Few ?'s on my first set up

[brendanwp]

I posted a while back on getting a good starter tank, ended up going with a IM 30L. I ordered the 30 gallon package from TBS and its scheduled to arrive 12/29 (I'm sure it could have been sooner, I just have too much going on to really focus on the tank until then.) I'll have everything set up when it arrives. Last few questions (for now):

1) Test Kit - any recommendations for a beginner. I'm sure there is no general consensus, but something that will get me all the readings I need.

2) Powerheads - its a 30L tank....how many and what size/power?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[cloak]

The API test kits are not to expensive and pretty easy to use. As far as power heads go, maybe a couple Koralia nano's? GL.

http://www.aquacave.com/aquarium-test-kits/api-test-kits.html

http://www.aquacave.com/koralia-nano-240-power-head-by-hydor.html

 

[coralsnaked]

30 gallon tank would like a 375 gallon per hour return pump giving you ~ 300 gph in the display. If you want to raise stony corals then LPS needs an additional 300gph power head. If you want SPS corals then you need (2) 300 gph power heads or one 600 gph powerhead. Koralias are good for the low price. But there are many more expensive models out there.

I like Red Sea Pro for all my testing needs, nut again there are other good testing platforms out there like Salifert.

 

[mpekoske]

for power head depending on how much you want to spend and what you want to keep in regard to coral an MP10 is your best bet... i have one on my 29 biocube and love it

 

[cloak]

IM 30L, isn't this only like an 8 gallon tank?

 

[rlm2005]

IM 30L, isn't this only like an 8 gallon tank?

I believe so. Won't the 30 gallon package from TBS be way too much rock?

 

[brendanwp]

No, its 30 L as in "long" I guess. Its definitely 30 gallons.

I always forget that to mention that I am going to do a FOWLR tank. No corals at this time.

 

[coralsnaked]

Well now that's a different story
Anyway still a 375 gph return if you are using a sump. Are you using a sump? Hope so! Maybe one 300 gph powerhead

 

[brendanwp]

hahhaha....sorry for the confusion. I have the tank so I no for sure I don't have an 8 gallon!

yes, it comes with a sump in the back. This is the pump it came with: 25W 110v/60Hz 317 Gallons Per Hour Pump, so it sounds like one that is less powerful then you guys have assumed.