Newbie tank help

Im getting 20lbs of base rock, and only plan on using half. Then a couple lbs of live rock. Also a 40lb bag of sand. 2 hydor nano circulation pumps. One on each side of the tank, and a small hob filter rated for 20gallons.

With all this is a protein skimmer needed?
 
I am a believer in skimmers and highly recommend having one. Not only does it clean the water but it also adds oxygen. How in any way, shape or form is that a bad thing? Is it totally necessary? Probably not, but then again it depends on how much you feed and what you are keeping in your tank.
 
I am a believer in skimmers and highly recommend having one. Not only does it clean the water but it also adds oxygen. How in any way, shape or form is that a bad thing? Is it totally necessary? Probably not, but then again it depends on how much you feed and what you are keeping in your tank.

Thank you for responding. Ive been doing some researching, and I would like to get a skimmer. However there are so many out there. I did find one, but its rated for a 40-80gallon tank, and has 300gph pump. Im guessing this would not work?????

Can anyone recommend a good skimmer for a 20 gallon long tank? Dont want to break the bank, but dont mind spending a little money on this.
 
I found this skimmer so far, and seems to get really good reviews. Anyone have experience with it? AquaticLife Internal Mini Skimmer 115
 
Well i got the 20lb just in case i needed more. Also plan on setting up a smaller quarantine tank, or maybe a reef tank. I have 6 gallon fluval edge as well.

Almost everything arrived in the mail today, and the only thing im waiting on is the base rock. Supposed to be here Saturday. Also got my wife some awesome gifts for mothers day. So she wouldnt freak out when she sees a new fish tank. You guys know what im talking about. lol
 
Tanks up and running, and water is cycling. Gonna pick up the live rock later today, and start testing the water. I did add bio spira to speed up the process, and water is just about clear. Will post some pictures later.
 
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So I picked up the live rock, and took some pictures. Pictures wont load for some reason, and im trying to figure what the deal is. Anyway here are yesterdays day 1 readings.

Day 1 05/09 before live rock

Hydrometer 1.026
Nitrate 7.5ppm, it was between colors and really hard to read.
Nitrite 0ppm
Ammonia 0ppm
PH 7.8ppm

Being that I used the bio spira when would I be able to add a fish. I have a single clownfish in my biocube that looks really bored in his small tank. I think he would be more happy in the new tank.
 
So I just tested the water, and the live rock has been in since yesterday afternoon. Very small changes.

Hydrometer 1.026
Nitrate 5ppm, it was between colors and really hard to read.
Nitrite 0ppm
Ammonia 0ppm
PH 7.8ppm

Nitrates are the only thing that changed
 
So i've been reading some info on raising the ph level. I also tested the ph level in my bio cube. Bio cube is reading 8.2. If i understand correctly, I could add a airstone to raise ph. Face my circulation pump towards the surface. Or buying something to raise ph like API PH up.

What is the best way?
 
Your ph is fine, but it is a good idea to be sure the surface of the water is moving because it keeps the lower parts fresh with oxygen for them to breathe. You will see it change for diff times of day and how much fresh air is in the room too (like if a window is open).

If you didn't buy the skimmer yet, I wouldn't feel rushed to do it. Your tank can handle a couple fish just fine and with skimmers you seem to really get what you pay for, so if it's a question of $ I think it's smarter to save up for a good one and take your time to read up on the reviews or wait for a sale. Imo a 20g doesn't need one, but if you want it best to buy carefully.

It sounds like your cycle is off to a good start, but I'd hold off on the clown fish a little longer. Your tank doesn't have any snails or anything, right? are you adding a little food or something to get the ammonia going?
 
No animals yet. I added bio spira yesterday, and my bro suggested fish food or raw shrimp. I could add some snails from my other tank.......
 
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