Hello I am new to the hobby and live here in sandusky. There is nothing really in my area here in the way of salt water clubs. I feel out here by myself. I have seen several of the post placed here and everyone seems to be very helpful and informed. I have a 29 gal tank that I bought about 2 months ago. It had been up and running for over a year. I seem to be doing ok except the fact my fiancee keeps telling me the tank is to empty. I currently have two clowns, two peppermint shrimp, and a chocolate chips star. The star was a huge mistake. I would like to eventually keep corals so he is going to have to go. I was told by some ppl that with it only being a 29 gal that a skimmer wasn't nesscary. While I listen like a child cause I purchased a skimmer. I keep reading about getting the skimmer adjust to height and such. Having never done this I am clueless. It's a red sea prizm pro. Anyone who can clear this up I would greatly appreciate it. Also I am debating on lighting systems. I would like to be able to keep some corals and possible a nem. I leaning toward just coral with something for my clowns to enjoy. I really like xenia as an option. So I guess I'm asking do I want T5's or PC. MH is a little out of my price range also if anyone is selling some use t5's that would fit 30" top if that is the way to go.
Hi everyone Looking for guidance.
- Thread starter ghuffer
- Start date
Well first off, where are you at in sandusky? Im originally from there. The skimmer should have a valve of some sort and you just adjust the water level barely to the bottom of the collection cup, watch though because as they break in the level can change. And you should always have a skimmer for any tank IMO. If you are going to buy lighting go with T5's over PC, it is well worth a couple extra bucks. If you are handy and could build your own canopy, i have a 250 watt retro halide that i am selling for $75. Comes with ballast reflector and bulb. Last of all i usually go to sandusky to see family and friends very often, so if you do decide to try some corals contact me and i can bring you some frags for cheap! Chris
Pescado Amigo
New member
I second the T5's. They are better than the CF lamps and will allow you to keep a wider variety of coral. As far as genereal info, check out the New to the Hobby forum here on RC. It is a great place to get started. Also you are not too far from Salty Critter in Vermilon. They have a great reputation and won't take advantage of you. They'll only sell you what you need.
If you are considering coral you'll need to consider lighting (you already have), water purity (an r/o unit) or buy from a retailer and a skimmer, flow-a good powerhead or two, and water chemisty (additives and test kits). IMO these are basic neccesities for getting started with coral. These boards are always great for info too. We were all new to this at one time. Lastly and perhaps most important...READ, READ, READ. There are some great books about basic marine set up and care. I am sure that a good Reef store will hook you up with a good book.
Good Luck.
If you are considering coral you'll need to consider lighting (you already have), water purity (an r/o unit) or buy from a retailer and a skimmer, flow-a good powerhead or two, and water chemisty (additives and test kits). IMO these are basic neccesities for getting started with coral. These boards are always great for info too. We were all new to this at one time. Lastly and perhaps most important...READ, READ, READ. There are some great books about basic marine set up and care. I am sure that a good Reef store will hook you up with a good book.
Good Luck.
Thanks for the thought but I live in an apartment so my ablility to build things is pretty much zero. I was at the Salty Critter recently and he suggested a t5 fixture. I think that is the way I'll end up going. I am figuring out how much disposable income this requires and that I don't have as much as I'd like so putting it together is a process. Luckly I got alot of things with my setup. As for reading I was never much of a reader but for the last year I have read everything saltwater I can get my hands on. But it always helps to get someone who has done it lay it out in easy to understand terms. After more research I think corals might be out of reach for now. I am very concerned about water quailty my nitrate continually climbs and water changes are keeping them down and hopefully a this skimmer will make a big difference. Thanks so much. I'll keep you updated.
Alright while I have made some positive steps toward keeping nitrates down the skimmer seems to be making a big difference I also changed to a deep sand bed. I had crushed coral and an undergravel filter that was running in the tank when I bought it. after some tinkering looked under the tank to find that it was filled with sludge. So I decide in with the sand out with the crushed coral. I got some sand that isn't alive and cleaned it real well and put it in. That brings me to my question. I would like to have a scooter blenny and in my research they need algae and live rock and sand to provide arthpods to eat? Now my sand will eventually become live? Will it have these then and how long should I wait a month or two.
