New to reef, but not to marine.

Hi folks. I've come to the 3Reef community for some assistance in setting up my first reef tank. I've had FO and FOWLR tanks in the past ranging from 29 to 75 gallons, but I only have a limited knowledge of reef tanks.

Here's what i've got, even though i'm not really planning on using any of it (maybe the bak-pac).

- 20g (tall) glass aquarium
- CPR Bak-Pac HoB protein skimmer
- Prizm HoB protien skimmer
- Tidepool HoB overflow
- 2 Rio 2100 powerheads
- 2 Emperor 280 HoB filters
- Random low-quality canister filter (forget brand)

I have not set up anything at all as of right now. What I want is a small reef tank to go in my living room and I plan on custom building a stand for it. After the stand is complete, I will start with only LR for a few months to cycle.

Pressing questions:

Do I NEED a sump? I am trying to make this as cost-effective as possible, and have been researching a lot, but can;t find a definitive answer. I find that most small reef tanks utilize a sump, but I would like to avoid the added expense if possible. Unfortunately, I would like the tank to be very clean-looking, and I know this is hard to do without one.

I also want to order a JBJ Viper clamp-on MH. Can I get away with 70W with a 20g tall or if I will need 150W? This is really the only MH in my price range that fits what I think my needs will be. I have read that some folks tend to shy away from JBJ, but I'm not really sure why.

I've been reading alot about Berlin method and from what i've read only Kalkwasser and protien skimming are required. Chemical and additional biological filtration are not desirable. Am I missing something?

Sorry for the wall 'o text, but any information that you folks could provide would be much appreciated.

Ninja Edit: I also have about 30lbs of dead LR from a disaster a few years ago. I've had it sitting in a sealed bucket since then, and I was wondering if it would be good for anything? Can I use it for base rock, does it need to be re-cured, or is it completely uselsss?

 

welcome to 3Reef!

 

welcome, i'm sure there will be plenty of members here to assist you with your questions

 

If you want the tank "clean" looking I would use a sump even though you don't have to have one but it has alot of advantages and would recommend one. Sumps don't have to cost much either, a small tank underneath your display tank(DT) hid under your stand will allow you to move your equipment( heaters,protein skimmer,ect.) out of sight. You will need a sump,pvc pipe, an overflow and a small pump.If you do not go with a sump you will not need an overflow and will need a hob skimmer.Little cheaper to go this way but like I said the sump makes thing alot easier and more stable(more water volume) and cleaner looking.As for the lights a reef usually needs 3 to 5 watts per gallon.You can re-use the dry rock you have just give it a good scrubbing before putting in the tank.You can use some live rock to seed it with and soon it will become live rock again. HTH

 

welcome to 3reef

 

Pressing questions:

Do I NEED a sump? I am trying to make this as cost-effective as possible, and have been researching a lot, but can;t find a definitive answer. I find that most small reef tanks utilize a sump, but I would like to avoid the added expense if possible. Unfortunately, I would like the tank to be very clean-looking, and I know this is hard to do without one.

Steve's opinion - no you do not need a sump , I agree systems with them coupled with refugiums are very effective , but many run tanks without sumps succesfully ( Low Bioload, good maintenance , careful feedings, consistent testing)

I also want to order a JBJ Viper clamp-on MH. Can I get away with 70W with a 20g tall or if I will need 150W? This is really the only MH in my price range that fits what I think my needs will be. I have read that some folks tend to shy away from JBJ, but I'm not really sure why.

Steve's opinion - depends on what you want to keep really ?

I've been reading alot about Berlin method and from what i've read only Kalkwasser and protien skimming are required. Chemical and additional biological filtration are not desirable. Am I missing something?

Steve - The Berlin method or system is about lots of live rock for your biological filtration coupled with good skimming , many support Berlin based systems with chemical filtration means such as Carbon or Phosphate removal resins

Sorry for the wall 'o text, but any information that you folks could provide would be much appreciated.

Ninja Edit: I also have about 30lbs of dead LR from a disaster a few years ago. I've had it sitting in a sealed bucket since then, and I was wondering if it would be good for anything? Can I use it for base rock, does it need to be re-cured, or is it completely uselsss?[/QUOTE]

Steve - If your certain the rock has not been expossed to any chemicals then I would use it after a good soaking / cleaning rinsing - its base rock - but base rock, when kept in a tank will become colonised by bacteria and then its live rock - base rock IMO is ideal for use in a reef tank as that way you dont introduce anything that later you need to remove (algae, pest nems, pest crabs, etc)



welcome to 3 reef

Steve

 

Well I am hoping to keep mostly soft sorals, inverts, and maybe a few small fish. My ultimate goal here is going to be to keep a mandarin dragonet healthy and happy while giving myself a great looking, dynamic reef.