29 Gallon Reef Build

[kgood323]

Let me just say this forum has helped me so much the past few weeks it's unbelievable! Thanks to everyone!

So a little background...I first got into saltwater tanks when I was around 13. I had a nice 29 gallon from 14-19 when I had to get rid of it due to joining the military. My part time jobs growing up we're at the LFS and Petco's saltwater dept. So what this is leading into is that now that I am post military and in college I want to pick back up my saltwater tank. I thought I was prepared and I could not have been more wrong. Man have things changed. Plus now the internet is so much more accessible then it was 13 years ago there is just so much to learn.

So for about the past month I have been reading and reading and more reading. I have learned so much and still probably don't have a full grasp on things but I'm gonna take the jump and start my tank...again...finally. Lol.

So I got my 29 gallon tank and stand from Petco last week when the had there dollar per gallon sale. I got a simple Fluval HOB filter and am only going to put some polishing floss and maybe a foam pad in there that's about it. I am still waiting on everything I ordered from various retailers online.

Here is what I ordered:

Hobbie Bug programmable LED light 120w

Aquamaxx HOB-1 Protein Skimmer

Hydor Koralia 240 GPH pump

Eheim Heater 100w

Refractometer (Amazon)

Instant Ocean Reef Crystals (Bucket)

Various test kits from the basic to Magnesium...

Reef Chili, Reef Snow, Spectrum Thera+A Pellets

RowaPhos with filter bag

Various supplements (mag, alk calc)

So just waiting on everything to come in! I did pick up 30 lbs of Caribsea live sand. I went with a mix of Fiji Pink and reef grade so it wouldn't blow around to much but I can still have some sand sifters comfortably. Any input or advice is appreciated!!

Should I run RowaPhos in the HOB filter while it's cycling? Read many mixed views on it!

Thanks!

 

[thedon986]

Looks like you're off to a good start. I don't think you really need to run any chemical media during the cycle. Same for the protein skimmer. Once the cycle is done and you start stocking definitely get those going. I have an Aquaclear as well and run floss and ChemiPure Blue. Very satisfied with the results. Tank is near 1 year old and no nuisance algae and corals are growing well.

 

[kgood323]

Ok cool...I think I'm just going to keep the filtration to a minimum during the cycle. Just a little concerned I'm going to have a crazy algae bloom that takes months to get rid of like I did with my first one. I also used tap water so that alone probably got me off to a bad start!

 

[thedon986]

Yeah the tap water probably put you in a deeper hole. Every tank will get some algae near the start up, just keep your nutrient levels manageable and keep up on the water changes. That skimmer should really help as well. Never heard bad things about it.

 

[Mr.Tan]

Good stuff so far. I'm currently building a 29g standard tank too after taking a break from the hobby too.

i'd definitely recommend running ro/di water in the tank, i had the same bad algae issue with my last tank and i used nothing but tap water in it.

 

[kgood323]

Yea I def started this one up with RO water. Everything finally came in the mail this week and I have it officially started! I am loving it! I must say I am impressed with everything thus far! I do have a minor complaint with the AquaMaxx HOB skimmer...the bubbles were ridiculous at first but they are getting better after a few days. I directed the outflow to the back of the tank so the bubbles dissapets as it hits the back wall.

I love the Hobbie Bug Euphotica 120 watt LED Light. Lights are so much easier...no bulbs to change etc...but on that note does anyone have any recommendations on the intensity/proper cycle for these LEDs? Have heard 12/12 on off, 10/14 etc...not sure whats right. Also and intensity...60% and 60% or more or less?

Thanks! Here are some pics!

 

[kgood323]

Mr. Tan post some pics man!

 

[ReeferNtraining]

I know it's been quite a while since you posted. Do you have any updates on the 29? I am jumping back in with a 29g build myself!