I want to point out that live sand is not a must... I have never used it and I know a lot of people on here will tell you the same thing... it's just dirty and cycles your tank that way... you can do the same thing by buying a cocktail shrimp (would go a jumbo shrimp for the 150 if you go SW in it) from the grocery store deli and just let it rot in your tank...
First SW and Nano
- Thread starter Greg31
- Start date
Great advice, thank you!
So crushed coral/aragonite for substrate.
Mostly base rock with a couple pounds of live rock.
For filtration, a skimmer and a sump?
For a sump, is it possible to use plastic hoses for the intake and outtake? PVC pipes intimidates me for some reason
So crushed coral/aragonite for substrate.
Mostly base rock with a couple pounds of live rock.
For filtration, a skimmer and a sump?
For a sump, is it possible to use plastic hoses for the intake and outtake? PVC pipes intimidates me for some reason
PVC is super easy to work with... especially if you ever used legos as a kid... lol... I use PVC for my outgoing lines and soft tubing for my incoming... works out well for me... just remember to do a test run before you add salt so you don't waste it.
Definitely get a skimmer. And get one rated for more gallons than your tank. That's the biggest mistake I made when I started with SW. That and do not overstock it!
Ok, so after doing some research I think I have more or less come up with a game plan.
I plan on getting live sand and a HOB (Would you suggest a AC 50 OR AC 70?) to start. Going to use pre mixed saltwater as well to start.
From there I will get a protein skimmer. (can you suggest a good one for a 20g HIGH?)
Then live rock etc. etc.
I guess this is a good start but once I get past these steps I will worry about fish and coral.
Can anyone suggest a fixture as well a bulbs for possibly a clown fish or two, an anemone and maybe some misc coral?
I plan on getting live sand and a HOB (Would you suggest a AC 50 OR AC 70?) to start. Going to use pre mixed saltwater as well to start.
From there I will get a protein skimmer. (can you suggest a good one for a 20g HIGH?)
Then live rock etc. etc.
I guess this is a good start but once I get past these steps I will worry about fish and coral.
Can anyone suggest a fixture as well a bulbs for possibly a clown fish or two, an anemone and maybe some misc coral?
With an established 20 gal you would be fine sticking to a 20-25% water change weekly assuming normal bioload and adequate.
I set up a 5 gal nano about 5 months ago. Its going well. Topping off your tank is gonna be huge! Smaller tanks need a lot more top offs. RO water is gonna be huge! I know ppl that use tap water but I think it's asking for trouble.
In terms of coral I keep mushrooms and polyps mostly. I also have frogspawn, all low maintenance.
If you are looking into refugiums you could look into a HOB type, like a Bakpak or something. I think they can save some hassle and work fine for smaller tanks.
Happy SW adventures!
I set up a 5 gal nano about 5 months ago. Its going well. Topping off your tank is gonna be huge! Smaller tanks need a lot more top offs. RO water is gonna be huge! I know ppl that use tap water but I think it's asking for trouble.
In terms of coral I keep mushrooms and polyps mostly. I also have frogspawn, all low maintenance.
If you are looking into refugiums you could look into a HOB type, like a Bakpak or something. I think they can save some hassle and work fine for smaller tanks.
Happy SW adventures!
