Need help with set up of 10g Reef
- Thread starter tpit1234
- Start date
Milleme
New member
Depends on what you want to keep. Youll need to decide on type of lighting, flitration, biological filtration(Live rock, sand, etc), flow, if your gonna run a sump underneath it then you have to think about all the stuff that it will need.
Give some more info and on what u want to do and we can help you more.
Give some more info and on what u want to do and we can help you more.
joedirt54
New member
That's a pretty general question...loaded with different answers.
The one thing I don't like about small systems is the lack a suface skimming. For a 10 gal, without a sump, I would partion one side with a piece of 1/4" black plexi about 3" form the edge. That wall will act as your overflow and provide a space for a heater, skimmer pump and return pump.
I would light it with a single 20K 150W HQI Metal Halide pendant and buy a remora skimmer(used on ebay). Those two items will also do you well on bigger tanks like a 30gal cube. A 100w heater and a Maxi jet 1200 for a return pump.
The one thing I don't like about small systems is the lack a suface skimming. For a 10 gal, without a sump, I would partion one side with a piece of 1/4" black plexi about 3" form the edge. That wall will act as your overflow and provide a space for a heater, skimmer pump and return pump.
I would light it with a single 20K 150W HQI Metal Halide pendant and buy a remora skimmer(used on ebay). Those two items will also do you well on bigger tanks like a 30gal cube. A 100w heater and a Maxi jet 1200 for a return pump.
Milleme
New member
Also when your ready to get started be sure to plan everything as thouroghly as possible so nothing is left out. Also dont take shortcuts on the equiptment such as protien skimmer etc. so you dont have to buy a new one l8er on when your not happy with the cheap one you bought in the first place.
These are problems I ran into when setting up my tank.
These are problems I ran into when setting up my tank.
My 2 biggest pieces of advice... Take it slow. Do your research.
It appears you are on the right track.
FWIW I also frequent Nano-Reef.com and have found setups there helpful. Using this site and that you should have lots of tanks to pull ideas from.
It appears you are on the right track.
FWIW I also frequent Nano-Reef.com and have found setups there helpful. Using this site and that you should have lots of tanks to pull ideas from.
kenny77
New member
Im gonna make you a quick list of think that any body in the hobby should have before buying any fish.
Skimmer ( the best one you can get)
Light( not any one, the one you wish to have)
Test Kit ( I will recomend no other than Salifert)
Refractometer (Hrydometer if you don't like acuracy)
Return pump
Wave maker
Timers
Salt Mix( I will only use Tropic Marine and no other)
Additive (like liquid calcium...)
Accesories ( fish net, extra 5 g bucket, flex air line.....)
Food
Live Sand
Live Rock
Ones you have all this and the tank is running and you see you wont need to buy anything else for at least the next month then you need something very important.
Patience!!!
Wait for the cycle and give it some extra days before you start adding some live stock. Don't go fishing first. I will suggest Invertsts since they will add to the bioload slowly, then you can add a fish a time.
I hope this will be useful. Don't do the mistake many people do, get everything you will need and no less and then set the tank at ones. You will see that is much better having a great reef tank at ones than having to upgrade it every week since you have no luck
Skimmer ( the best one you can get)
Light( not any one, the one you wish to have)
Test Kit ( I will recomend no other than Salifert)
Refractometer (Hrydometer if you don't like acuracy)
Return pump
Wave maker
Timers
Salt Mix( I will only use Tropic Marine and no other)
Additive (like liquid calcium...)
Accesories ( fish net, extra 5 g bucket, flex air line.....)
Food
Live Sand
Live Rock
Ones you have all this and the tank is running and you see you wont need to buy anything else for at least the next month then you need something very important.
Patience!!!
Wait for the cycle and give it some extra days before you start adding some live stock. Don't go fishing first. I will suggest Invertsts since they will add to the bioload slowly, then you can add a fish a time.
I hope this will be useful. Don't do the mistake many people do, get everything you will need and no less and then set the tank at ones. You will see that is much better having a great reef tank at ones than having to upgrade it every week since you have no luck
timschmidt
Premium Member
Well if you do weekly water changes in a 10g you can get away without a skimmer if you keep the bio load down (2 fish). If you want to save some cash you could wait on buying a wave maker (you know save up and get a good one). I have seen great nanos with nothing more than a light, a powerhead, a HOB filter, a heater, and rock and sand. Better equipment just makes the nano so much easier. HTH.
kenny77
New member
defenetly you are right. THe more simplicity the tank has the better. But simplicity doesn't mean cheaper. It mean better equipment for the task. This way you won't need spend trying out equipment. just go for the best at ones. ANd always think big. I you are setting up a 10g, think about it like it is a 20g.
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