Just bought a 29g. Now what??

[ReefNole]

Hey all, I was just browsing "the list of craig" and found a standard 29 gallon aquarium. It was a package deal from Walmart and came with a filter, hood, 20w T8 light, gravel, decorations, and a heater. In the end, all the decorations and gravel bought new would have added up to about 100, so I'm hoping I can turn around and maybe break even on this tank.

Anyways, enough bragging about my steal. My question is: the tank will be set up with live rock and sand. It came with a "Aqua Tech 20-40" hang on back power filter. The heater is not labeled and is kinda sketchy to be honest but is said to work. And as said above, the hood is a standard 20 watt T8 bulb.

With this equipment, what else do I need to set up a low-key tank?

Should I use filter cartridges with carbon in the filter?

I may upgrade to 24 LEDs in a DIY kit, but until then, are there any soft corals that can be housed?

Is there anything else I need before setting this thing up?

Thanks!

 

[arch85]

Mushrooms and most zoas should be fine I feel. You might want to drop in a bunch of live rock and powerhead though...

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[TheSaint216]

Ive been in this hobby for about 4 months now, best thing I can say is do alot of research on what you want. Ive been thru three different types of lighting already. Make sure what you buy is what you want and if its alot of $ save up for it, cause youll end up getting it anyway.

 

[ReefNole]

Ive been in this hobby for about 4 months now, best thing I can say is do alot of research on what you want. Ive been thru three different types of lighting already. Make sure what you buy is what you want and if its alot of $ save up for it, cause youll end up getting it anyway.

I agree. I experienced the same with my 55g reef.


But as far as set-up goes, what else is needed? And I'll be stocking with live rock and sand for biological filtration.

 

[str8kickn1]

You Might want to try a skimmer, maybe a hang on type if your not doing a sump

 

[ReefNole]

Ok. what are some quality skimmers for a 30g without going overkill on price and efficiency?

Also, would it be beneficial to run carbon in the filter cartridges? Or stick to just biological filtration? Or would it better to only use the hang on back filter for the foam as a water clarifier?

Thanks!

 

[Reeflow]

How about them NOLES!!!!

 

[Reeflow]

Ok. what are some quality skimmers for a 30g without going overkill on price and efficiency?

Also, would it be beneficial to run carbon in the filter cartridges? Or stick to just biological filtration? Or would it better to only use the hang on back filter for the foam as a water clarifier?

Thanks!

AquaC Remora, CPR protein skimmers, Hydor protein skimmers, and Reef Octopus HOB. Those are a few that I can think of. I have heard good things about all of them.

 

[Veganbrian]

You can run filter floss,purigen,and chemo pure elite in your filter. You need a good power head. Maybe the ecotech mp10 or koralia. I would get a new reliable heater cause everything's sensitive to temp changes. DIY led is a great idea. You need a thermometer also and test kits are a must! Have fun!

 

[ReefNole]

How about them NOLES!!!!

Gotta love them. Where are you in NC? I'll be in Charlotte for the summer. Just slapped the new "FSU Version" of the North Carolina license plate on the car last week.

 

[Reeflow]

Gotta love them. Where are you in NC? I'll be in Charlotte for the summer. Just slapped the new "FSU Version" of the North Carolina license plate on the car last week.

Yea, I am ready to see a healthy EJ this year! I am actually in Charlotte, good idea on license plate. We have to many gators lurking around here...

 

[StevenSinger]

I like the HOB skimmer and some good cycling, just let it setup and than stock with your plan of action.