starting a 29 gal salty

Nereaga · 05-28-2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gm333

I have for a coupls of years now and have never had a problem.

Thanks man.... Sorry to thread jack there Sarah....

Sarah84 · 05-28-2007, 12:21 PM

lol.. no problem! i have a big al's outlet close by, they are always great there.. about stuff.. good about returns too.

sarah

Sarah84 · 06-04-2007, 08:58 PM

hey guys.. is this a good deal?? http://vancouver.craigslist.org/for/344733599.html
Sarah

Nereaga · 06-05-2007, 06:34 AM

Thats not a bad price. I have seen a 6g nano with stand go for $199. Even tho it is used, its still a steal.

Sarah84 · 06-05-2007, 02:08 PM

thanks.. i picked it up.. it retails in canada here for over $300 plus taxes. So now to the setup process :S lol!

CMG · 06-06-2007, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chitown1

Yes, you will need some additonal stuff. A skimmer is VERY important, I would go with a Remora C for a 29, it is a hang on that actually work well and for the $$$ it cant be beat. A powerhead depends on what you plan to keep and I would loose the filter completely, if you add 1 1/2-2 LBS of live rock per gallon, it will perform all the bio filtration your tank needs and wont produce the higher nitrate levels that the filter will, the skimmer will take care of the rest. You may want to upgrade your lights as well, for a FOWLER I would go with a PC fixture and if you plan on corals down the road, at least T5 or MH would be best.

Wow! So if I buy live rock then I don't even need a wet/dry filter? Just a Skimmer? I am starting a 55 gallon salt water soon...

Nereaga · 06-06-2007, 06:49 PM

Correct CMG. If you provide the right amount of LR 1.5-2 lbs per gallon. Then a skimmer is all you need for filtration. Technology is great!

For a 55 g sw, I use a hang on the tank Aqua C Remora skimmer. I have heard only good things about CPR skimmers. If you were going to run a sump with it, you might want to look into an ASM model. Of course there are other skimmers on the market. But this hobby is "you get what you pay for".

Brad

CMG · 06-06-2007, 07:17 PM

So I am basically trying to do the same thing as you have already done I think. I am going to go buy a 55g tank today and stand and want to start out doing FOWLR. So maybe you can help answer these questions as I have only done FW tanks so far...

1) Is live sand considered live rock or are they totaly different? Maybe coral is live rock?

2) Do I put live rock in my new tank at the same time as the live sand when first starting a tank in its cycling? I am not sure if curing LR is only for established tanks...? I think I could put it in when starting a tank because it's die off causes an amonia spike and I want amonia right? Plus there wont be any fish in there yet for the amonia to hurt.

3) Is the whole not needing a filter because you have live rock and a skimmer only applicable to cycled/established tanks or can you start a tank with saltwater, liverock and a skimmer? I guess I am asking if you can cycle a SW tank with just LR and a skimmer or do you need a filter to cycle?

Thanks,

-Chris

Nereaga · 06-06-2007, 09:15 PM

Chris,

1.Live sand and Live rock are two different things. Live sand is sand that has trace elements and bacteria in it, to help jump start a tank. Live Rock is rock that has been in the ocean for awhile and has living micro organisms living with in it. Live rock also can be used as a biological filter in big quanties.

2. When I started my tank I filled it up with water first and mixed in the necessary salt. And got it at a stable temp for a 24hr period. I then added in my sand within 2 days of filling it up with water. Then, I bought 55lbs of LR and aquascaped the tank. I put my LR in my main tank to cycle and cure with my tank. Yes ammonia is used to cycle a tank. After your tank is cycled you goal is to keep ammonia at ZERO.

It is reccommended to cycle a tank without fish. It took me almost 8-9 weeks to COMPLETELY cycle my tank. After about week 4-5 I introduced a "cleaning crew" to help combat algae.

3. Yes you can cycle your tank with LR and a skimmer. It is reccommened to have 1.5-2 lbs of LR as previously stated.

Hope some of that helps. Brad

Sarah84 · 06-06-2007, 10:46 PM

so far, i have the tank set up, and sw in the tnak, friday, im adding the skimmer (one that fits my nano) and 10-15 lbs of LR!
I'm excited!

my lfs has been really helpful! i've done lots and lots of reading.
Sarah