Intro & a few questions

[mantis32]

Hi everyone!

I'm from Woodbridge NJ and have maintained a 1 10gal breeder tank, 10gal quarantine tank, and a 55gal FW tank for about four years now. I'm obviously new here as most of my time was spent on myfishtank.net. FW...it got old; I'm looking to join the big boys now and start a SW tank. Side note: Any hobbyists in the area looking to hang out, grab some beers, watch A-Rod kick some more ***, feel free to stop by. Any Mets or Boston fans will have to BYOB.

I just started my heavy duty reading this past Thursday and I can already see how this hobby will result in a lack of sex. I would like to start making some purchases now as I know the list is long and expensive. I'm looking to buy not the worst equipment, but also not looking to buy the most expensive one either.

Can I make use of any of my old equipment?
Fluval 304? If so, what should I fill it with? How many bags?
Two 10 gal tanks w/ no hood or light.
Penguin Power Sponge Filter
Non power Sponge Filter (brand ?)
Airstones...have yet to see this in any SW tanks
Tetra double air outlet air pump
Single air outlet air pump

New Equipment:
Protein Skimmer Seaclone 100 - purchased on impulse to feel like I was making progress.
Aquarium systems 3lb's of Instant Ocean (was going to start with the 10gal tank, but later decided to dive in and setup the 55gal)
Deep Six Hydrometer - planning to buy the digital one later.

Goal is a 55gal FOWLR tank. What are my filtration, refugium, sump options? My 55gal is on a wooden stand with some space underneath for storage. Tank is using the original lighting encasement. I have room to the left of my tank for the 10gal or a stand with the 10gal on top. No room to put things behind the 55gal.

My stance on DIY vs. purchase is, if the purchase doesn't scare me away, I'll buy it, if it does, then I'll build it if the instructions are idiot proof.

If you've read this far...thanks. Now just hit the reply button.

 

[Nano Chris]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>
You can run the Fluval with carbon, i suggest a sump. Drop your old equipment except the tanks and the Fluval.

Not sure but i would get a better skimmer the one you have doesn't get the best reviews.

You can get a HOB (hang on the back) overflow and id suggest a 20-30 gallon sump (your 10 gallon could do for now.)

You should be able to use those lights but you may want to upgrade later on and do corals so i would go ahead and get the best lighting you can afford.

You are going to need a lot more salt (suggest Reef Crystals 5 gallon bucket) would hold you over up to 160 gallons.

I suggest you go with a refractometer instead of a digital one its more accurate.

You can do a DIY tank and it would be much cheaper than buying some more expensive stuff.

Think i covered everything.

 

[mantis32]

Fluval: So 6 bags of carbon? What about the two thin sponges?

Can you recommend two protein skimmers, that I can check some reviews on?

Any product names for some sumps and/or HOB overflows?

 

[Young Frankenstein]

If you used any copper medications in the FW tanks you cant use them because copper somehow goes in the silicone joints. Thats only if you are planing to have corals.

 

[Wett Hands]

As far as skimmers go, I just got a Tunze after doing a lot of research I like the fact that it's an internal skimmer since i dont have room for a sump . Another skimmer that seems to have a good rep is ASM.

Now, If ya got the bucks... check out Bubblemaster or Deltec

 

[mantis32]

Does treating ick count?

I tried to find reviews on the Seaclone, but didn't find any, so I went to PetSmart and traded the Seaclone for Bucket of Instant Ocean, and a Lifeguard Custom Flow Water System.

Next purchase will be a better protein skimmer, water test kit, sump?, refugium?

Not much of a saltwater selction at PetSmart, so heading to PetCo next. Need to find some local SW; shops in my area.

 

[mantis32]

Thanks for the Protein Skimmer options. I'll research them all and make a purchase within a day or two. Is it okay to buy a used protein skimmer or is that something best bought new?

Any options for a sump and refugium?

 

[SquidHC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9780705#post9780705 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mantis32
Does treating ick count?

Not much of a saltwater selction at PetSmart, so heading to PetCo next. Need to find some local SW; shops in my area.

I HIGHLY suggest staying as far away from PetCo or PetSmart as you possibly can. Even ordering all of your livestock online is going to be a much better way to go than this.

Also, yes treating ich counts. Most ich treatments are copper based. It will be fine if you only want to keep fish but if you ever decide you want to keep corals(and believe me, you will get the itch to do it) then it has to go.

 

[mantis32]

Note taken..petco/petsmark = no more
Livestock + shipping = cheaper than local fish store? (local store as in mom/pop shop fish store)

And to make sure I got it right...my entire fluval 304 = gone? or the tubing for it = gone?

I do plan on keeping corals, so if it must go...then it must go.

I just bought 10lbs of white sand, and 40lbs of live sand as well as a salt water test kit.

Still haven't figured out the sump/refugium part yet. Once I have that part, I'll go ahead purchase the coral, dump the sand, and wait...

 

[mantis32]

Anyone have a fool proof with steps and pictures of a DIY 20-30gal Sump/Refugium setup and/or recommend a branded setup?

 

[Wett Hands]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9780751#post9780751 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mantis32
Thanks for the Protein Skimmer options. I'll research them all and make a purchase within a day or two. Is it okay to buy a used protein skimmer or is that something best bought new?

Any options for a sump and refugium?

Hmmm used equipment... Thats like buying a used car, sometimes you get a peach, sometimes you get a lemon:mixed:

Personally I'd go for new when it comes to a skimmer.

Fool proof DIY... if ya find one let me know