you going to do a hang on back(HOB) overflow or do you plan to drill the tank? Personaly i would get it drilled more reliable and peace of mind knowing it wont overflow. But spending that much on the tank might want to make sure it doesnt get broken during the drilling.

Also have you looked into the All-Glass tanks? Oceanic and All-Glass are the same company. Its like comparing Chevy to Caddy. Oceanic being the Caddy and All-Glass being the Chevy.

Just keep asking questions and your tank will look great!

Tim

Tim

theomont · 03-29-2006, 07:45 PM

Awesome. I really would like to have a sump so I may build one to fit the space since you think I can fit one. The overflow will likely be a hang on back since I don't want to drill that tank. I may also look into the All-Glass aquariums but really like that Oceanic.

I haven't given light much thought yet. I haven't built the canopy yet so I want to do that to see how it will mount. If clownfish can do well without anenome's I may end up not adding one.

Tim224DT · 03-29-2006, 07:51 PM

Yeah check out my website link is in my signature. I have an All-Glass 72 gallon. I built that canopy to fit on it. It was really easy to build. And yes oceanic tanks are nice but just to much $$ for me.

HOB overflows work just keep it clean and you shouldnt have any problems.

And yes clowns dont need a host like an anemone.

Tim