First time working with a saltwater tank.....NEED ADVICE!

[beardiedude]

Hey guys,

I have never worked with a saltwater aqaurium myself, but have a great interest in them; particularily nano tanks.

What are some of the common problems that i will encounter and how can i remedy them before they become huge.

In this nano aquarium it would be about 30 gallons w/ a 10 gallon sump. How should i ste up my sump though? There will be live rock, but how much should i include?

What are some good reef fish that could live in this tank. I have a particular interest in gobies, blennies, and small crabs. Whjat corals should i include too?

I know this seems like a lot of questions, but i would really appreciate your input....

 

[Agu]

[welcome]


Here's what I'd suggest you get first,

Natural Reef Aquariums

 

[ZoeReef]

Hi Eric,

I'm all of 2 months into this and have a very good looking tank with about 15 corals, two fish, crab and a shrimp.

The great issue with nano's is the small water volume. When things change, they change in a hurry. The other thing is getting rid of the junk in the water. I have a 24g aquapod with Halide lights and 30 lbs LR. I just installed a AquaC Remora skimmer and in one day, the water is simply: polished. It was an amazing transformation. Cost about $160. I would never consider setting up a nano without a skimmer. There is a little toy skimmer called a 'Fission'. I tried one of those and all it did was create bubbles in the tank. I wasted $30 on this. Anyhow, there's lots of info here, lots to read. I would highly recommend you follow along with some of the 'start to finish' threads to learn from other's mistakes. I am no long term expert, but that skimmer just made life simpler for me in a big way, and I think it brings huge stability to the system. I will make a much greater difference than the refugium will, although I would love to have both. That's my .02

 

[Bluemorningwind]

A skimmer is great because it removes protein before it breaks down.

Also, a skimmer will cause gas exchange. A basic principle that's most over looked in reef keeping, but as essential as light.

 

[beardiedude]

Thanks for your help guys.

I am aware of the importance of a skimmer and plan on using one.

I am still doin research, but your little tid bits of imnformation are reassuring!

 

[chocolateblnt]

Rape this forum for information before starting a tank ... that's the best advice anyone can give!

In the meantime check out my tank it seems similar to what you're planning ... http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=711490