Getting Started

Well to start off this will be my first SW tank. I've done my fair share of research online as well as in my LFS's. I have a 20 gallon long tank that I bought that came with a Whisper 20 Filter , heater, and hood/light combo. I am waiting on an order from Foster and Smith Aquatics to get here on the 8th. Well that's what the ETA is :. I have coming to me:

- Test kit
- Hydrometer
- Hydor Koralia Nano 425 power head
- Sand
- AquaClear Power Filter 30
- Ocean Sun 10,000ºK 24" 17W T-8 Florescent Light
- Salt mix
- Thermometer

as well as some other little things i.e filter media, filter bags, etc. Well i plan on having a FOWLR set up for now until I get a hold of what I'm doing. I went out and got buckets designated for RO/DI water only as well as mixers for my PWC's. I'm super excited on getting this thing kicked off asap. I'm going to go to my LFS as soon as my shipment comes in to get water and LR as well as BR and begin my cycling. Also I plan on using my Whisper 20 Filter as a means of adding more current/air in the water as well as perhaps putting some BioBalls in it for bacteria to grow on. I also plan on painting the back blue to help hide everything as well as give it some depth.I will make sure to keep my status updated for y'all!

 

Good luck.
Don't go too crazy with fish it may make it hard later on when you get corals, as it may be hard to keep the water pristine.

 

Thanks. Yeah I know I plan on starting with just a clown an a few snails to begin. nothing too big, I know the consequences of too much too fast from reading peoples mistakes on forums.

 

what type of clown are you getting.
I hope you don't say perc or occ. lol

 

Welcome to 3reef.

Since you are using live rock you won't need the bioballs which will lessen the cleaning load. Great idea using the filter as additional circulation. You could put additional chemical filtration in it also.

 

Well hate to disappoint ya but i was leaning toward a black n white occ, that is if my lfs has em for cheap, if not just a true perc. lol

 

Start slow, research, keep your parameters in limits. Get the right equipment. Ask questions. Good luck

 

Thanks, I was just going to run the sponge it has in their for now, the bio balls were just an idea I had. What kind of chemical filtration would you recommend?

 

arghh just observe then before you buy them. I have had them before, they are pretty dumb even for clowns(thats saying something). I prefer the more aggressive species because they seem more interactive.

 

HAHA will do.