RocketSeason
New member
Just take things slow. I researched for about 8 months before I bought my tank. Lots of patience, and lots of research will get you far in this hobby.
+ New To The Hobby
- Thread starter Ethics
- Start date
So I guess the first thing to focus on is going to be the shelf and what kind of space you have to work with. Keep in mind that Saltwater weighs 8lbs per gallon if I remember correctly. Thats not including rock and sand nor the equip. You won't have exactly 10 gallons after all that stuff is in but you do need to be conscious of the weight that might be exerted on the shelf.
afelder
New member
I had on my 16 gallon bowfront the ac 200 gave me plenty of flow. If you are DIY capable try building a small skimmer yourself. Or the nano remora is supposed to work well. For a 5 gallon I would recommend going with two strip lights rather than a more expensive lighting system. I have had a selection of tanks from a 1 gallon pico to a 200 gallon fowlr and as long as you keep up on regular water changes everything tends to do well. In a five though be careful not to let even one slide because you don't have much give there.
Good Luck
Ariel
Good Luck
Ariel
Hey,
Thanks for all the input guys, alot of useful information here.
Sorry I called it a shelf, it's actually a part of my desk, the weight won't be a problem.
As for the water changes those wont be too hard either, I clean my frog tank every week, and do a weekly water change on my 55, always enjoyed seeing the tank spotless afterwords.
I will stop by the store and see what tank sizes they have and let you guys know what im using when it comes time to set it up. ( I will try to go for the biggest I can )
Im also on the lookout for some cured rock, I will call the store to see if they sell any, if not is it common for people to be selling this? Im located in Canada so we don't have any LF's around here.
Im really looking forward to this, so for the next week I'll do some serious reading and before I hit the store I'll ask any last questions I may have.
Thanks again guys, if there's anything else anyone wants to add that would be great.
Mario
Thanks for all the input guys, alot of useful information here.
Sorry I called it a shelf, it's actually a part of my desk, the weight won't be a problem.
As for the water changes those wont be too hard either, I clean my frog tank every week, and do a weekly water change on my 55, always enjoyed seeing the tank spotless afterwords.
I will stop by the store and see what tank sizes they have and let you guys know what im using when it comes time to set it up. ( I will try to go for the biggest I can )
Im also on the lookout for some cured rock, I will call the store to see if they sell any, if not is it common for people to be selling this? Im located in Canada so we don't have any LF's around here.
Im really looking forward to this, so for the next week I'll do some serious reading and before I hit the store I'll ask any last questions I may have.
Thanks again guys, if there's anything else anyone wants to add that would be great.
Mario
Zero-2-Sixty
New member
the aquaclears make great fuges for the 5-15 gallon range, that is what i would go with.
one thing to concider would be the Eclipse tanks. Have a look at the Eclipse Hex and Corner 5 tanks,
or my Hex 5
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=890065
if you like what you see id love to help you out with problems and tips for those little beauties.
by researching and following along other peoples threads your off to the best possible start, good luck
one thing to concider would be the Eclipse tanks. Have a look at the Eclipse Hex and Corner 5 tanks,
or my Hex 5
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=890065
if you like what you see id love to help you out with problems and tips for those little beauties.
by researching and following along other peoples threads your off to the best possible start, good luck
sir_dudeguy
Active member
and for 55 gallons lol. I've got a hob filter on my 55 that i converted to a fuge. Its not an AC, but its the same basic thing, and the same size. but its worked great so far.
Hey guys,
I Finally got the funds to begin purchasing some equipment, so I will be stopping by the local Big Al's today.
First of all I meanured the amount of space on my desk.
7.9" depth
17.7" width
Unlimited Height.
Thats what I have to work with give or take a inch or 2. I made sure to leave about 10 cm behind the tank to hang everything.
I measures my 5 gallon ( I think thats a 5 gallon ) and the measurments were right on to what my space requirements were. Now I was thinking maybe they make something taller in that footprint size, but then I would need some serious lighting to reach the bottom. So I figured that tank size will be good enough.
Does anyone have any opinions on the size I have chosen. Thats about all I can fit.
Now I wanted to ask about the Topoff, How does it work, does anyone have a link? Does it require another tank to pull water from? Not sure how it works or how much room it will take up.
Also, will I require a heater for a tank this size?
Also, can someone suggest a lighting setup for a tank this size? What kind of bulbs will I need?
Here's what I have on my list of things to buy today.
1. AC filter to use as a fuge ( I'll look for a decent sized one to fit onto the back of the tank.
2. The Tank, 5 Gallon I believe.
3. Topoff, I'll need ot get some more info on it before I go out and buy it though.
4. Some substrate, I will read the topic int he New To The Hobby Thread and decide what kind I'd like. ( If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them ).
5. I'll see if they have any Cured Live Coral ( If not I'll call around and see what other stores in my area have. ( If I purchase the coral today but don't put it in my tank for a few days will it die off?)
6. And some salt water, someoen suggested some a few replys back I'll go back and see exactly what kind to buy.
7. Some kind of water test kit, not sure which one would be best. ( Suggestions are welcome )
That's all I can think of now, Can someone go through the list and let me know if I'm ont he right track, maybe alter a couple items?
Thanks,
Mario
I Finally got the funds to begin purchasing some equipment, so I will be stopping by the local Big Al's today.
First of all I meanured the amount of space on my desk.
7.9" depth
17.7" width
Unlimited Height.
Thats what I have to work with give or take a inch or 2. I made sure to leave about 10 cm behind the tank to hang everything.
I measures my 5 gallon ( I think thats a 5 gallon ) and the measurments were right on to what my space requirements were. Now I was thinking maybe they make something taller in that footprint size, but then I would need some serious lighting to reach the bottom. So I figured that tank size will be good enough.
Does anyone have any opinions on the size I have chosen. Thats about all I can fit.
Now I wanted to ask about the Topoff, How does it work, does anyone have a link? Does it require another tank to pull water from? Not sure how it works or how much room it will take up.
Also, will I require a heater for a tank this size?
Also, can someone suggest a lighting setup for a tank this size? What kind of bulbs will I need?
Here's what I have on my list of things to buy today.
1. AC filter to use as a fuge ( I'll look for a decent sized one to fit onto the back of the tank.
2. The Tank, 5 Gallon I believe.
3. Topoff, I'll need ot get some more info on it before I go out and buy it though.
4. Some substrate, I will read the topic int he New To The Hobby Thread and decide what kind I'd like. ( If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them ).
5. I'll see if they have any Cured Live Coral ( If not I'll call around and see what other stores in my area have. ( If I purchase the coral today but don't put it in my tank for a few days will it die off?)
6. And some salt water, someoen suggested some a few replys back I'll go back and see exactly what kind to buy.
7. Some kind of water test kit, not sure which one would be best. ( Suggestions are welcome )
That's all I can think of now, Can someone go through the list and let me know if I'm ont he right track, maybe alter a couple items?
Thanks,
Mario
Last edited:
sir_dudeguy
Active member
for the toppoff...i believe their are diy ones that are really cheap. you can get jsut a small jug and rig itup to that...you dont need a seperate tank...just a jug or something...you cold make a gravity fed one that would sit on a shelf just a little above the tank, but i dont know hw to make it.
for substrate, jsut get a small thing of aragonite.
And i'm guessing you meant cured live rock? live rock is often made up of just coral skeletons smashed together but ya...go forcured live rock if you can. if you dont put it in your tank yes it will die off...mostly all of it i would think if you waited a few days...unless you were to put it in like a 5 gallon bucket...that would be fine...just put saltwater in there, and something for circulation if possible.
salt...you wont be using much, so it would proly be better to get the best kinds...i know tropic marin is sposed to be raelly good. Its expensive, yes, but you'll be buying such a small amount of it at a time that it wouldnt be too bad.
but if you wanna go w/just isntant ocean thats fine...i've had problems w/oceanic so i woudlnt do that tho...reef crystals (by instant ocean) is good too.,
most everything else looks cool tho..on lighitng just go for something like a 40 watt total or higher w/pcs
for substrate, jsut get a small thing of aragonite.
And i'm guessing you meant cured live rock? live rock is often made up of just coral skeletons smashed together but ya...go forcured live rock if you can. if you dont put it in your tank yes it will die off...mostly all of it i would think if you waited a few days...unless you were to put it in like a 5 gallon bucket...that would be fine...just put saltwater in there, and something for circulation if possible.
salt...you wont be using much, so it would proly be better to get the best kinds...i know tropic marin is sposed to be raelly good. Its expensive, yes, but you'll be buying such a small amount of it at a time that it wouldnt be too bad.
but if you wanna go w/just isntant ocean thats fine...i've had problems w/oceanic so i woudlnt do that tho...reef crystals (by instant ocean) is good too.,
most everything else looks cool tho..on lighitng just go for something like a 40 watt total or higher w/pcs
like I said before I would get the 5 gallon bucket of instant ocean, its the best bang for the buck and it should last you a very long time. As far as Substrate I would go with something that catches your attention aragonite or crushed coral is a bit big in grain size for my liking so you might want to go with something that is a bit smaller. Also avoid the tahitian moon sand, the black stuff, because it adds no buffering qualities to your tank. (in other words it doesn't help sustain a pH).
If you buy a HOB filter makes sure it doesn't come with a biowheel. Corallife makes a real good PC that comes with built in fans. You might be able to retrofit it into whatever canopy you are going to use.
If you buy a HOB filter makes sure it doesn't come with a biowheel. Corallife makes a real good PC that comes with built in fans. You might be able to retrofit it into whatever canopy you are going to use.
sir_dudeguy
Active member
neither does aragonite. it says that it does, but theres been plenty of studies on here that showed that it doesnt. I also think that the bag even said that it wont buffer unless the water is a low pH...for example if your pH is already around 8....its not gonna do anything. Its only when the pH is really low like around 7 that it will buffer the water.
and for the hob...y not get one w/a biowheel? i know i'd never use a biowheel because they cause nitrate problems, but you can just take the biowheel off. If a biowheel filter is all that fits, by all means get that and just take off the wheel part.
for the salt. yes you definately would get more bang for your buck by buying the bigger one...however if you were to get one of the expensive ones like tropic marin, the bucket is gonna be pretty expensive. Sure it will be more bang for your buck, but w/a 5 gallon tank, its really not nessesary to get a whole ton of salt just because its cheaper in bulk...imo get the best salt (i'm not sayin tropic marin is...but it might be idk...) but only get like those 50 gallons worth packs. This is only if cost is an issue...if its not, by all means get the big guy...but i know for me i dont have the money to buy a big jug of the best salts, but i'm going to use them for my 2.5 gal. tank. I'm just not going to buy the big ones because its more practical **for me because of money issues** to keep paying as i get the money for it, rather than blow off a big chunk.
and for the hob...y not get one w/a biowheel? i know i'd never use a biowheel because they cause nitrate problems, but you can just take the biowheel off. If a biowheel filter is all that fits, by all means get that and just take off the wheel part.
for the salt. yes you definately would get more bang for your buck by buying the bigger one...however if you were to get one of the expensive ones like tropic marin, the bucket is gonna be pretty expensive. Sure it will be more bang for your buck, but w/a 5 gallon tank, its really not nessesary to get a whole ton of salt just because its cheaper in bulk...imo get the best salt (i'm not sayin tropic marin is...but it might be idk...) but only get like those 50 gallons worth packs. This is only if cost is an issue...if its not, by all means get the big guy...but i know for me i dont have the money to buy a big jug of the best salts, but i'm going to use them for my 2.5 gal. tank. I'm just not going to buy the big ones because its more practical **for me because of money issues** to keep paying as i get the money for it, rather than blow off a big chunk.
I only mention that because bio wheel filters are nitrate factories. Not many peeps that are new to the hobby know that. Besides for space I would suggest you get a cartridge filter that way you can add a bag of carbon or something along those lines, in place of the regular cartriges that are usually overpriced anyway.
sir_dudeguy
Active member
and can prolly give nitrate problems also.
I'm sure you know from experience right? Tell me Dr. Quinn what exactly should this new reefer do to become such a successful reef keeper like yourself. I sure am interested.
On a lighter note. Ethics, pick what suits the kind of tank you will be putting together, and what suits your wallet. Lots of people "ACT," like they know what is best. Truth is, things that work for some don't necessarily work for all. I can tell you from experience that this is the case. For instance I kept a 55g with VHO (Very High Output) lighting and no skimmer that had beautiful corals and fish, and no algea probs. Many will say this isn't possible. It worked for me, the strange thing was I couldn't keep a 10 without a skimmer. Each tank is it's own fingerprint and each carry with it the finess of their particular owner. This is a live and learn hobby, have fun with it. You will learn what works and what doesn't, regardless of what people recommend. It's not such a touchy hobby that you "Have" to do things in a certain way with certain equipment. Hell My 55 was basically a fresh water tank with nice lighting, but looked great! So give it a shot and don't get caught up on Auto top off this... and necessary HOB that.. Besides I think it will be a learning experience having to manually do your own water changes, and get "Hands on" with your lil piece of the ocean. So good luck, have fun.
-Odd
Hey,
Thank you for the input guys, I really appreciate the help from both of oyu.
I actually decided to see if I can do this on a budget, Sure I can spend a few hundered and buy the best things, but last night I had seccond thoughts on wether I wanted to buy all this stuff.
The same thing happened with my 55 gallon, I decided to go the expensive route and in the end I wasted close to $400 on things I didn't need.
So I decided to see what I have around the house.
I have a 5 gallon tank I can use.
I have a spare filter laying around, it's a Marineland Filter Penguin 100 W Bio-wheel. Will this be good to use as a fuge?
So today when I go to the store im gogin to buy...
A topoff, I'll askt he guys at the store for some more info on them, hopefully they help me choose the right one.
Some lighting, 40 watt total with PCS, could someone tell me what pcs is so that I don't look like a idiot whne goign into the store?
Substrate, I'll get some aragonite.
And im about to call up a few stores to see if they ahve cured live rock.
If there's anything I missed can someone point it out quickly, going to hop in for a quick shower and get going before the store closes.
Mario
Thank you for the input guys, I really appreciate the help from both of oyu.
I actually decided to see if I can do this on a budget, Sure I can spend a few hundered and buy the best things, but last night I had seccond thoughts on wether I wanted to buy all this stuff.
The same thing happened with my 55 gallon, I decided to go the expensive route and in the end I wasted close to $400 on things I didn't need.
So I decided to see what I have around the house.
I have a 5 gallon tank I can use.
I have a spare filter laying around, it's a Marineland Filter Penguin 100 W Bio-wheel. Will this be good to use as a fuge?
So today when I go to the store im gogin to buy...
A topoff, I'll askt he guys at the store for some more info on them, hopefully they help me choose the right one.
Some lighting, 40 watt total with PCS, could someone tell me what pcs is so that I don't look like a idiot whne goign into the store?
Substrate, I'll get some aragonite.
And im about to call up a few stores to see if they ahve cured live rock.
If there's anything I missed can someone point it out quickly, going to hop in for a quick shower and get going before the store closes.
Mario
If you go Auto top off just remember that you are changing from a tub and a pump to mix salt in, to, floats, solenoids, pumps, wiring, tub, and most of all "Electricity" which also means that you might have to ground your tank depending on how you set it up. I would say keep it simple especially since this is your first tank. I would spend the money on stuff that you actually "Need" to get the tank going. As far as the penguin it will provide water movement and a place to put some carbon, you could find a way to put a light in it and turn it into a fuge but I think that you will have size issues, and whatever macro algea you select will outgrow it too quickly. Look into a canister filter. I think you can squeeze way more space out of them and they are easy to conceal. There are many canister mods you can find from some of the posts on here. I can't remember the name but someone had a 2" cube on his desk at work that was connected to a canister that was very impressive. The best part about that is you can find one used easily and you can still set your tank up without it for now.
as far as lighting goes I would just go to your LFS and ask the guy(or girl) what he has that will keep the kind of corals your interested in. I think your going to probably end up going with PCS, which means "Power Compacts" they look like this.
and like this:
They are pretty strong lights that don't use as much juice as MH(Metal Halide) VHO(Very High Output) lighting.
I think this is good, if I missed something let me know.
-Odd
as far as lighting goes I would just go to your LFS and ask the guy(or girl) what he has that will keep the kind of corals your interested in. I think your going to probably end up going with PCS, which means "Power Compacts" they look like this.
and like this:
They are pretty strong lights that don't use as much juice as MH(Metal Halide) VHO(Very High Output) lighting.
I think this is good, if I missed something let me know.
-Odd
sir_dudeguy
Active member
that filter should be fine..just dont have the biowheel on it or any other media that would go in. Since you wanna do it as a fuge tho, you dont put that stuff on anyways. Just throw in a couple inches of live sand, few pieces of rock rubble, and some chaeto algae in there and you'll be fine. You may want a tiny grate or piece of eggcrate to stop the chaeto from flowing out and into the tank. Also, a light over the chaeto will help it grow and function, altho i know a few people who dont put any light over it and it works just fine. I myself just use a regular house bulb (one of those spiral fluorescent ones that screw into a clamp lamp) and it grows fine, but some people like to go all out and get the 10K and everything. IMO its not really nessesary
sir_dudeguy
Active member
and yes, if you get a light over the fuge, the algae will grow quick...but just chop off a chunk every week or so or whenever needed, and you'll be fine...some people will even buy the stuff from you if you've got enough of it. That stuff is sold so much and so much cross country that i probably have some from someone way the heck in florida lol.
Hey,
I just got back from the store witha bunch of goodies.
I really need ot knwo a few things quick!
How long can Cured Live Rock survive out of water?
And for mixing the salt with water, ont he package it says I need some special RO water, can I just use simple tap water?
I'll have some pics of the stuff I bought a little later.
Thanks,
Mario
I just got back from the store witha bunch of goodies.
I really need ot knwo a few things quick!
How long can Cured Live Rock survive out of water?
And for mixing the salt with water, ont he package it says I need some special RO water, can I just use simple tap water?
I'll have some pics of the stuff I bought a little later.
Thanks,
Mario
HaKs310
Forever Learning
You'll want to get it into water as soon as possible. Looks like you havent mixed your water, so I would go ahead and wrap the rock in newspaper to keep it moist. Tap water will contain many unwanted nutrients: nitrates, phosphates, so on. Your local LFS should sell RO water or you can use drinking water to get that LR in water as soon as possible.
sir_dudeguy
Active member
for now i would just put the rock in a seperate container of saltwater using tap water. Then as soon as possible go to water mart and get your ro (unless you can go right away...that way you'll save 5 gallons of water)
and not all tap water is that bad mine comes out pretty good, so when i have to i use that. But for just holding your rock for a little bit, i dont see any problem w/using tap. Just untill you get ro water.
and not all tap water is that bad mine comes out pretty good, so when i have to i use that. But for just holding your rock for a little bit, i dont see any problem w/using tap. Just untill you get ro water.
