Can you help me setup my 30 gallon?

[Kimberly63]

Hello,

I have a 30 gallon and plan on doing reefs. I don't know anybody to ask for help. I wanted to have a sump tank but my tank is not drilled.

I'm just curious what would be the best size skimmer, pump and filter to get for this size tank. I really have no idea on how to set up the equipment and what to get. I'd appreciate any advice!

 

[drillsar]

This is a list:

45lbs of live rock
Overflow box (Lifereef, if you want sump)
10gal Sump would be efficient more is better
Heater (150w)
2 Powerheads Maxi-Jet 1200
Mag 7 or Mag 5 you have to consider head loss, etc with Ball Valve so you can release some pressure (For return if you want sump) You want 10 to 20% of your tank water volume for flow.


Light (Depends on what corals you want, with this tank I would look into t5's like sunlight supply, forget power compacts.)

Sand (Depends if you want DSB, No Sand or shallow there is a calculator here to determine how much sand you need it's at the home page.

Salt (Get pail size either Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals)

Skimmer (not sure, also depends if you want a sump skimmer)

Then you cycle your tank with the rock you dont need a filter the rock is your filter.

 

[siwelk]

i am also in the process of setting up a 30g reef. im not sure how similar our livestock goals are but ill give you a list of my equipment.

skimmer - EuroReef CS5-2
sump - 15H AGA
return - mag7
flow - 2x koralia 3
lights - 6x39w 36'' Nova Extreme Pro
heater - 150w visi-therm stealth


thats just a basic rundown for you. ill post a link to my build thread for you after i get off work in the morning. opera mini on win mobile doesnt let me copy and paste very easily.


HTH

 

[drillsar]

TEst kits I like Salifert as there pretty accurate

I forgot you will need a good RO/DI system like the typhoon made by Air water and ice. VERY IMPORTANT

Refractometer

Optional Equipment:

phosban reactor 1 or 2, One will be for activated charcoal other for phosban

 

[drillsar]

siwelk has some good equipment there, I personally dont like the Nova's though but its probably a good idea to go to your local LFS and check out there setups and see what lights look more pleasing to you.

 

[ludiNano]

First if its empty... have it drilled. Take it to a local glass and window shop and they should do it for $20, compared to (my) LFS chargeing $40. Drill it.


Im almost done with my 29g w/ 20g sump and 5.5 refugium. Here are some pics and my crude diagram.

This is the display w/ 30'' 150w current 14k and 12 led moon lights.

This is how every thing will flow. I wanted to split the drain from the main tank, however the top of the refugium is nearly even with the drain. Rio pums run very cool though.

And the actual thing.

Acrilic Baffles siliconed in to reduce bubble from Octo PS-120 (very afordable and reliable).

Refugium DIY overflow.