New SW in North Bethesda

[Charlie97L]

hey all, i just joined today... i've been planning on setting up a teeny reef aquarium for a while... i started to set up the tank this past weekend, but think i made a few mistakes and may have to start over...

i have a 30 gal oceanic hex, fluval 304 canister filter, CoraLife 12" PC Light, 150 watt heater, and I used crushed coral in the bottom.

I did use non-RO water, i used water conditioner, but i've been reading it's just better to do RO water to start with... so I may empty her out and start over. any suggestions?

YAY for this forum! -Charles

 

[Witfull]

Welcome to RS~

RO is much better. what do you plan, desire to keep?

 

[Charlie97L]

Well, i was going for 2 clowns, probably different types... and some live rock, 1 or 2 corals, and maybe 1 or 2 snails or other tank cleaner.

 

[Woodstock]

Nice size for a starter! I used to have a 30 gal myself~ I would'nt empty it since it is already filled will salt water. Plan on doing weekly water changes and vacuuming out the crushed coral thoroughly each time since it traps diterus quickly... I prefer fine sand or even a barebottom. To head off the inevitable algae bloom, start using a phosphate absorbant media from the start and replace it often. Also keep the nitrAtes below 10ppm (they fuel the algae also).

 

[Charlie97L]

is it too late to change out the substrate? i mean, what are the benefits of coral over sand? is sand easier to maintain?

Thanks!

Yeah, I like the size... but my gf is bugging me to get a bigger tank, but I don't really have anywhere to put it. Maybe later.

 

[Rougiem]

Welcome to RS!

Cheers!