beginner for salt.. HELPPP

[CAaddict]

im going to start a marine set up.. can yu guys tell me what equiptment/ stuff ill need for a 2ft x 3 ftx 12" (L x H x W).
i want to have 2 maroon clowns / perculas.other fish will be great but i want the clowns to be the main piont. im used to FW so i dont know if the filtration rates are he same or not.

so c'mon guys tell me whats up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wiggles92]

im going to start a marine set up.. can yu guys tell me what equiptment/ stuff ill need for a 2ft x 3 ftx 12" (L x H x W).
i want to have 2 maroon clowns / perculas.other fish will be great but i want the clowns to be the main piont. im used to FW so i dont know if the filtration rates are he same or not.

so c'mon guys tell me whats up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's an interesting footprint for an aquarium; should be a neat project. I'd do a pair of percula clownfish rather than maroon clownfish; maroons are pretty agressive.

As far as filtration goes, I'd make a sump for it; it's pretty much the same design as freshwater sump. The sump will contain your refugium (contains a deep sand bed, live rock rubble, and chaeto algae), protein skimmer, heater, and other equipment that you want hidden. You'll also need a decent protein skimmer; get one that will work in your sump. Live rock and sand will play a huge part in filtration, so be sure to get at least a pound of quality live rock per gallon of water (not a hard and fast rule; just a general rough suggestion) and enough sand to allow for a 2-3" layer (some go with less while others use more).

Do you want to have just fish and live rock (FOWLR), or do you want to add corals at some point?

 

[nonstophoops]

Necessary things to be successful imo.

1. Live Rock-You can buy dry rock and "cure" it to make it live to save some money, but either way it is very very important for helping filter your tank.
2. Protein Skimmer- A HOB skimmer would be good if you aren't planning a sump. This helps oxygenate the water and removes wastes to keep your tank healthy.
3. Powerheads-A couple powerheads to keep water moving. This is different than freshwater because the ocean is always moving unlike lakes. Koralia powerheads are economical and work very well.
4. Either a canister or HOB filter to remove particles and run carbon or other media. This is only if you aren't using a sump.
5. Water Changes-A consistent water change schedule will go a long ways to keeping your tank healthy and happy.

Also, Maroon clowns get really really aggressive when they become sexually mature. You would be best served going with ocellaris or perculas imo.

 

[Wiggles92]

Necessary things to be successful imo.

1. Live Rock-You can buy dry rock and "cure" it to make it live to save some money, but either way it is very very important for helping filter your tank.
2. Protein Skimmer- A HOB skimmer would be good if you aren't planning a sump. This helps oxygenate the water and removes wastes to keep your tank healthy.
3. Powerheads-A couple powerheads to keep water moving. This is different than freshwater because the ocean is always moving unlike lakes. Koralia powerheads are economical and work very well.
4. Either a canister or HOB filter to remove particles and run carbon or other media. This is only if you aren't using a sump.
5. Water Changes-A consistent water change schedule will go a long ways to keeping your tank healthy and happy.

Also, Maroon clowns get really really aggressive when they become sexually mature. You would be best served going with ocellaris or perculas imo.

I knew that I forgot an important piece of equipment...

 

[nonstophoops]

I would go less than an inch on the sand in a 12 inch tank. Any more than that is just going to trap wastes and take away from a short tank height already.

 

[Wiggles92]

I would go less than an inch on the sand in a 12 inch tank. Any more than that is just going to trap wastes and take away from a short tank height already.

I'm guessing that a DSB in the refugium would be pretty helpful in order to make up for the lack of sand in the main aquarium?

 

[nonstophoops]

I think it would yes. I employ one in my sump. Very helpful. In a display I don't think they are as good of an idea.

Sand isn't truly needed in an aquarium, many people run bare bottom tanks and no sand in the sump. They do help the biodiversity and an filtration to an extent however.

I guess I went at this assuming the person wasn't setting up a sump as most people don't when they first get started. Seems like a lot to handle and more investment. Sumps are definitely an asset and a very very helpful tool to keeping a healthy tank. It also takes the clutter out of the tank that comes from heaters and skimmer.

 

[CAaddict]

thanks guys. im not planning on a sump. as much as id love 2 run 1 . theres just no room for 1.

does this meen a 2-3" DSB is needed in the tank nw ?

the protein skimmer size might also be a problom considering the space on the side of the tank when made. is it possible to add a smaller powered P-Skimmer and a air defuser if they oxygenate the water anyways ?

will i need a calcuim reactor?

also the tank footprint is onli 2ft x 12" ill have to make the live rock kinda tall for the ratio needed?

 

[nonstophoops]

No, I would keep the sand bed under an inch in this tank. Is the water depth 2 ft and the depth front to back is 12 inch? I think I had it confused and thought the water depth would be 12".

The bigger the skimmer the better, but you will have to do what you can with the space you have.

You don't need that much rock. You will also be surpised at how fast it adds up. If you get at least a 1/2 lb per gallon in there you will be good. The key is good flow around the rock and all over the tank. Try to keep "dead" spots or places with little water movement to a minimum.

You do not need a calcium reactor. That is way way down the road.

 

[Wiggles92]

thanks guys. im not planning on a sump. as much as id love 2 run 1 . theres just no room for 1.

You could still get/make a small refugium for in the aquarium and put some chaeto algae in it to help keep the water quality up.

does this meen a 2-3" DSB is needed in the tank nw ?

Nope.

the protein skimmer size might also be a problom considering the space on the side of the tank when made. is it possible to add a smaller powered P-Skimmer and a air defuser if they oxygenate the water anyways ?

You could get an HOB protein skimmer of some sort; it doesn't have to be some huge one since your aquarium is only about 45 gallons.

will i need a calcuim reactor?

Nope.

also the tank footprint is onli 2ft x 12" ill have to make the live rock kinda tall for the ratio needed?

You could get dead rock, some PVC pipe, and some sort of saltwater-safe adhesive and make a frame out of PVC then cover it with rock in order to keep the rock stable yet tall.

No, I would keep the sand bed under an inch in this tank. Is the water depth 2 ft and the depth front to back is 12 inch? I think I had it confused and thought the water depth would be 12".

I think it's 2' L x 1' W x 3' H, so the water's 3' deep.

The bigger the skimmer the better, but you will have to do what you can with the space you have.

You don't need that much rock. You will also be surpised at how fast it adds up. If you get at least a 1/2 lb per gallon in there you will be good. The key is good flow around the rock and all over the tank. Try to keep "dead" spots or places with little water movement to a minimum.

You do not need a calcium reactor. That is way way down the road.

Agreed.