Initial setup

OK, finally my first saltwater setup is coming together with lots of orders placed and lots of time researching. Tell me how Im doing and if I should change anything

Tank- 36gallon bowfront with approx 25lbs dry reefrock and 15lbs liverock
Heater- Fluval E 200watt
Filtration- Hydor Slim Skim Nano protein skimmer or Hydor Slim Skim
Fluval C4 HOB filter
Whisper EX30 HOB filter
Powerhead- 2 Hydor Koralia 425 Nano

Still no light system picked out but I want LED is I can afford it, if not a T5

Not sure of what media to put in the filters, Im thinking Seachem Matrix in the Fluval C4 for the carbon spot and denitrate in the organic spot. I could use help with this
Thinking of using a foam prefilter on the intake for the whisper and then just placing a large bag of some chemical resin in the chamber. Not sure if using both filters would be over filtration or not.

Unsure if I should order the Slim SKim Nano or if I should go with the bigger cousin Slim Skim. Nano is rated up to a 35gal tank and reg is up to 65gal

I think Im on the right track but could use some help with final decisions. Also, would this equipment list be good for a 46gal instead of a 36 if I upsized? This is going to be a live rock and fish only tank for awhile some easier to keep corals in the future.

 

why all the hob filters? prob 1 is more than enough! and i'd rec a aquaclear 75! That way when your biological filet is kiicking ya can convert it to a fuge!

 

I like to use HOB filters as large media chambers for chemical resins and bio media, THis is my first saltwater tank though I always found the more the better on FW is this not the case in SW? I already purchased the Fluval C4 but depending on the size I was thinking of getter a smaller aquaclear to use in place of the whisper as a fuge in the future. Not sure how I would do that though never had a fuge nor do I know how to make one or operate one lol

 

just google aquaclear 75 fuge mod! easy as heck! no running or worrying! get some miracle mud for the bottom of it and some chaeto! much better and less maintenace/money than a regular filter! IMO regular filters are more of a pain than a help and not necessary with salt water! your LR and sand are your filters! 1 isn;r a bad idea for some carbon, but other media tends to be nitrate farms! not good!

 

Always wanted to try that. Will have to when I get my tank up and running.

 

can anyone else offer any further advise? All help is appreciated! I will google that modification sounds interesting

 

You may want to look at either more of the 425 power heads or a couple of larger models. I had one in my 20 and it was okay, but it wasn't as powerful as i would like. I had the 240 model in there as well and still upgraded to a single maxi jet. Try a 750 and a pair of 425s.

I also would get the slim skim, non nano model. It would only benefit you in the long run if u wanna add a sump/fuge it will accommodate that extra water volume

 

Thanks, I did get 2 hydor 425s and the fitler does 280gph I figured that is sufficiant water movement? I guess I oculd always purchase a third 425 if needed or a larger 750 model