[jenglish]

I have a 30 long tank that I am wanting to set up as a reef tank. While I would prefer to get a t5 36x4 I can get a 96w x2 for less than half the price so thats probably the direction I will go. Probably get a maroon clown and perhaps a jawfish for verts. Inverts its hard to tell yet. I'm wondering what all I can grow under 2 96w pc. I had a 29g w/ 2 65w a few years ago. Will be ordering uncured rock and curing it(is it worth it to use black powder or similar product while curing?). It will probably be the end of the month before I can set it up but wanted some feedback beforehand. Filtered by a penguin biowheel 125 and a seaclone 100 skimmer. I already have a 10 gallon tank that I am getting sand cultured in and raising mysis and gammarus shrimp for the project. Haven't had a salt tank in almost 5 years so I wonder what I missed =)

 

[Loverotties]

:wavey:Welcome to TRT!:wavey: T-5 you can get more kinds of corals and clams with that then PC.You don't need the biowheel just adds Nitrates and you should think of a better skimmer.

 

[jenglish]

Bio-wheel is removed, mostly running it just for a mechanical filter... old habits die hard , I'll post in general for suggestions on a better skimmer

 

[Loverotties]

I answered their.

 

[crvz]

You'll probably be able to grow some mushrooms, zoas, other softies. I wouldnt try anything more with just the 2 PC bulbs. I'd also recommend upgrading the lighting, but if you're satisfied with those corals that may be sufficient.

 

[rufusreefer]

Consider covering your aquarium very tightly with a versatop or some other clear cover. Jawfish are jumpers!

 

[aquawolf]

:agree: Good advice on the fish jumping issue.

 

[jenglish]

I think I may pass on the Jawfish just based on the depth of sand recommended. Has anyone used "egg crate" light diffuser for a tank cover to allow better gas exchange and heat disspation? I've seen it used before but I'm thinking that I don't want the light dissipated I want it as concentrated as possible!
since I first posted this tank thread I have decided definate
T5 39wx4 lights
skimmer- still trolling ebay for a remora, octopus, something along those lines
LR
sand bed (I know this is controversial but I find sand as aesthetically important as the rock)
and thanks to all for suggestions and tips

 

[aquawolf]

Are you going to have a canopy over the tank?

I placed my light fixture inside my canopy and then used the eggcrate along the back opening to act as a rebounding device in case any fish felt like committing suicide.

I have also seen some people use some type of window screening over the top of the tank.

 

[jenglish]

No canopy, the tank sits on a double cast iron stand w/ a freshwater planted/softwater fish 30l on the bottom stand. I think that adding a cannopy would make it look unbalanced as it has a very airy spacious feel to it atm.

 

[aquawolf]

In that case I would also stay away from any of the fish that are known jumpers.

Best of luck.

 

[jenglish]

http://www.reefspecialty.com/octopus-dual-hangontheback-protein-skimmer-p-74.html and a Nova extreme t5 39x4 lighting both ordered and waiting for delivery, now all I need to do is order some rock and then I can start cycling finally

 

[jenglish]

trying to load some pictures, not sure if it worked. My nano reef and the FW planted tank beneath just for fun

 

[aquawolf]

The pictures worked. Thanks for sharing.

 

[icebear]

cool! i have much the same setup. 30L, SW (softies) on top, lightly planted FW at the bottom.

 

[jenglish]

getting a mated pair of false percs for free from a saltie buddey of mine in town:dance:. I love free stuff!

 

[aquawolf]

Free is always nice.

 

[jenglish]

ordered 10 nerite snails, 10 margaritas, 10 onyx nassarius, 10 RL hermits, 10 BL hermits 1 emerald crab today. order will process monday and be here tuesday. I also ordered an polyp assortment. I know its rushing a adding at the same time as the cleanup crew but the S&H packaging deals are just too tempting.

 

[aquawolf]

I don't think it will cause you any major problems, and you are right about the cost of shipping and having to make it worth the money.

 

[jenglish]

I got my mated pair of occelaris clowns drip acclimating b4 going into quarantine. QT tank got set up a little late but it is already showing some nitrate and nitrite is lower than it was yesterday. The pair came from a tank that had been neglected and had equipment problems. THey have been living in a lightless tank w/ only an airstone for a week. They look healthy and active though so I have high hopes. I am told they are ORA. They will spend a couple of weeks in QT and 2morrow my cleanup crew and a few polyps will come in. They will be going directly in tank. I figure that is safer than putting them in the QT tank w/ the clowns.