Yet another 10 gallon newb

[jd_7655]

Hi all,

I'm planning on setting up a 10 gallon this will be my first marine aquarium, and I'm looking to get some advice. To start I'd like to keep it simple, maybe fish only, or live rock with some mushooms. I know a lttle bit about saltwater, I've been reading off and on about it for years. I also have the marine aquarium hand book, but its kinda dated, I bought it in the late 90's.

I already have some of the equipment, besides the tank I have a 40 watt power compact w/10,000k/antic bulb, and heater.

I'm kinda lost on what to do for filtration. Could someone enlighten me on filtration for this size tank.

For a substrate I have some marine sand I bought for my freshwater set up. Its realy rare and I paid alot of money for it. To discribe it I'd say it's realy course, almost like very fine gravel, and it beige in color. It also has small shell's in it. It looks very similar to Agra Alive pink Burmuda sand. I also mixed alittle aragonite with it. I washed it since its been in my freshwater setup so I think it's good to go.

I know i'll need a hydro meter, instant ocean and some testing equipment, so thats on the list.

One concern I have is water. Do I need to use R.O. water if I plan on using live rock? If so is there a cheap way to get it other then buying a unit?

 

[BLKTANG]

I'm kinda lost on what to do for filtration. Could someone enlighten me on filtration for this size tank

Check out the sticky @ the top.Sugar Magnolias H.O.B refugium.

One concern I have is water. Do I need to use R.O. water if I plan on using live rock? If so is there a cheap way to get it other then buying a unit?


U will need live rock weather or not u plan on having coral or not.Live rock(LR) is the biological foundation for your tank.A good average is aprox.1/3 of water volume,or more.I have 15lbs in my 10g nano.Your local fish store(LFS) should sell RO water.Its a must,IMO in a SW tank.

 

[BLKTANG]

O and,

[welcome]

 

[mtfish]

A local fish store should be able to set you up with RO water for cheap, but I'd keep a eye open for a decent RO if you can afford it. It makes it easier.

I'd definately do Live Rock. As far as Fish only or a 'softie' tank I'd say go for a tank with some mushrooms. You could get by with a few other soft corals with that light. By adding corals you'll have to sacrafice the number of fish you have but fish are secondary in my opinion. Back to the filtration... The Live rock will act as a natural filtration system, but you should do a search on the Aquaclear Mod. Many people use a aquaclear hob filter on the back of the tank to add a little more water volume and use it for some macro algea to reduce nutrients in the tank. The HOB filter also allows for a place to put your heater to get it out of view.

I'd suggest a refractometer rather than a hydrometer, easy to use and more accurate. Then again they cost more, so it's up to you.

Your also going to want to add atleast one powerhead or other way to add more water movement to the tank.

I have a journal of my 10g tank here if you are interested.

I'm sure I forgot to cover something. Best of luck to you and your new obsession.

 

[phishes123]

wal-mart sells distilled water it is the same thing as r/o water and it is 50 cents a gal and good luck with your new tank

 

[BLKTANG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8452736#post8452736 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by phishes123
wal-mart sells distilled water it is the same thing as r/o water and it is 50 cents a gal and good luck with your new tank

but not RO/DI what most fish stores sell.

 

[Hekim]

Any water other than distilled or RO/DI could and probably does have some bad stuff in it; could be phoshates, nitrates and silica, which or a nuisanceor could be copper and heavy metals which are lithal.

In the grand scheme of things a good water supply is cheap and essential since everything you spend on otherthings depend on it.

IMHO lighting, filtration, salts, sustrate, fish and invert selection etc etc are all subject to personal prefrences and budget restrance, dont skrimp on the water.

Sorry to have rambled.