Potential 65G

[wilson_the_volleybal]

Hi all

Long time reader on saltwater, rarely post. Have been keep fresh for decades.

I currently have a 65 gallon tank that I am thinking of converting to SW. I cannot do a sump sadly, I live in a condo and do not have the space under the tank to keep one.

I currently have the AC110 hob filter, that I was thinking I could use as a small hang on sump, where I can keep charcoal and filter floss (do I need that in SW?).

I am looking to keep a sand bottom, and about 100lbs of live rock. I am going to buy most of the LR from FB Marketplace, I have found some good deals. One I found was a bleached LR, and I am not sure if that is good to buy, so looking for advice here as well.

Finally, I know I need to use RO/DI water and will be using a refratctometer for salinty. I don't think there is much else I am missing for set up per se. I am still unclear if I want to get smaller corals, if so, would love some affordable light ideas.

Thanks!

 

[kharmaguru]

Bleached live rock likely means it was full of algae and maybe pests like aiptasia. These things would be eliminated and much of the organics as well, but unless it was also acid washed it will likely leach phosphates into your tank which will be problematic. That's not guaranteed but something to consider. It will also have no natural bacterial populations so you'd definitely want to mix in some actual 'live' rock. It would be good to find out what has actually been done to the rock you are considering.

Cheap lights that would do the job are all over Amazon - Nicrew, Lomini, Popbloom to name a few and any of the myriad 'black boxes' will all grow coral.

Conventional filtration like hobs and canisters are usually frowned upon because of the inevitable increasing nitrate and without a sump, no way to hide heaters and skimmer, etc. However it can and has been done with great success. Here's a guy who did an amazing tank with a canister and an algae reactor.

 

[griss]

^Spot on advice.

 

[wilson_the_volleybal]

Amazing, thank you.

I have Nicrew lights already, Amazon.ca - I just wasn't sure if they would suffice:

Amazon.ca

I will definitely add in some live rock, and am going to be adding a few wavemakers to get flow up.

I will use the HOB to help with flow, and just ignore any filter material inside. I guess my "problem" is I am so used to having the filter, where as with salt, its my understanding that the live rock really is the filter for the tank?

Finally, is a protein skimmer required for a reef tank? I am not looking at difficult corals, especially at the start.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[griss]

Those Nicrews are a little low on wattage for corals IMO.

Live rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater, KP Aquatic and Gulf Live Rock all have solid reputations but, I don’t know if those are available in Canada, maybe @kharmaguru can chime in on that.

Yes, the live rock is essentially the filter but, having the HOB will provide more flow and water volume. It will also allow you to add things like carbon, chemi pure, GFO, etc as needed.

Protein skimmer…depends on who you ask. Some people say you absolutely need on, others are very successful without them.

There is no one right way to be successful in the reef hobby. What works perfectly for one person may result in failure for another. Experiment and find what works for you. Remember, nothing good happens fast in this hobby, go slow and take your time.

 

[kharmaguru]

Those Nicrews are a little low on wattage for corals IMO.

Ya, the Nicrew Hyperreef are the ones made for corals.

Live rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater, KP Aquatic and Gulf Live Rock all have solid reputations but, I don’t know if those are available in Canada, maybe @kharmaguru can chime in on that.

The only good source I know in Canada is the Walt Smith stuff from Aquarium Illusions:

Premium Fiji Live Rock

 

[griss]

The only good source I know in Canada is the Walt Smith stuff from Aquarium Illusions:

Premium Fiji Live Rock

No Australian rock available in Canada?

 

[wilson_the_volleybal]

Thank you all, this is super helpful

I’ll look at the nicrew marines and keep the HOB. I will be getting two wave maker/powerheads as well.

I think I will buildup my rock base with dry rock (non bleached) and top it with some live rock from the LFS, just to save money. Is 20lbs of full LR appropriate to seed around 100lbs of dry rock?

 

[kharmaguru]

I’ll look at the nicrew marines and keep the HOB. I will be getting two wave maker/powerheads as well.

Which 65 gallon is this, the 36" tall or the 48" shallow? Compare a few different lights and reviews before you jump in. People also like Smatfarm and NooPsyche lights in the value segment.

I think I will buildup my rock base with dry rock (non bleached) and top it with some live rock from the LFS, just to save money. Is 20lbs of full LR appropriate to seed around 100lbs of dry rock?

Yes it will work but the 20lbs needs to be real, not just crappy brown cycled rock from Big Al's. Where in Canada are you?

 

[griss]

I will be getting two wave maker/powerheads as well.

If you're on a budget, look into Jebao powerhead/wavemakers.

 

[wilson_the_volleybal]

Which 65 gallon is this, the 36" tall or the 48" shallow? Compare a few different lights and reviews before you jump in. People also like Smatfarm and NooPsyche lights in the value segment.


Yes it will work but the 20lbs needs to be real, not just crappy brown cycled rock from Big Al's. Where in Canada are you?

It’s the 36” model.

I am in Toronto

 

[kharmaguru]

I am in Toronto

Then definitely check out Fragbox corals.