New SW in North Bethesda

Charlie97L · 01-17-2006, 01:41 PM

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 · 01-17-2006, 02:28 PM

Welcome to RS~

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

Charlie97L · 01-17-2006, 02:57 PM

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 · 01-17-2006, 03:18 PM

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 · 01-17-2006, 04:18 PM

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 · 01-17-2006, 10:24 PM

Welcome to RS!

Cheers!

01-17-2006, 01:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
Charlie97L Reef Lobster Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Bethesda, MD Posts: 1,288 View Gallery Karma Komment	New SW in North Bethesda 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

01-17-2006, 02:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
Charlie97L Reef Lobster Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Bethesda, MD Posts: 1,288 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New SW in North Bethesda 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.

01-17-2006, 03:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 25,832 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New SW in North Bethesda 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). __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My Victorious Battle with ICH* 120 Reef Chronicle ~ *Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* *Massive 300 gal growout~* *My Anemone & Picasso Tank ~* *Picasso & Snowcasso for sale~* "Energy and persistance conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

01-17-2006, 04:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
Charlie97L Reef Lobster Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Bethesda, MD Posts: 1,288 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New SW in North Bethesda 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.

01-17-2006, 10:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
Rougiem Ichthy Inquisitor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Biggest Little City In The World Posts: 2,904 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New SW in North Bethesda Welcome to RS! Cheers! __________________ "Apes don't read philosophy." "Yes they do Otto, they just don't understand it." Intial School Tank Set Up and Progress

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