i got skimmer now what

Currently I can't afford some of the better equipment either so here is what I do: run a canister to hold carbon (I run the carbon 24/7)--and, the spray bar creates really good surface agitation which helps with gas exchange; I run 4 powerheads (for a 58g., 36" long tank); I use a protein skimmer which also is crummy but it's the best I can afford right now; I have a 3" sand bed; I do weekly water changes anywhere between 5-10%. My livestock is doing very well and my water parameters are great and remain consistent. Take about 1/4 of the ceramic rings out of your canister--wait maybe a week and take out 1/4 more, and then a week later take out another 1/4--you get the pattern! :) Also, although you do have "lots of stuff" on the back of your tank right now, your HOB w/no filter media is a really good way to keep your water oxygenated. Good luck and keep on reefin'!!
 
I think you are fine--I too am a single mom so I know exactly where you're comin' from! :) Also, don't get discouraged when you're just starting. In fact, to me it sounds as if you are off to a good start just by considering issues and asking questions! Another really good thing that you're doing is starting slowly. Don't add corals until your water parameters are really good, and if you're going to add fish, add them SLOWLY because their waste will overburden your biological filtration and you'll get all sorts of problems. Also, I'm not sure what types of corals you're going to put in your tank, but consider starting with easy, hardy ones. Good luck.
 
OK, can't help with a prizm. but any skimmer is better than no skimmer, that's for sure.

you can use your cannister filter empty for a portable closed-loop if you want to keep some powerheads out of the tank. you can run pipes down to wherever you want circulation on the return and not worry about any siphoning issues when the power stops
 
ok thanks for the encouragement and i will take 1/4 out and so forth. it's nice to hear that there are people here that are in the same situation as i am and although to date, i have spent over a grand in the last couple of weeks, money is kind of an issue, but i know things should start to slow financially, as i basically have everthing to set up. i just need a good book to read. some of the technical and chemistry stuff i just don't get.

any info on what are hardy corals. does it matter if i start with fish or corals. I know corals can live on fish poop and fish food. i see the corals in the lfs and they are on little pieces of live rock in the tanks. can i not buy it like that and put it in my tank attached to the rock it came with
 
Hi again! :) First, when my son and I win the lottery :D we will be buying all the best stuff and we will be happy to send you lots of cash so you can too!! In the mean time, do the best you can. And hey, I too get lost on some of the technical and chemical issues. It's my guess, however, that your questions can be answered on RC. Go to the chemistry forum for questions you don't understand. Believe me, they'll help you. There are LOTS of people willing to help you on the technical end of things.

Some good beginning corals are green star polyps, mushrooms, bubble corals, xenia, and leather corals. What you purchase will greatly depend on what you like and what type of lighting you have. You will hear people refer to corals as SPS (small stony polyps), LPS (large stony polyps), softies (leathers and others) etc. Go to sites like marinedepot.com and saltwaterfish.com to get a comprehensive understanding of the different types of corals. Personally, I would add fish slowly--however, do a LOT of research first, because once a fish is in your tank it's darn hard to remove later on. And, the fish must be reef safe if you'll be adding corals later on. Keep reading and keep asking questions!
 
I better start playing 6-49 because this is getting redic! or get a rich husband!LOL . i bought 28 watts T-5s the guy at the lfs said "Sure they're good for corals" now i find out that they're no good. i've had them for 3 weeks and i am taking them back today and hopefully if my budjet allows i'll get better wattage and also give them s*!t
 
From what I understood, T-5's are good for most corals and are much less expensive than Metal Halides. - but I don't know much about the wattage.

I also have the plan to win the lotto and get new equipment!;)
 
T-5s are good as long as they have good reflectors. You definitely can keep some nice corals with T5 lighting. Keep goin' girl! :)
 
Absolutely nothing wrong with Red sea Skimmers. I started with one and it always has done an excellent job. It skims very good. When I moved to a bigger tank it was then that I purchased the PM Bullet 1.

So do not loose faith. Team, I have heard bad comments on RED Sea Skimers, can someone share what the concerns are? I never experienced them.
 
just got back from Big Al's. I bought the CF Deluxe Lunar Series by Corallife 36"
65 actnic
10k daylight
2, 3/4 watt Lunar Blue moon
with cooling fan

i paid 240 all together I'm really broke now and also bought a sea hare
 
Im planning on getting 8x54w t5 for my upcoming tank, and i will be keeping alot of sps and a few clams. Mind this is for a 120g not a 45g so you wouldnt need near as many bulbs. Is your 28w lights 4' long? If so they are normal output, not high output. The 54w are ho. But if your only planning on keeping softies, and maybe some easier lps and sps up high in the tank, no bulbs are fine, and they are ALOT cheaper when you have to replace the bulbs. Plus the bulbs will last longer than ho lights.
 
one 65w 10,000k daylight compact
65 actinic 03 blue CF
2 built in removable electronic ballasts (whatever they are)
cooling fan
reflector
it says higher light output

they said this would be better for corals. this is all they had within my budget. is this good
 
It's a good start. When you are ready to buy corals just get ones that don't require really strong lighting. And quite truthfully, there are some really, really pretty and interesting animals that you can put in your tank, and they'll do well, with your lighting. Just choose wisely and carefully!
 
do you have any suggestions as to what is colourful, hardy and is okay with my lighting and what and how to feed it. thanks
 
Mushrooms, leathers, some zoas, stay away from the really bright colored ones, xenia, kenya trees. Most softies will work. Just feed your tank as normal, and they will get food. you can also blow a lil food towards them with a turkey baster. Just dont overfeed. Cyclopeeze is also a great food for both your fish and corals, my personal favorite "treat" every couple days.
 
Hi new--last week I bought a red gargonian (it has white polyps) and geez is it pretty. And, it requires low lighting! I also have an amazingly pretty yellow leather devil's hand--when I say yellow I mean yellow. It's easy to keep and has an interesting shape (remember though, that most leathers need decent current and you might want to place it near the top of your tank). Blue, purple and green striped mushrooms are also pretty and certainly colorful. Zoanthids are very cool and come in a PLETHORA of colors. The other nice thing about the aforementioned corals is that they aren't too difficult to keep which is good when you're first starting out. Drs. Foster and Smith is a good place to begin because they have pretty decent prices. Additionally, scuba is right on when he says to not overfeed your corals. A standard favorite for corals is Cyclopeeze and 2 x week is sufficient. And New, less food is always better to begin because you don't want to pollute your tank with an excess of food. Hope this helps and keep on reefin'! :)
 
New, I had one more thought: I know you're probably REALLY excited to buy livestock, but I gently encourage you to first buy at least one powerhead. It really is important to move the water not only at the surface but in your tank as well. As I said earlier, I move water at the surface with a protein skimmer and a spray bar from the canister, plus I have 4 power heads (and could even use one more). This is all on a 58g., 36" long tank. The really good power heads are quite expensive, but you can get inexpensive ones from online vendors. Believe me, your corals will thank you!!!
 
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