Christmas ideas?

[critofer]

Hey all,
my mom is starting to ask me what i want for x-mas so i have been thinking. what would be good additions to my tank (equipment etc...)

I currently have a 29 gallon aquarium
-emperor 280 bio-wheel HOB filter
-Jager heater
-maxi-jet 1200 powerhead
-flourencent light 24''

what other pieces of equipment should i get to keep my tank nice.

Thanks guys

 

[cody6766]

what are your short and long term goals for the tank? Given those, there are a plethora of suggestions for you. Just like most things, good advice requires a goal and a budget

 

[scubasteve06]

maybe a HOB skimmer or a new light for the tank? You could always ask for both like I do...

 

[critofer]

I would just like to keep a tank with corals, anemone, and livestock. this may take a while to achieve but thats what i am planning on doing.

As for a budget, nothing wayyyy expensive. (like $300 for just one thing)

I currently have 2 clowns, yellow watchmen goby, blood shrimp, and cleaner shrimp in my tank.

 

[mudskipper1]

IMO, the pieces of equipment that you need to focus on are:

1.Light
2.Flow
3.Skimmer

Skimmer can be avoided in that size tank if you are religious about water changes, but it makes life a little easier.

Flow, if you want corals, an budget option, and not a bad option overall would be a koralia 2. Maybe two. Not too pricey. That will give you many more options once you get a decent light.

Speaking of the light. A 30" tank (assuming std.) can be a little tough to light really well, but it can be done. I would suggest t5 or LED(if you are willing to DIY). MH will likely result in temp swing, and although it can be done, a reflector that doesn't spill a lot of light would be tough on those dimensions. t5, maybe a retro, or a fixture, many options, make sure you get good bulbs though. LED-many threads on here if you are interested. Will reduce heat, save energy, and money in the long run(pitching point for the mother) But it will likely be in the $200 range to light the tank adequately, that's if you can put the pieces together yourself, if not, recommend t5. Try to avoid PC IMO, inefficient, and doesn't give as many options.

Hope that helps.

On a smaller scale, test kits, refractometer, gift certificates to reef stores(my mom used to give me just promises of money towards that end, to avoid restricting to one vendor/store). 2-part eventually, Auto top off(harder w/o a sump, but can be done).

Just some ideas.