Wanting to start a reef (n00b)

[alleykat0498]

I just filled my first SW tank today. I have done much research and paid much attention to detail in the set up. I decided to go FOWLR for this tank because I want to get some experience with the Specific Gravity and maybe go through the ringer a few times before I drain my 125 gal drilled cichlid tank and turn it into a reef just to find out I don't enjoy it as much.
I was shown a few 10-35 gallon tanks today at my local salty store that don't run skimmers, and I also witnessed tap water turned into 200 gallons of SW for a 2000 gallon reef tank which I thought was a big no no. Everyone will have an opinion as to what works best and what is a must. I guess I'm just saying figure out what works for you and run with it.

 

[Ullopincrate]

A skimmer may not be absolutely necessary but I would use one also. Someone mentioned above about lighting. Go with pc or t-5. You will need more than a fluorescent like you are used to having on a fresh tank. A LOT of life in a reef system requires good lighting for photosynthesis. Reef tanks really are rewarding though. We ALL have problems with our first (and every one after) reef tanks. But you will get better at it. Very rewarding.

 

[metalyx]

From my limited experience:

Drop on the expensive test kit, you'll need it twice a week. In our 14gal biocube we'd have occasions such as a particularly shy fish hiding in a hole on the live rock die, and 24hours later the tank is completely out of wack. Definitely a refractometer. In a system that small with reef quality lighting evaporation becomes a problem quick. That being said, keep a 5 gallon bucket of RO water around at all times and about ten gallons of saltwater. The $100 refractometers test in a second and topping off will become a way of life. Extra ten gallons just in case you need to do a massive water change. Some of the nano fish in their would do fine, but no more than about four of the less large ones. Jester gobies, neon gobies, royal gramma, pseudochromis, neon dottyback (my favorite). The only Nemo fish you could do are some very young clowns, but they will stay small in that system and if you have two they tend to be more aggressive in a smaller space.
It's absolutely doable just keep everyone's advice in mind and don't be sad when things hit the fan. We had an outbreak of ick kill all but 1 fish in about 24 hours. On that same note we've lost clams and corals due to level spikes. Plan out filtration for about a 50 gallon freshwater tank for both waterflow and cleaning and you should be fine.

Best wishes and good luck.

 

[Mike fail]

to decide if you need a skimmer, you should probably understand how they work and what they accomplish. a skimmer takes dissolved organics out of your system which would otherwise waste in your tank adding more bioload to your tank. so do more water changes or run a skimmer

 

[FLESHY]

I would think that almost EVERY serious reefer would tell you that you need a skimmer. Obviously its possible to NOT. Just like polar bears being kept in a tiny concrete exhibit in the zoo. It works, theyll live. But does it look the best? Do the animals feel the best? No. Ive run a reef for two years without a skimmer, and ... disgusting. Not worth it. Invest in a good one, steer clear of anything that says "seaclone". I would go with PC. A little tank like that will require some pretty accurate testing materials so you know EXACTLY whats giong on in that tank and how to fix it quick. You have way less margin of error... Good luck, and Im looking forward to pics. Good nanos are awesome!

 

[micstarz]

to decide if you need a skimmer, you should probably understand how they work and what they accomplish. a skimmer takes dissolved organics out of your system which would otherwise waste in your tank adding more bioload to your tank. so do more water changes or run a skimmer

I suggest getting the tank running albeit the skimmer and livestock. Run it for a while and when it cycles add your livestock.

If something is wrong about your test kit results, or there is an empty space near your tank or an itch to get a skimmer just for fun (like me) then get a skimmer.

I empty 25-50ml of wet skimmate every day from my 15 gallon mantis shrimp system into my 10gal macroalgae display tank.

Both have crystal clear water quality.

 

[FLESHY]

I was shown a few 10-35 gallon tanks today at my local salty store that don't run skimmers, and I also witnessed tap water turned into 200 gallons of SW for a 2000 gallon reef tank which I thought was a big no no.

Couple things to consider. The petstore is trying to maximize profits, so why run more machinery? In addition to that you are seeing the "holding pens". I PROMISE you that the owners reef, and their coral display tank has a skimmer on it.

200 Gal of RO water is a little hard to come by... I dont want to sit around and wait that long. And again... these are the holding pens. Maximum health will be sacrificed for ease of maitnence and cost.

 

[Juxtaroberto]

Skimmers aren't a must for reefs, unless you keep infra-red light corals that need a pH of precisely 8.46201, exactly 4 grains of sand per ml of water, requires an ambidextrous ninja trained buddhist "nemo friend" and will die if anything else (even plankto) is introduced into the tank.

Let's just send him off to BigGourami

LOL.

Although TECHNICALLY... all tropical fish need infrared light. (Infrared light is heat.)

 

[srikamaraja]

I've been running a 20g nano with sps and zoanthids/softies for two years.

I have to do large water changes, on the size of 40% weekly or more to maintain water quality.

I am in the market for a skimmer myself, to get rid of the need of such large water changes so often.