As requested pics of a Newbies tank

[blakeboy300]

Please before anyone tells me what I did wrong I know that these came out pretty bad. Let me know what you guys think so far

and now with the actinics. (terrible picture)

 

[TA]

Based on the fact that I see a heater in your tank and no overflow box, I'm assuming you have no sump......

Suggestion #1: Get a sump hooked up under your stand.

*more suggestions to come*

 

[archer8681]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8648727#post8648727 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TA
Based on the fact that I see a heater in your tank and no overflow box, I'm assuming you have no sump......

Suggestion #1: Get a sump hooked up under your stand.

*more suggestions to come*

:thumbsup:

 

[Krazy]

A nice blue or black background would add some nice contrast to the tank and keep your eyes off the cords in the background

(It also helps keep the light in the tank)

 

[blakeboy300]

You guys are correct as there is no sump yet. In due time I hope to upgrade to maybe a 55 or 75. (with the wives approval) On a real tight budget right now.

 

[TA]

With such a small tank and no sump (total effective volume is lower), you need to be more careful of salinity and temperature shifts.

Some say keeping a smaller tank can be more challenging for these (and other) reasons.

Good luck!

Looks like a good start and the beginning of another addicted reefer!

 

[blakeboy300]

Thanks TA. I have done regular water changes of between 10 and 20 percent of water. My Salinity has been very stable 1.023-1.025. As long as I do regular water changes and watch everything very closely I should be OK until I upgrade. Let me know what you think.

 

[TA]

Listen to your zoanthids......they will "tell" you how you're doing!

 

[archer8681]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8648853#post8648853 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blakeboy300
You guys are correct as there is no sump yet. In due time I hope to upgrade to maybe a 55 or 75. (with the wives approval) On a real tight budget right now.

If your looking to setup a sump, you can do it fairly inexpensive. Check out melevsreef http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/glass/ its a good place for DIY ideas and a source for good information. I made my sump from a 30 gal tank copying off one of his sumps.

 

[amf82380]

what size tank is it? I would ditch that HOB filter and go with an aqua clear especially if you plan on adding fish I have a 10 gal and I am running a AC 70 along with a sea clone 150 protein skimmer and still have to keep a close eye on everything and if this is your first SW tank then the other members are right things do get tricky as long as you keep topping off and do your water changes reg then you should be alright in that dept but you main issue is going to be with temp swings it takes alot of fine tunning and carful watching to get that right I mean it can be done I have had my 10 now two years and its still going strong but just so you have been for warned it does take alot more carful watching and work to keep the smaller tanks up and going heathly.

Aaron

 

[Dave ESPI]

Just keep living SUMP FREE


* I hate sumps.
On a budget, you can still do amazing things. Just have Patience

 

[jaze36]

Here is a pic of my sump free 10 gal. I use a whisper filter and a sea clown skimmer. With small tanks you must be very consistant with your water changes and feeding. small tank success is not impossible but you must be more careful with what you do. It looks like you are off to a good start.

here it is when I first set it up,

Here it is after 6 months or so, nothing was added to the tank in that time, everything just grew.

 

[TA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8648853#post8648853 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blakeboy300
In due time I hope to upgrade to maybe a 55 or 75.

Not that you can't maintain a tank without a sump...but it will certainly make it easier.

So....Sump YES.

 

[jaze36]

Let me add to my previous post. A sump is definately the way to go if you can. I agree with TA that it will make keeping the tank much easier with a sump, especially for a beginner.

I don't see a skimmer. My next purchase before a sump would be a decent HOB skimmer, then sump.

You will find one of the most interesting, most frustrating, and contraversial parts of this hobby is getting the set up you are comfortable with. There are lots of way to do things in this hobby and you can have success many different ways. The one thing that is universal for success in this hobby, no matter what, is to have patience and continued learning.

 

[blakeboy300]

I agree with all of you. This is my first saltwater tank and I don't want to overspend and everything go wrong. I plan on buying all the parts I will need over the next year or so to run a larger tank. Being on a budget really is tough with this hobby. So if it takes me over a year to buy a tank, sump, lights, skimmer and so on then be it. My next tank will be my BABY so it will take time. Thanks for all the help so far.

 

[scorp1on]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8652062#post8652062 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blakeboy300
I agree with all of you. This is my first saltwater tank and I don't want to overspend and everything go wrong. I plan on buying all the parts I will need over the next year or so to run a larger tank. Being on a budget really is tough with this hobby. So if it takes me over a year to buy a tank, sump, lights, skimmer and so on then be it. My next tank will be my BABY so it will take time. Thanks for all the help so far.

Be sure to check the paper, RC selling forum, want ads digest, craigslist, etc. You can find deals on some used items. Of course caution needs to be exercised but I got a MH unit with digital timer for over $150+ less than the lights new (bulbs have less than 3 mo burn on actinics and 2 mos on MH). Also got 2 55g tanks for $140 with stands and one had a ton of accesories from garage sale postings in the TU.

 

[sbertomen]

I am sumpless, and hopefully will remain so even with my cube. For me, frequent water changes are inconsequential compared to having the equipment required to move water from one point to another.

 

[xian]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8658505#post8658505 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sbertomen
I am sumpless, and hopefully will remain so even with my cube. For me, frequent water changes are inconsequential compared to having the equipment required to move water from one point to another.

I myself am all about making water changes as painless as possible.

My sump is in my basement.