Newbie starting new setup

[RogueGrown]

Hi all Im new to RC. I have been in the hobby for about 6 years now mostly freshwater though. I had started a 29 gallon fowler awhile ago for about 8 months, and had to take it down due to a move and nowhere to set it back up at.

Im in a more stable situation now and would like to give it another wack. This time Id like to start with a fowler with intentions of starting small reef. I want to stay with a nano tank and am leaning towards a 20L. I already have plenty of sand and base rock that is all dead. I will be using this rock and allowing my cycle to build itself organically.

As far as equipment goes I was looking at two hydor power heads, either an aqua clear 50 or a finnex HOB refugium (has anyone ever played with on of these?). I will be running a skimmer as well, Id like some input here though. I want a HOB style and am looking at the aquamaxx HOB 1 or the reef octopus HOB.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated and thank you in advance. :beer:

 

[RogueGrown]

Another thing Im wondering is, about how much water flow is recommended for a small reef? Would two 425gph powerhead suffice? or is that over kill?

 

[mcgyvr]

In general most shoot for 30 to 100x display volume for total flow rate in a tank..
100x being for heavily populated SPS coral tanks,etc... Most go around 30x-50x so a single 425gph is plenty..

and IMO.. With a tank that small there is virtually no point in having a skimmer, filter or anything like that..
A small weekly or even daily water change will take care of everything as far as removing DOC/replenishing trace minerals/keeping nitrate levels low,etc...

 

[RogueGrown]

So just lots of rock, water flow, and water changes Ill be good then.

What about the need for some sort of mechanical filtration?

I have done some reading lately on the skimmer subject for a nano tank and it seems as though its a chevy/ford argument. Which leads to my next question, how deep of a sand bed should I go for with a nano? Again a chevy/ford argument, Id like to really know the pros and cons of DSB vs SSB.

 

[mcgyvr]

Tons of good articles here..
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/2/beginner

again.. tons of good articles here..
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-06/rs/feature/index.php

and yes.. everyone has their opinions..whats worked for them,etc..
Some keep it simple.. some go advanced/overboard..

More than one way to skin a cat... The important part in the end is that the cat is skinned

 

[RogueGrown]

Thank you for the articles. In the first article I see it says that a skimmer yes is not necessary in a small tank, but is essential for collecting organic matter before it can break down. If its removed before its broken down doesnt that make for more desirable water quality? I understand that in such a small volume of water that my weekly WC will be able to remove this waste, however it seems like having a skimmer is more so just insurance to a bit healthier system.

Maybe Im just over thinking this cause I dont want to mess it up, but Ive got to start somewhere. Thanks again for the info.

Seeing how our valley hasnt got any LFS anymore that would carry a good RO/DI or water for that matter, what would be a good unit to start with? And what thing should I be looking for in the specs? Theres so many various CC and different media inside of them I havent the slightest clue where to start.

 

[mcgyvr]

Yes.. having a skimmer can help in any tank.. But on such a small tank having to buy a $100+ skimmer it just a bit crazy IMO..
The juice isn't worth the squeeze..

As to RO/DI..
I'd recommend units from airwaterice or bulk reef supply.. Last I checked airwaterice had a better deal.. But just by a little and actually the free shipping from bulk reef supply will probably outweigh any savings on the unit itself..
Having a dual TDS meter is nice (one on input water and one on output water) as well as a pressure gauge for incoming water pressure.
If your water pressure is low (below 50 PSI) then you can get a booster pump but I'd recommend simply adjusting the water pressure regulator for your house (assuming you have access to it and don't live in an apartment,etc..).. You will enjoy more pressure in the shower,etc.. too..

 

[ssick92]

Thank you for the articles. In the first article I see it says that a skimmer yes is not necessary in a small tank, but is essential for collecting organic matter before it can break down. If its removed before its broken down doesnt that make for more desirable water quality? I understand that in such a small volume of water that my weekly WC will be able to remove this waste, however it seems like having a skimmer is more so just insurance to a bit healthier system.

Maybe Im just over thinking this cause I dont want to mess it up, but Ive got to start somewhere. Thanks again for the info.

Seeing how our valley hasnt got any LFS anymore that would carry a good RO/DI or water for that matter, what would be a good unit to start with? And what thing should I be looking for in the specs? Theres so many various CC and different media inside of them I havent the slightest clue where to start.

Many people have the BRS 75gpd 4-stage with the TDS meter and the pressure gauge, which is $199.99. Seems like a favorite among these forums.

I went with the MarineDepot Kleanwater instead because it is essentially the exact same unit (dual TDS meter, pressure gauge, manual flush valve) for the same price, but you get an additional 25gpd output, which may or may not matter, and you also get 15% off replacement filters for life from MD.

Spectrapure also makes very good units too but IMO aren't worth the extra $$.

 

[HvacMan2015]

Glass help

Glass help

Just started a new 120 salt tank with ro/di water and Red Sea salts. When mixing I could only get a batch a day due to work and kids etc... each 30 gallons I mixed correctly and put in would be foggy until settled which is understandable. But when I would add the next batch the salt scum I'm going to call it stuck to glass making like a foggy look to tank. When tried to rub off with fingers not much luck. My Question is what should use to rub or clean this off with? And not scratch the tank up. New to site don't know if this is correct way to post of work this so sorry about that if wrong. Thanks for the help.

 

[RogueGrown]

Thanks for the replies, I just ordered the kleanwater 100 gpd unit, the fact you save on the replacement filters and gain a little bit of GPD it seemed like the most viable option. plus it still had free shipping through MD. Also got a hydor wave maker on its way. Im looking really forward to this!

 

[mountainraised]

Welcome and looking forward to your tank build thread!

 

[RogueGrown]

Welcome and looking forward to your tank build thread!

I will be posting about it for sure, I have to make it through the grueling wait of watching for the mailman now :headwally:

Im also going to be going on vacation next week till monday the 10th so Ill have to wait yet even longer :headwally::headwally:

But in the mean time I can look into what all I want in there and ask plenty of questions as I read on. :beer:

 

[xCry0x]

I had a Aquamaxx hob-1 on my previous tank and recommend it. I will say - it is a really noisy skimmer. The air intake line constantly produces a gurgling sound, I put a pill bottle silencer on it which made a giant difference.

You can probably get away with no skimmer if you have a light bioload, but the problem with small tanks is the average person over stocks them. Especially if it is your first tank - it is near impossible to restrain yourself to ~2 fish.

I always ran a skimmer on mine, the aquamaxx was probably borderline too much as it didn't maintain a consistent foam head - but my experience is that is fairly common for all smaller tank skimmers.

 

[RogueGrown]

I had a Aquamaxx hob-1 on my previous tank and recommend it. I will say - it is a really noisy skimmer. The air intake line constantly produces a gurgling sound, I put a pill bottle silencer on it which made a giant difference.

You can probably get away with no skimmer if you have a light bioload, but the problem with small tanks is the average person over stocks them. Especially if it is your first tank - it is near impossible to restrain yourself to ~2 fish.

I always ran a skimmer on mine, the aquamaxx was probably borderline too much as it didn't maintain a consistent foam head - but my experience is that is fairly common for all smaller tank skimmers.

I started looking at the reef octopus hob 100. It has great reviews. Thanks for the input on the aquamaxx, the other thing that steered me away from that skimmer is so many people said were saying the collection cup sinks in and causes over flowing, yes it's an easy fix, but with that price tag you shouldn't have to mod it IMO.

I already have it in my head that I'll be running a light bio load tank and won't be over stocking it. I have a couple weeks before I can even put water in it. In the mean time I'm going to look into what livestock I want. I think I want a fire fire as they are low bio load and beginner friendly, plus I like the way they look. This tank will be a Fowler with the idea of adding some basic corals in the future. I feel like there is no need to rush a fish tank, fresh or salt.

 

[ssick92]

I started looking at the reef octopus hob 100. It has great reviews. Thanks for the input on the aquamaxx, the other thing that steered me away from that skimmer is so many people said were saying the collection cup sinks in and causes over flowing, yes it's an easy fix, but with that price tag you shouldn't have to mod it IMO.

I already have it in my head that I'll be running a light bio load tank and won't be over stocking it. I have a couple weeks before I can even put water in it. In the mean time I'm going to look into what livestock I want. I think I want a fire fire as they are low bio load and beginner friendly, plus I like the way they look. This tank will be a Fowler with the idea of adding some basic corals in the future. I feel like there is no need to rush a fish tank, fresh or salt.

Personally I don't think a skimmer is really necessary for a FOWLR, but would want to be added when you started corals.

 

[RogueGrown]

I know it's not necessary for now but I'd like to have a good plan as to what I want for this setup.

I ordered a hydor 425, now I'm seeing they have a 250... should I have gotten two 250s? Or will the one 425 suffice? Is the wavemaker a must have? Also I'm going to be hooking up and aquaclear 70 I have laying around, I'm going to make it just a bio filter and a pod breeding ground.

 

[RogueGrown]

Got my sand and rock in the tank, now time to hurry up and wait...

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[RogueGrown]

I felt like there wasn't enough rock for a system that isn't going to have a sump so I added more with more caves and hiding for the critters of my tiny world...

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