New Tank - Feedback please!

[bmallia82]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am going to be setting up a new tank and would like some feedback and suggestions on what to do and how to set it up. I will break it into a few sections and see where we can go.

TANK

29 gallon long

LIGHTING

I was originally thinking of going with a Metal Halide, however I am going to get the Nova Extreme Fixture.

FILTRATION

Prizm Pro Red Sea Protein Skimmer - Good for up to 200 gallons
Emperor 280- good to 75 gallons
Eheim Canister Filter - Good 96 gallons

Now what I would like to know is how the filtration systems works. Where is my biological, mechanical, chemical, etc. filtrations taking place. What should I add to my Canister filter. I can put carbon pellets into my protein skimmer and I also Have Carbon Cartridges running through my Emperor Filter. I was thinking maybe phospate remover, nitrate, etc. Any ideas would be helpful.

SAND

How many pounds of LIve Sand should I put in there?

Water, is it alright to start out with Tap water w/ Prime?

OR should I get RO water, If i get RO water, any suggestions on how to get 30 gallons to my house.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TekCat]

Tank and lighting seem to work
filtration: first of all I'd caution you in getting Prizm skimmer. It gets a lot of bad rep. I'd suggest getting AquaC Remora or Remora PRO, they are nice reliable skimmers. Now, your bio-filtration will be done mostly by LR. To have efficient filtration you have to have at least 30lbs. Do not use bio-media in your canister filters, or any other filters for that matter. LR will do just fine, besides bio-media after a while will become nitrate factories. Use your canister filter only for running carbon, polishing water or other chemical media. However regular cleaning required. All you really need is LR and good skimmer.
Sand: do not bother with bagged so-called LS. Get fine dead sand and seed it with cups of LS from existing tanks in your area.
Water: use RO/DI or distilled from grossery store all the time, it'll save you troubles with algae.
I am sure I missed lots of other stuff, what are you planning to keep in tank?

 

[bmallia82]

I am planning on doing a reef tank. Some soft corals and stony coral. Fish and Inverts. I havent really thought of what I am going to put in there yet. I have spent alot of money already and my tank isnt even set up yet. I am just looking to start cycling it right now.

The protein Skimmer that I have was given to me so it was free. I would like to use that so I dont have to spend money.

For the Canister filter you recommend that I use Carbon, and Chemical filtration,correct? Keep in mind that I will be filling up my protein skimmer w/ carbon. There is an insert that goes in the skimmer that I can fill up.

 

[mg426]

Test kits ! Dont forget them.

 

[bmallia82]

got the test kits, thanks.

What kind of heater would one suggest. There a quite a few out there. There is one that hooks into your canister filter, or do u reccomend one that Just goes in the tank.

I also have powerheads and a thermometer.