First Salt Tank

[myamonka]

Here's a list of stuff you need to get started!

It's only a 20 gallon tank

1. All you need is 1 or 2 big chunks of cured live rock (This will be your filter)
2. 15gallons of used saltwater from another persons saltwater tank on water change day
3. 5gallons of new saltwater
4. Salinity Hydrometer (very inacurate) to test salinity level, I perfer a refractometer
5. Heater at 78F-81F
6. 5 - 10% water change every week
Let this cycle for one month before adding anything to the tank, There is no need for a Skimmer on a 20 gallon tank unless it's fully stocked with corals and fish.

 

[myamonka]

Sorry! I forgot one thing, A powerhead for water flow-400GPH or more.

 

[upaquariest]

the hood that came with the tank has screw in bulb sockets, can i use those to run higher power lights, metal halids? The tank is 20" tall and what temp bulbs should i use

 

[FishSkins]

I have the exext setup you are talking about, not much chance to do it at that budget. I got a free tank and skimmer too. I spent well over 250, and I only have $40 worth of fish.

yes do somthing like ewurm is ...his looks real good..smal salt tanks can be very hard

 

[Fabio's Dad]

One of the lessons I learned when I first got into marine aqua, is that you need to do as much personal research from very solid sources that have no agenda for your wallet!!!! The most expensive mistakes I've made are all from listening to people who just wanted to sell me an accesory or pet. It started with lighting. Many lfs employees will tell you that the lighting they have is all you'll ever need. It's incredible how much light some creatures need!!!! I ended up spending, literally, 100's of dollars on lighting that was not right for the setup that I wanted. The same goes with all equipment and animals. I've wasted soooooooooooooo much money, time, and lives because of poor resources of info. My hardest thing to deal with in this hobby has been my excitement to get going and, therefor, telling myself that some crappy info was sufficient. As you are already in the hobby, I'm sure you've realized that not having enough info can be devistating. In my experience so far, this multiplies greatly when you go to marine. A really good thing that I found, is checking out what mistakes other members have made!!!!! It takes a lot to admit a mistake, so if someone takes the time to post it, it's probably important. I hope I didn't put you to sleep with my rant, but if I went back in time and started over, I would probably take at least 3 to six months of doing research and prep for marine life before being anywhere near a satisfying setup. Thanks for reading my rant. Does this help? If anyone thinks I'm on the wrong track, please let me know.
-From the former owner of a 38" green morray that died waaaaaay before it should have.-

 

[myamonka]

Fabio's Dad

You hit the nail right on the head!

 

[ewurm]

yes do somthing like ewurm is ...his looks real good..smal salt tanks can be very hard

Thanks for the plug!

 

[spotfin]

My wife is really impressed with how the 29 has turned out. She went so far as to suggest I convert my 125 to sw. I started pulling out receipts, showing her how much I've spent, and told her to multiply that by 4. She quickly changed her tune.

You should never show your wife the receipts.

 

[varanio]

I agree I have a 300 gallon reef that I will be upgrading due to increase fish and coral sizes. I think that is another key point noone touched on. Fish will outgrow a 29 gallon, coral will outgrow a 29 gallon. Ill touch on the live rock, the flow of the water and having everything cycle before any fish inverts or live rock are put into the aquarium. I have 2 hippo tangs thriving for 2 yrs both about 9 inch one sohal tang about 13 inches and one giant desjardini tang about the size of my foot size 10 .... with some other critters. It took me about 9 yrs to get it down and now the tank supplies itself with everything it needs. All i do is add water and clean the rocks a bit when needed. I have over 500lbs of rock a skimmer and refegium .....i just sit on my couch and watch. But you too can achieve all this if you exercise patience. I love FW I love my monster fish, but there is nothing more gratifying than seeing a mini ecosystem in your house.

Hope this helps.

 

[spotfin]

You can use your Penguin filter along with a skimmer. If the hood has screw in light sockets, it was most likely made for incandescent bulbs. Don't use these for your tank. You can get screw in power compact bulbs that will fit the hood. Also, you won't be able to put many fish in a tank with this footprint.