Couple quick startup questions

[AquaAdam]

Hello everyone!

I'm in the process of setting up a 60 gallon cube reef tank. it's 24x24x24. Since this is my first saltwater tank, I just want to make sure I do things properly; so here's my questions:

1. What should I be looking for in terms of a heater? I've read that 2 are better than one (incase one breaks down?) I'm assuming higher wattage = more heat?

2 Do I need powerheads to start or how soon will I need them?

I've heard that the amount of flow you need is around 10 to 20x the tank volume so that would be 600-1200(is this gallons per hour?). Do I need 2 powerheads at the rated flow, 2 equaling the rated flow, or 1?

3. What's the best skimmer for my tank with a price range up to $300?

-I have a sump system setup - I bought everything used but the guy sold the skimmer before I got there and told me he had a real cheap one. I'd rather get something good, than deal with problems. Also, what should i look for when buying a skimmer?


I really appreciate any help I can get on these things as they're the last pieces of the saltwater puzzle for me.

Thanks!

 

[runningrandy04]

Hey Adam,
Welcome to the saltwater addiction!

1. You are correct, 2 heaters are best. Size them to where only 1 can barely heat your tank. That way if one gets stuck on, the second shuts off. If one doesn't turn on, your tank will only drop a few degrees. I believe it is better to be on the colder side then the warmer. I use 2x 100w heaters on a 100gal system, and it has kept up as long as the ambient air was above 68deg. I have an extra 100w for my mixing containter that I throw in the tank on cold winter nights.

2. A cycle (first 6 weeks) does not require a powerhead as long as your return pump has a decent amount of flow, but it is highly recommended. To minimize dead spots, 2 powerheads should be used. If your tank needs 600-1200 gal/hr, the sum of your return pump and powerhead's flow rates should be around 1000 gal/hr. Don't shy from the high side, as long as your sand stays on the bottom.

3. As far as skimmers, I'm a fan of Octopus. They have good quality for the price. Depending on how much room you have in your sump an Octopus classic 110 or 150 would be good for you tank. They are ranging from $190-$260.

 

[killagoby]

#2. It depends on what you plan on keeping in there

 

[AquaAdam]

Thanks for the reply runninggrandy!

Hey Adam,
Welcome to the saltwater addiction!

1. You are correct, 2 heaters are best. Size them to where only 1 can barely heat your tank. That way if one gets stuck on, the second shuts off. If one doesn't turn on, your tank will only drop a few degrees. I believe it is better to be on the colder side then the warmer. I use 2x 100w heaters on a 100gal system, and it has kept up as long as the ambient air was above 68deg. I have an extra 100w for my mixing containter that I throw in the tank on cold winter nights.

- So if you use 2x100w heaters on a 100gallon, should I have 2 60w heaters? That sounds like a dumb question but I haven't done a lot of research on heaters yet.

2. A cycle (first 6 weeks) does not require a powerhead as long as your return pump has a decent amount of flow, but it is highly recommended. To minimize dead spots, 2 powerheads should be used. If your tank needs 600-1200 gal/hr, the sum of your return pump and powerhead's flow rates should be around 1000 gal/hr. Don't shy from the high side, as long as your sand stays on the bottom.

-Currently I have a speed wave dc that says 790gph but I just realized I only have one so I'm thinking I will need another one (one to pump into the sump and one to pump out?)

-Assuming the return pump is the same, that would mean I would need 2 powerheads, each at least 105gph?

3. As far as skimmers, I'm a fan of Octopus. They have good quality for the price. Depending on how much room you have in your sump an Octopus classic 110 or 150 would be good for you tank. They are ranging from $190-$260.

I'm going to look into the octopus models you mentioned.

 

[runningrandy04]

My 100 gal includes the sump and I'm on the low side for heating. I think 2 100w heaters would work good for you.
You should look into the plumbing design for a sumo as you only need 1 pump for the return. Gravity brings the water down. I'm thinking 2 power heads around 500 gph would work best as the return pump will have resistance and reduced flow.

 

[AquaAdam]

OK I' m gonna pick up some heaters over the next day or so.

So what your saying is that I don't need another pump. That's good news. I wasn't aware that it was gravity fed but now that I think about it, it makes alot of sense. My problem is I do most of my research at night so I'm half asleep when I'm doing it Lol.

I'm going to look into the 500gph powerheads as well.

Thanks again grandy!