New to reefs

Hey guys, need some help. I'm looking to set up a 20-long reef. Like I said in the title, I'm new to SW. I would kind of like to get a list of things I'll need such as live rock, power-head and such. I'd kind of like to know maintenance too. I am exploring new territory for me so any comment would help. For lights I have 2 twin Coralife fixtures (need bulbs) I could use. I need some lighting advice as well as in which type to use and even what fish and corals to put together. One problem is I don't want to buy an RO system so I will have to age the water. I have no idea about the filtration, I may somehow be able to Jerry-rig a sump underneath but there is not a lot of room to work with. I'm taking my time on this so feel free respond any time.

 

Hey Logan,

Welcome to the wonderful world of reefs.

Here is some recommendations.

Water flow, I would try to get a couple powerheads in there to keep the water moving good. That small of a tank you dont want waste sitting around rotting.

Get a good HOB filter, they also make very reasonable HOB skimmers, especially good is the Reef Octopus line.

If you arent going to make RO water, buy it from your local store, it is cheap & will really help with algae control. Plus you can meet & talk with fellow reefers while you are there.

Change 20% of your water every week. This is only 5 gallons or so. This will really help your water quality in such a small tank. Make sure you age your saltwater 24 hours before adding to your tank.

 

Welcome to the club Logan.

As Craig said Flow and filtration will be a good place to start. A couple korellia 2 will probably be plenty for this tank along with a good Hang on back skimmer.

You can also start with a very limited amount of live rock and use dry rock for the rest but you should not need more then 15 lbs.

Take things slow.

 

if your willing to get a sump I'd drill the tank. Gives it a much cleaner look then any hob stuff.

 

Do you have any suggestions on fish and corals?

 

Really? Other people have told me 20 pounds. And what are korellia?

 

20 lbs would be good. Just dont want to fill up your tank with rock. Korellia is a brand of power head. As far as coral I would start with Zoas and pallys then go from there. You wont want more then 3-5 small fish in a tank this size. Maybe start with a couple chromies. But you are not there yet. You have a ways to go before you are ready for fish and coral.

 

Would live sand be necessary? And what exactly does live sand have?

 

You can start with dead/non live sand. As your tank matures organisms and bacteria will grow and live in your sand and rocks. This helps with the de-nitrification process in our tanks. After you ad your non live sand, you can add a cup of live sand from a fellow reefer to help kick start that off. Many people go with no sand at all as well.

 

Of your looking for your live rock to help be part of your filtration I've heard go at least a pound per gallon

 

What would you suggest to put in the HOB filter?

 

I would really look into drilling holes for overflows and running a sump. I think you'll find this route will probably be as much, if not maybe even cheaper, than getting a hob filter, skimmer, etc. And it'll look cleaner, water will be clearer, I think you'd be alot happier. I didn't see you saying where your located, but if your up in the Waterloo area, stop by ACC, or Anemones Clowns and Corals. Craig, Jeremy, or Andrew will be able to talk to you about it more. This is all just a matter of opinion, but I would not go the HOB route. As far as flow and rock, I've noticed over the years in the hobby the less rock the better usually. Dont go crazy overboard and stuff it to the top with rock. Fill it halfway if that, aquascape it nice, and go from there. I'd recommend one bigger Koralia vs 2 smaller ones, being that your going for such a small tank already, and space is gonna be tight. Probably a koralia 1000 gph.

 

I'm in the Sioux City area, so a little ways from Waterloo. I see your where your going with the one powerhead but wont it leave dead zones? And I thought if I had a sump I thought I'd need a protein skimmer too.

 

you will need a protein skimmer regardless.

 

So a sump is not cheaper?

 

It is cleaner. There is nothing wrong with HoB equipment. My first tank was a 55gal sumpless tank and it was very successful and easy to maintain.

 

Hi Logan, welcome to the club. I'm in the area too.

 

You don't have to have a protein skimmer. The tanks not very big. Other forms of filtration can be just a effective and cheaper.

 

Do you happen to have any extra equipment for sale? And where do you usually get your fish and corals?

 

Whats the type of filtration?