Need Tank Set-Up Advice

Hi Everyone,

Let me start out by admitting that I am a complete newbie when it comes to saltwater tanks. (I hear the first step to becoming a good marine tank owner is admission that you know nothing).

Now onto the rest...

Currently, I have a 55g planted freshwater tank, which has been up and running for about a year. I love the hobby and have always tried to keep my tank and water at optimal quality, so that my fish and plants can thrive. So far, I feel my tank has been very successful and I am now hoping to "dive" into the realm of saltwater.;D

I have tried to research as much as possible and understand all that is involved with both the initial set-up and the commitment afterward. However, despite about 20-25 hours of reading about it, I would still like to get some opinions about my proposed set-up.

To start off, I was hoping to begin with a FO tank and then work my way up from there to some soft corals. I know that bigger is typically better when it comes to tanks (more stability, same amount of work), but I just don't have the space, nor that much money to support a large tank. As a result, I was hoping to start with a 25-35g tank and maybe I will have the opportunity to go bigger in the future.

Additionally, with my set-up, I don't want to have to upgrade when I go to buy corals, so I am hoping to get all major items established immediately, so I can work my way up at my own pace.

Right now, I have two potential tanks in my possession that I think would make really cool looking tanks, but I am concerned whether they would be amble set-ups.

Currently, I have the following equipment available:

• 24 gallon aquapod (19.75"W x 17"D x 20"H)
  • Stock pump included w/ filter media
  • Glass top (no stock hood/ light)
  • Stock Heater

• 35 gallon hexagon tank (23"W x 20"D x 24"H).
  • Hinged Glass Top
  • Aqueon 30 HOB Filter
  • 150W Heater
• Coralife 24" T5 fixture with a 10,000K and an Actinic
• 12" T8 with 14 watt bulb (not sure of spectrum)
• Live Sand (from a friend)
• Net, Auto Feeders, Water Testing Equipment, etc. (from having my other tank)

Things I expect to have to buy (open to suggestions):

• Protein Skimmer
• Live Rock (have a potential deal with fellow hobbyist)
• Powerhead
• Hydrometer
• RO/DI System (don't want to pay $1/ gallon for water)
• Salt

Can you guys let me know what you would do with the equipment I have to set up the best tank, plus provide suggested purchases for the equipment I don't have yet?

Thanks,

Aaron

 

One thing to consider is how long before you are going to upgrade. And if you are going to add corals eventually, maybe look into having the hex tank drilled and use the other tank for a sump.

 

Try reviewing this and see if it helps...It helped me....
http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/ultimate-newbie-guide-86462.html

 

I highly recommend getting at least 1 pound per gallon of water of Live Rock seeing how this is the primary filtration for a saltwater tank. The testing equipment from your other tank may only be for freshwater as well, and if it is over a year old, it may not be giving you accurate readings anymore anyways. The stock filters probably wont be enough for you either. Probably alright to start out with, but that would be about it. I would check out the AquaClear filters. They are cheap as well. For lighting I would check out this site T5 Aquarium Lighting - Guaranteed Best Prices Online for a light that would work for now.

As far as the tank, do you have them both already. If you do, then I would use the 35 gallon for the DT and use the 24 gallon for a sump like dowtish suggested. Have fun with the set up.

How much Live sand were you getting? And don't forget to ask questions here so that fellow reefers can help you out.

 

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your feedback so far.

Sticksmith- I do actually own the two tanks I referenced, plus the other equipment and the water testing stuff is for saltwater. I got it from a friend who was getting rid of his tank and he knew I wanted to start one up. I would have taken his, but i made my decision too late

civiccars- I actually did read that and the "what's important for a successful tank" thread. Both are very interesting, but I am looking more for suggestions as far as the actual equipment, rather than the categories of items that are needed.

A couple more quick questions...

If you guys were to do it over again, given what you know now. What would your ideal set-up be for a 30-35 gallon tank? My friend said if he were to do it all over again, he might go with a 30 gallon breeder. Thoughts?

The reason I ask is that I bought the two tanks I have now from Craigslist and could easily sell them for what I paid and get something else.

Also, how hard/ expensive is it to drill a tank/ build a sump? If I did, i probably would just get a standard 20 gallon tank and sell the aquapod.

Thanks

 

I currently have a 16 gallon bow front that I converted from fresh water to saltwater. I bought a 40 gallon breeder from petco when they did their $1 a gallon sell. The breeder tanks are one that people prefer due to their height and they are wider so you can do more aquascaping.

I don't know what brand of skimmer I would go with because I don't run one. People have suggested eshopps to me.

I personally don't know about drilling tanks, except make sure it isn't tempered glass and keep the glass cool by setting up a garden hose (or something like it) that can keep cool water on the glass while you are drilling. I have seen people on here post that their LFS drilled holes for $5 a hole.

Here is a good thread for setting up a sump. http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-of...lon-reef-updated-8-14-11-page-78-a-81680.html This is the 1st thread that I ever read on here and learned a lot.

 

i would suggest going for a FOWLR tank it might take a little longer to settle but you will have a nice biological/natural filtering system from the live rock and sand in addition to your mechanical filtering.

regarding corlas iv been in this hobby for about 6 months now and the idea of corals still freaks me out (im talking about hard corals) if you do opt for a reef tank keep in mind that your fish selection will be a little more limited. personally im happy with keeping the choice door open for fish as opposed to corals. mind you i have a few soft corlas and i love em.

oh and reef tanks require considerable knowledge on lighting