33g starphire reef cube

[exv152]

Hi there, I'm an absolute novice to reef keeping, but I've been keeping high tech planted tank for a few years now. So I'm looking for some input on starting up a reef tank with a 33g starphire 20x20x20 inch cube. I'm planning a very simple and easy to keep reef, with fast growing corals and fish that will get along. I've got a 4x T5HO tek light fixture I can use, and an eheim 2217 for filtration, and a hydor inline 300w heater.

So my question is, can I get away with not using a protein skimmer, phosphate reactor, etc, by doing more water changes like say 15-20% a week?

Any stocking suggestions for corals/fish welcome.

Eric

 

[ericarenee]

Hi there, I'm an absolute novice to reef keeping, but I've been keeping high tech planted tank for a few years now. So I'm looking for some input on starting up a reef tank with a 33g starphire 20x20x20 inch cube. I'm planning a very simple and easy to keep reef, with fast growing corals and fish that will get along. I've got a 4x T5HO tek light fixture I can use, and an eheim 2217 for filtration, and a hydor inline 300w heater.

So my question is, can I get away with not using a protein skimmer, phosphate reactor, etc, by doing more water changes like say 15-20% a week?

Any stocking suggestions for corals/fish welcome.

Eric

this same question is being talked about in another thread forget the name of it ..but yes you thou not recommended

 

[exv152]

Thanks for the reply.

A follow up question, what is the benefit of using live rock vs dry rock/coral? A local LFS here sells dry rock for $2/lbs, but the live stuff is easily three times that.

 

[ericarenee]

Thanks for the reply.

A follow up question, what is the benefit of using live rock vs dry rock/coral? A local LFS here sells dry rock for $2/lbs, but the live stuff is easily three times that.

With Dry Rock you are starting with a total fresh slate. Nothing Growing on it. So no worry about unwanted Critters .

The Benefit of Live rock it will help seed your tank Quicker Coraline (pink and purple algae) will usually Start covering rock work quicker.
Live rock will require re-curing even thou its been cured in the pet store likely..
For a Brand new smaller tank i would prob go with Dry Rock for the base rock with a small amount of Live rock on top for looks and to help seed the tank and base rock.

 

[tennesseebob]

+1 on dry rock with live seed...I like picking one with a cool coral on it, don't get one with clams, they are hard to keep alive.

 

[bmrigs]

You can successfully keep a reef tank without a protein skimmer but more discipline is needed (water changes) in maintaining it.

 

[exv152]

For a Brand new smaller tank i would prob go with Dry Rock for the base rock with a small amount of Live rock on top for looks and to help seed the tank and base rock.

Thanks for the suggestion. That sounds like a good idea.

Here is a picture of the tank I want to use to set up the nano reef, when it was used for freshwater.

What about substrate? I was thinking of getting a bag of aragonite and mixing it with a bag of crushed coral (which I already have), is this a good idea? And how deep should I go with the substrate?

 

[exv152]

Bumping…

I see a lot of different substrates & depths. I see some folks using deep (approx 2-3”) substrates, or an inch only, or none at all.

What's the consensus for depth and preferred type of substrate nowadays?

Thanks

 

[ericarenee]

Bumping"¦

I see a lot of different substrates & depths. I see some folks using deep (approx 2-3") substrates, or an inch only, or none at all.

What's the consensus for depth and preferred type of substrate nowadays?

Thanks

Its kinda up to you. A deep sand bed can help with filtration.I would either use a 3 inches or None at all and a lot of live rock . It Really is up to you and what you intend on putting in the tank .Both have good and bad.

 

[saltyskier]

I run a tank without a protein skimmer and have had no problems. It's about sensible stalking levels and keeping up with your water changes.

 

[exv152]

I run a tank without a protein skimmer and have had no problems. It's about sensible stalking levels and keeping up with your water changes.

Thanks.

Its kinda up to you. A deep sand bed can help with filtration.I would either use a 3 inches or None at all and a lot of live rock . It Really is up to you and what you intend on putting in the tank .Both have good and bad.

Thanks. Which substrate is better at buffering the KH & ph, crushed coral or aragonite?