Hey all I am new to reef keeping setting up a 4 year old never used stock aquapod in August 2012. It's just after the Christmas season and I have some money to burn so I am looking for some upgrades for the tank to help me increase the range of coral I would be able to keep as well as have a better overall system. So I have some things I was thinking about getting and would would love to here suggestions.
1) Lighting- based on what I have read the 64 watts of stock lighting in the aquapod just arent sufficient for lps corals so I was looking to upgrade. I have been looking at the current usa nova ext pro 20 inch T5, looks like for the price it might not be a bad lighting system. I have been checking out LED but price is an issue there and the sunpod MH which is pretty popular would likely make my tank run too hot as running a chiller is not an option. Anyone have any comparable priced lights that they think are better and why they might suggest I go with that.
2) Skimmer- So based on my reading it seems like a lot of opinions are mixed regarding having a skimmer on a system this size. I think I would like something because I would like to do everything I can to help to optimize my water chemistry and avoid any algae problems(which i have some hair algae already and its tough to get rid off). I have looked at the HOB reef octopus b100, reviews online seem pretty favorable but does anyone have any other suggestions or thoughts on this subject, I am currently doing 10% water changes weekly and feeding every other day.
3) Testing supplies- I currently have a testing kit I bought at petsmart, forget who makes it off the top of my head, but currently testing only for the usual stuff, no mag, alk or ca testing yet, any suggestions on good testing products would really help.
24 g aquapod, rio 1400, about to add koralia 450, intank media basket with purigen, chemipure and filter floss. 1 perc, 1 coral beauty and 1 cleaner shrimp, 7 blue legged hermits.
water params NH3 0, ph 8.2, nitrite 0, nitrate 0 and these params are pretty stable, dont currently test for phosphates
One other issue I do have is temp, my temp seems to fluctuate around 4 degree F with my lights one, It starts around 75 in the am with it around 78 in the evening.
I know this was a long post so thank you for reading and any comments I can get from more experienced reefers would be much appreciated. Thanks guys, happy reefing.
1) Lighting- based on what I have read the 64 watts of stock lighting in the aquapod just arent sufficient for lps corals so I was looking to upgrade. I have been looking at the current usa nova ext pro 20 inch T5, looks like for the price it might not be a bad lighting system. I have been checking out LED but price is an issue there and the sunpod MH which is pretty popular would likely make my tank run too hot as running a chiller is not an option. Anyone have any comparable priced lights that they think are better and why they might suggest I go with that.
2) Skimmer- So based on my reading it seems like a lot of opinions are mixed regarding having a skimmer on a system this size. I think I would like something because I would like to do everything I can to help to optimize my water chemistry and avoid any algae problems(which i have some hair algae already and its tough to get rid off). I have looked at the HOB reef octopus b100, reviews online seem pretty favorable but does anyone have any other suggestions or thoughts on this subject, I am currently doing 10% water changes weekly and feeding every other day.
3) Testing supplies- I currently have a testing kit I bought at petsmart, forget who makes it off the top of my head, but currently testing only for the usual stuff, no mag, alk or ca testing yet, any suggestions on good testing products would really help.
24 g aquapod, rio 1400, about to add koralia 450, intank media basket with purigen, chemipure and filter floss. 1 perc, 1 coral beauty and 1 cleaner shrimp, 7 blue legged hermits.
water params NH3 0, ph 8.2, nitrite 0, nitrate 0 and these params are pretty stable, dont currently test for phosphates
One other issue I do have is temp, my temp seems to fluctuate around 4 degree F with my lights one, It starts around 75 in the am with it around 78 in the evening.
I know this was a long post so thank you for reading and any comments I can get from more experienced reefers would be much appreciated. Thanks guys, happy reefing.
