Noob questions

[ninjaboy76]

I want to start up a nano tank, but I need to know exactly what I need to purchase and what is the easiest route. I currently have a 29 gallon bow front that I was thinking about using, but I'm hesitant on wanting to drill it for the filter setup. Is there another way for me to filter it with out drilling? What exactly do I need for filtering, lighting, heat, ect.? I also have noticed the kits that companies are coming out with that have everything built in. Would these be better? I know I have a huge learning curve ahead of me, but I'm sure over time I'll be able to pick up on it.

 

[ReefDreams]

research a little bit..

You might find alot of different answers...

for filtering, you could use a sump, with an overflow box (no drilling)

now what to put in the "refugium" well, some macro (plant) and LR rubbles, you can research on that too !

If you want to go something even easier, get an Aquaclear 500 and do the Refugium mod on it.

Get some pumps for water circulation (depending on what you keep)

For the lights, we have to know what you want to keep.. If you want SPS, LPS, softies etc it will be different, but i've heard that with T5s you could almost take good care of any coral (except high end SPS)

You need a light for the Macro Algae, but that isnt tough, they grow almost under any lightning

I say you would end up spending much less money building your own kit then buying one.. + it would be custumized to your needs

 

[ninjaboy76]

I've been researching, theres so much info you can get lost....LOL! Thanks for the reply. I'll look into what you posted about. Which protein skimmer would you recommend?

 

[ReefDreams]

then again, i'd say maybe tunze one...

on my nano im going without skimmer, but 29 g is a bit big of a nano, so i guess you'll benefit from it !

Check out the equipment section it might help you !

 

[kass03]

I would add up the cost of what you need to DIY and then compare to an all in one.

To me by the time you buy everything you might as well of got an all in one but depends on what you plan on doing.

kass

 

[noschmo]

Invest in either Fenner's or Paletta's excellent reef books then qwk questions, READ the posts that came before.